Research

Archeology has traditionally placed emphasis on the study of human processes, assuming the continuity in the settlement as a phenomenon proper to the occupation of space. Discontinuities have received less attention. However, regions with low population pressure, geographically marginal with respect to the most recurrently occupied areas, as is the case of central-western Patagonia (Aisén Region), are characterized by discontinuities in human occupation. Discontinuities are not the same in terms of characteristics and extension, some even lasting millennia. This phenomenon has been identified at the spatial scales of archaeological sites and localities; however, a detailed study of a regional scale is needed to address the mechanisms and characteristics of the discontinuities throughout 12,000 years of history. This project will use the concept of exploration within the framework of an evolutionary archeology as it allows recognizing the role of information networks between individuals in the incorporation of new spaces and proposes that, given the prolonged and repeated discontinuities in the occupation of central-western Patagonia, its exploration was not a single process, but rather corresponded to a multidimensional phenomenon. With this objective in mind, open steppe areas, high-altitude sectors, periglacial environments, and closed forests will be evaluated as they are all margin areas where the archaeological record would be expected to preserve actions associated with exploration contexts. In spatial terms, explicit analytical scales will be used in data retrieval at the site, locality, and regional levels. In temporal terms, given the characteristic discontinuity of human occupation, it will seek to define chronological gaps as a starting point to evaluate the archaeological data sets. Different dating methods will be applied for defining the occupational redundancy at the site and locality level as well as the periods of occupation of the sites. The archaeological record will allow the comprehensive study of the directionality of the flows of goods, the ranges of action, the organization of technology and the strategies of subsistence and mobility through time.

Analysing and assessing existing avalanche-relevant geocommunicative implementations. This process aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current implementations in order to gain valuable insights for further development. The objectives in the areas of geo-communication, usability, geodata basis and practical relevance are narrowed down and defined. The results of the evaluation form the basis for the design of optimised methods and workflows as part of an overall project yet to be defined.

LOC3G project seeks to advance the knowledge of multiscale and multiphysics localization phenomena in porous geological media, with the aim of creating new predictive models for geophysics, geohazards, and geoengineering. The consortium combines a diverse array of expertise, including geological surveys, constitutive modeling and numerical simulations, laboratory tests, and real-world applications such as CO2 storage and geo-resource/energy exploitation. The project will incorporate innovative research techniques and utilize advanced constitutive models and next-generation numerical approaches to investigate the localization of deformation in geological media. The ultimate goal is to provide cutting-edge knowledge and interdisciplinary training to improve the capacity for research and technology globally, and to provide practitioners with the tools they require to tackle relevant problems in their fields. Additionally, LOC3G is expected to have a significant impact on addressing EU energy crisis caused by geopolitical issues.