Call for Papers - Geophysics and remote sensing for resources and ecosystem sustainability in an environmentally constrained world - Special Issue

This special issue includes a selection of papers from the 4th Atlas Georesources International Congress, which centered on the theme of "Geoscience Innovations for Resource Management: Socio-Economic Challenges in an Environmentally Constrained World." The articles in this issue explore various topics related to using applied geophysics and remote sensing for sustainable management of natural and cultural resources, particularly in the face of socio-economic and environmental challenges. The authors propose utilizing geophysics, remote sensing, and GIS as decision-making tools for evaluating and managing natural resources and cultural heritage assets.

Managing natural resources is influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, socio-economic constraints, and geopolitical obligations. As scientists, it is our responsibility to strike a balance between these factors in order to ensure that our societies can sustainably manage resources and protect the environment.

Water security should be a top priority for geoscientists as the availability of freshwater is a universal concern. To address this, we must continue researching all possible sources of fresh water, including unconventional ones. This requires utilizing both traditional geophysical methods and developing new approaches that incorporate remote sensing. Additionally, effectively managing existing resources is also a crucial challenge. For instance, new irrigation techniques necessitate a deep understanding of soil characteristics. Monitoring aquifer recharge, understanding the impact of dams on groundwater levels and the interaction between dams and aquifers are all vital issues that geophysics and remote sensing can help to clarify. These techniques can be very useful in understanding these factors and making informed decisions.

Energy and mining are key drivers of socio-economic development but their environmental impact is high. While the world aims to transition to green energy, the use of fossil fuels will continue to be necessary. In this context, geophysics and remote sensing can help to optimize the extraction and use of these resources and make them more profitable and less harmful to the environment.
We should also acknowledge the role of geophysics in preserving and valuing geological heritage and archaeological sites.

In this special issue, we welcome contributions on the application of geophysics and remote sensing to sustainable resource management under the context of climate change. Research that aims to increase understanding of georesources such as groundwater, surface water, and mines through sustainable stewardship, taking into account the current and future needs, using non-invasive techniques are also welcome. Special attention will be given to contributions that show the added value of applied geophysics and remote sensing in preserving our archaeological heritage.

Keywords

• Applied geophysics
• Seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic methods
• Satellite Remote sensing
• LIDAR, aerial imagery, photogrammetry
• GIS spatial modelling

Co-Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Gabriela Fernández Viejo
University of Oviedo, Spain
E-mail: fernandezgabriela@uniovi.es

Lead Guest Editor
Dr. Abir Jrad (Lead Guest Editor)
Laboratory of Georesources, Water Researches and Technologies Centre (CERTE), Tunisia
E-mail: abir.jrad@certe.rnrt.tn, abirgeo@gmail.com

Guest Editors
Dr. Mohamed Dhaoui
Laboratory of Georesources, Water Researches and Technologies Centre (CERTE), Tunisia
E-mail: mohamed.dhaoui@certe.rnrt.tn, dhaoui_mohamed@ymail.com
Prof. Apostolos Sarris
Dig Humanities Geo Informatics Lab, Sylvia Ioannou Chair on Digital Humanities, Archaeological Research Unit, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Cyprus, Cyprus, E-mail: sarris.apostolos@ucy.ac.cy
Prof. Hakim Gabtni
Laboratory of Georesources, Water Researches and Technologies Centre (CERTE), Tunisia
E-mail: hakim.gabtni@gmail.com
Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos
Laboratory of Geophysical - Satellite Remote Sensing & Archaeo-environment (GeoSat ReseArch), Institute for Mediterranean Studies (I.M.S), Foundation for Research & Technology, Hellas (F.O.R.T.H.), Crete, Greece
E-mail: nikos@ims.forth.gr

Deadline for Manuscript Submission:  30 June 2023
First Decision: 30 October 2023
Revised Manuscript Due Date: 31 December 2023
Final Decision: 31 March 2024