Geotechnology

Geotechnologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis, play a crucial role in the prevention, preparation, response, and recovery stages of natural disasters worldwide.

In the northeastern corner of South America, the Sinnamary River winds its way through the lush forests of French Guiana before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Along this journey, the river’s flow is interrupted by the Petit Saut Dam, a hydroelectric project that has brought both energy benefits and environmental changes to the region. The reservoir created by the dam stands as a significant infrastructure achievement, but one that also highlights the environmental considerations of large-scale water projects in sensitive ecosystems.

Lake Kariba, located along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, is not only the world’s largest artificial lake but also a critical resource for Zambia’s electricity supply. The Kariba Dam, nestled on the lake’s eastern side, powers more than 80% of Zambia’s national electricity through hydroelectric energy. But the current El Niño phenomenon, combined with rising temperatures, is intensifying drought conditions in the region, drastically reducing water levels and putting the dam’s sustainability in jeopardy.

La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, has a fascinating geological history deeply influenced by volcanic activity. This volcanic legacy has shaped the island’s dramatic landscapes, from towering mountain ridges to vast depressions and newly formed land areas. In particular, the northern and southern zones of the island each tell a unique story of volcanic development, erosion, and renewal, culminating in the powerful eruption of Cumbre Vieja in 2021.