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Current

GEOPHSEIS - Complex geophysical research in the northeastern part of Slovakia affected by earthquakes
Duration:	1. 9. 2025 - 31. 8. 2029
Evidence number:	24-0445
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Vajda Peter, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bezák Vladimír, CSc., prof. RNDr. Bielik Miroslav, DrSc., RNDr. Bilčík Dušan, RNDr. Bódi Jozef, RNDr. Cipciar Andrej, Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD., Mgr. Fojtíková Lucia, PhD., RNDr. Kysel Róbert, PhD., RNDr. Madarás Ján, PhD., Mgr. Madzin Jozef, PhD., Mgr. Ondrášová Lenka, Mgr. Pánisová Jaroslava, PhD., Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD., RNDr. Vozár Ján, PhD., Mgr. Zahorec Pavol, PhD.

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0163/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Fojtíková Lucia, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Cipciar Andrej, Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD., RNDr. Kysel Róbert, PhD., RNDr. Pažák Peter, PhD., Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD.

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0115/225
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Varšová (Bičárová) Svetlana, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Buchholcerová Anna, PhD., Mgr. Krempaský Ján, Ing. Lukasová Veronika, PhD., RNDr. Nejedlík Pavol, CSc., Ing. Škvarenina Jaroslav, CSc.
Other cosolvers:	Stavebná fakulta STU Bratislava

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0137/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Kurylo Sergii, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Broska Igor, DrSc., Mgr. Molnárová Alexandra, PhD.

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0013/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Dérerová Jana, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Ing. Bednárik Martin, PhD., RNDr. Bódi Jozef, RNDr. Brimich Ladislav, CSc.
Other cosolvers:	Fakulta špeciálnej techniky TnUAD Trenčín

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0048/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Lukasová Veronika, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bilčík Dušan, Mgr. Buchholcerová Anna, PhD., Mgr. Krempaský Ján, RNDr. Nejedlík Pavol, CSc., Ing. Varšová (Bičárová) Svetlana, PhD.

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:	2/0050/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. Mgr. Gális Martin, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	doc. Mgr. Kristek Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Kristeková Miriam, PhD., prof. RNDr. Moczo Peter, DrSc.

Biochronology of fossil events and sediment-archived changes of global paleoenvironments in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic formations of the Western Carpathians.
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0012/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Soták Ján, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Antolíková Silvia, PhD., RNDr. Biroň Adrián, CSc., Mgr. Madzin Jozef, PhD., doc. RNDr. Michalík Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD., RNDr. Ölveczká Diana, PhD., Mgr. Šurka Juraj

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Duration:	1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0162/25
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	MSc. Jambrović Martina, Dr. Kyška-Pipík Radovan, PhD., Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD., Mgr. Šurka Juraj, Mgr. Žatková Lucia, PhD.

Correlation of magnetotelluric, gravimetric, magnetic, seismic and geothermal data from the territory of Slovakia for the purpose of interpreting the tectonic structure of the earth\'s crust and lithosphere.
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0171/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Vozár Ján, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bezák Vladimír, CSc., Mgr. Madzin Jozef, PhD., Mgr. Ondrášová Lenka, Mgr. Pánisová Jaroslava, PhD.
Annotation:	Due to the low number of existing deep boreholes, geophysical data, describing various physical properties of rocks, are key to understanding deep structures the earth\'s crust or the lithosphere of the Western Carpathians. The combined interpretation of geoelectric, gravimetric, magnetic, seismic, geothermal and other data enables more accurate verification of hypotheses about tectonic and geological structure. In the project, by combining geophysical data, we will focus on eliminating resolution inaccuracies in the models as well as the ambiguities of individual methods. With this approach we achieve a more comprehensive picture of the deeper geological structure, mainly in the areas of the flysch belt in the northwest and east of Slovakia, as well as the Neogene structures in the south of Slovakia. For this purpose, the latest modeling tools will be used in the selected locations, from simple comparison of models to fully automatic inversion of multiple data with coupled models of various parameters.

Metamorphic records of collisional orogens
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0002/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Janák Marian, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Broska Igor, DrSc., RNDr. Kohút Milan, CSc., Mgr. Kurylo Sergii, PhD., RNDr. Madarás Ján, PhD., RNDr. Petrík Igor, DrSc., RNDr. Puškelová Ľubica, Mgr. Šipková Mária
Annotation:	The project deals with metamorphic processes in collisional orogenic zones. High-pressure rocks in selected terrains of the Western Carpathians, Eastern Alps, Scandinavian Caledonides and Rhodopes will be investigated. Major objectives of the project include determination of P-T-t conditions during subduction and exhumation, and reconstruction of geodynamic evolution of the orogen. A special attention will be paid to identification of ultrahigh-pressure minerals and rocks. The project will be carried out using modern and innovative methods including geothermometry, geobarometry, thermodynamic modelling and petrochronology. The outputs from the project may expand knowledge on geodynamic evolution of Earth´s lithosphere in collisional orogenic zones.

Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene proboscideans (Proboscidea, Mammalia) from the localities of Nová Vieska and Strekov (Danube Basin, Slovakia). Biochronology, taxonomy and paleoecology.
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0066/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Tóth Csaba, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Onderka Milan, PhD.
Annotation:	This project is focused on the research of proboscideans (Proboscidea, Mammalia) from the localities of Strekov and Nová Vieska (Danube Basin, Slovakia). Both sites, tentatively dated to the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary (biozones MN16b?- MNQ17a), contain remains of three species of proboscideans ("Mammut" borsoni, Anancus arvernensis and ?Mammuthus meridionalis). Such an association within a single locality is very rare on the European scale. ESR dating, morphometric, microstructural and geochemical analysis of this fossil material have a potential to elucidate problems of biochronology, taxonomy, ecology and possible interspecific interactions. Investigating the proboscidean community can also contribute significantly to the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment and its dynamic changes, which may have influenced both the mechanisms of extinction and the spread of new taxa at the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary.

Provenance analysis of the (meta)sediments of selected formations of the Late Palaeozoic of the Gemeric Unit (Central Western Carpathians)
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	2/0044/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Vďačný Marek, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Kohút Milan, CSc.
Annotation:	The Carboniferous (C) is the oldest system in the Western Carpathians, which is well attested by macrofossils. C sets are weakly, sometimes more strongly metamorphosed. It is a clastic formation, but carbonate formations and coal seams are present only exceptionally. In the C, almost all granitoid bodies of the core mountains (Tatric Unit)and the Veporic belt solidified. The study of the (meta)sediments of selected formations of the C of the Gemeric Unit is of great importance for the reasons mentioned above. Therefore, this project has the ambition to reconstruct the parent rocks of these (meta)sediments, the geological processes that took place in the sourcearea, and the sedimentary environment of the protolith, using a complex geochemical and petrographic approach. At the same time, it will try to interpret the geodynamic development of the source area and contribute to a better understanding of the lithological content of the investigated formations and thereby help to refine theirlithostratigraphy.

RADUNDEN - Radon in underground environment - seasonal corerection factors
Duration:	1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	APVV-23-0269
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD., Mgr. Onderka Milan, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave, Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky
Annotation:	The project addresses the radon activity in underground workplaces (tourist caves and galleries), which are characterized by an increased health risk from exposure to natural ionizing radiation. Radon monitoring will be performed using continuous and integral methods. Integral measurements of radon using Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) exposed for one and three months (spring, summer, autumn, winter) intervals will be realized during two years. Measurements will be conducted in selected underground environments with different geological surroundings, sedimentary fill, morphology and ventilation regime. The output will be the seasonal correction factors, which are used for estimation of annual average of radon activity concentration on the base of short-term measurement. Currently, measurements for estimating seasonal correction factors are mainly carried out in houses, the results of only one research in underground spaces have been published so far. The factors determined for different types of underground spaces will be compared, as well as the results obtained using SSNTD and continuous detectors. Seasonal correction factors will be verified using data measured in other underground spaces and the most suitable factor for the given type of underground environment will be selected. A new type of diffusion chamber will be designed and tested. The drivers influencing the variation of radon activity concentration in underground will be investigated. The derived statistical characteristics of the radon periodic and non-periodic variation will be evaluated against those of the associated environmental parameters, to assess the eventual influence of the latter on radon. A model of annual, daily and short-term variations of radon in selected underground environments will be proposed and tested, as well as model of their ventilation regime.

Refinement of data and interpretation databases for selected geophysical anomalies in the territory of Slovakia
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:	1/058/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Zahorec Pavol, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bódi Jozef, RNDr. Nogová Ema, PhD.
Annotation:	The regional database of multiple geophysical fields in our territory represents great potential for geological, mineral deposit, geothermal, and environmental projects in the future. A thorough analysis of existing data indicates that the data were inaccurately measured and located in some cases, and there are also places with missing data. Additionally, errors and artefacts from incorrect processing can be observed in some data. The main aim of the project is to improve selected geophysical fields in suitable locations by conducting additional field measurements and incorporating them into existing geophysical databases. The current more precise instrument equipment can also serve this purpose compared to the equipment used when obtaining older data.T he anomalous gravity field can be refined by measuring the vertical gradient of gravity acceleration. At the sametime, there is an opportunity to develop new interpretation procedures, such as 3D modelling and special transformations of potential fields.

CRYOCLIM - How seasonal and perennial cryogenic cave carbonates reflect regional climate events?
Duration:	1. 7. 2025 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:	SK-HU-24-0021
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Milovská Stanislava, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD., MSc. Shahzeb Muhammad, Mgr. Šurka Juraj

Paleokarpatogran - Petrogenetic models of Palaeozoic granitic rocks in the Western Carpathians and their correlation
Duration:	1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:	APVV-22-0092
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Broska Igor, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Kohút Milan, CSc., Mgr. Kurylo Sergii, PhD., RNDr. Siman Pavol, PhD., Mgr. Sobocký Tomáš, PhD.
Annotation:	The project is focused on the geodynamic setting of Paleozoic granitic magmatism in the Western Carpathians as well as their correlation with analogous plutonic rocks across Variscan Europe, and updating the current petrogenetic models. The West-Carpathian Paleozoic granitic rocks represent a heterogeneous suite, which includes Early Paleozoic pre-Variscan (Cambrian-Ordovician), Variscan (Early Carboniferous), and post-Variscan (Permian) igneous lithotypes. The oldest group is related to an active Gonwana margin, and this transformed to Variscan orthogneisses. Relatively older Variscan granitoid plutons (ca. 365-350 Ma) may have formed in an extensional arc-type setting above an early Variscan (Lower Devonian) subduction zone. The following post-collision extension generated a younger group of the Variscan granites to tonalites (ca. 350-340, less 330 Ma). Both groups are consistent with the two anatectic events so far recognized at ca. 370-360 Ma and 350-340 Ma, respectively. Only minor part is formed in a post-collisional-extensional tectonic regime consistent with breakup of the Pangea supercontinent (mainly A- and specialized S-types, at ca. 280-250 Ma). Granitic rocks will be preferably studied by using the standard magmatic and metamorphic petrology methods namely: mineralogy, geochemistry

COTAZ - Comparative taphonomy of micro- and macroinvertebrates: tracing the intensity of the taphonomically-active zone through time
Duration:	1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:	APVV-22-0523
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Tomašových Adam, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Golej Marián, PhD., Mgr. Koubová Ivana, PhD., RNDr. Ölveczká Diana, PhD., Mgr. Šimo Vladimír, PhD.
Annotation:	The stratigraphic record is a unique archive of the dynamics of past ecosystems and their recovery in the wake of perturbations in the carbon cycle that led to abrupt warming, anoxia and acidification. The transformation of a sediment depth to a chronological axis (time), necessary in any reconstruction of ecosystem changes on the basis of the fossil record, is complicated owing to temporally-variable sedimentation, mixing and preservation and owing to difficulties in estimating time averaging of fossil assemblages. However, the intensity of taphonomic pathways is affected by ecosystem functioning (that determine sediment mixing and decomposition of organics), and the resulting taphofacies (assemblages of shells characterized by distinct preservation) can thus be informative about time averaging. Ecosystem perturbations can lead to a decline in bioturbation, which decreases time averaging and reduces the depth of the taphonomically-active zone (TAZ). We hypothesize that the taphonomic pathways prior to the diversification of predators and burrowers (Mesozoic Marine Revolution) were less intense and did not penetrate deep into sediments relative to faster disintegration in Cenozoic sediments with deeper mixing. These pathways also triggered a shallow depth of cementation, leading to the formation of the limestone-marl alternation (LMA). Here, we will (1) develop durability models of preservation on the basis of Holocene data, (2) assess the efficiency of taphonomic clock to estimate time averaging on the basis of skeletal preservation, (3) evaluate the pathways that affect the preservation of calcareous plankton, its contribution to the carbonate content during the Jurassic, and their role in the origin of LMA, and (4) trace changes in the intensity of the TAZ by comparing preservation of Jurassic and Cenozoic assemblages, comparing taphofacies of micro- and macroinvertebrates and trace fossils, separately in environments with and without oxygen depletion.

ZveTtr - Weathering of minerals of the tetraedrite group: mobility of elements, supergene products and their stability
Duration:	1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:	APVV-22-0041
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Števko Martin, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Mikuš Tomáš, PhD., Mgr. Myšľan Pavol, Mgr. Vďačný Marek, PhD., Mgr. Vlasáč Jozef, PhD.
Annotation:	The proposed project deals with detailed mineralogical study of weathering of minerals of the tetrahedrite group from various localities in Western Carpathians as well as in Bulgaria and Namibia, which are representing different geological environments as well as diverse compositional types of tetrahedrites. This is a very actual topic not only in the context of mineralogy, but also geochemistry and environmental mineralogy. Detailed study of the chemical composition of the primary/unaltered minerals of the tetrahedrite group, identification and advanced crystal-chemical research of all supergene products of weathering and determination of geochemical behaviour and mobility of the toxic elements will be included in this project. Both the standard mineralogical methods such as field work and sampling, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microanalysis (EMPA), single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (SC-XRD and PXRD), spectroscopic methods such as infrared absorption (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, as well as solution and relaxation calorimetry will be used. Expected results of this project should contribute significantly to the current knowledge of processes, mobility of elements, mineralogy of the products and stability of the supergene phases formed during the weathering of minerals of the tetrahedrite group. We believe that we will be able to define in detail, which phases are predominantly formed and how toxic elements like Cu, Hg, As or Sb are acting during the supergene/weathering processes in different geological environments. We also expect to identify which supergene products are stable or metastable at various pH/Eh conditions. Thus, the results of the proposed project may have an valuable output not only for mineralogists and geochemists, but also applicable in practice, especially in environmental management and remediation of the former mining sites.

Analysis of special magnetotelluric situations and their manifestations in the electromagnetic response
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	2/100/2024
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Marsenić Alexandra, PhD.
Annotation:	Electromagnetic exploration of the Earth consists in evaluating its response to the action of electromagnetic fields. Magnetotellurics uses variations of electric and magnetic fields, which penetrate to various depths depending on the frequency and conductivity of the subsoil layers. However, the near-surface lateral inhomogeneities distort the expected response, with the magnitude of the distortion depending on the conductivity contrast between the large-scale (surveyed regional) structure and the local disturbing body. This is due to the induction of charges and currents at the interfaces, which become a source of secondary fields. As for the interpretation of the measured data, this is an unpleasant problem, but these fields also carry information about the subsurface structure. It is difficult to model them numerically, as the task requires the establishment of an internal boundary condition. Identifying secondary fields in the response can help to a more reliable interpretation of the measured data.

Application of modern gravimetric and other geophysical methods to selected problems of geological structure of the earth crust and lithosphere and of its geodynamics processes
Duration:	1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	2/0002/23
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Vajda Peter, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bezák Vladimír, CSc., prof. RNDr. Bielik Miroslav, DrSc., RNDr. Bilčík Dušan, RNDr. Bódi Jozef, Mgr. Dérerová Jana, PhD., Mgr. Godová Dominika, PhD., Mgr. Kohút Igor, PhD., Mgr. Ondrášová Lenka, Mgr. Pánisová Jaroslava, PhD., RNDr. Tomek Čestmír, CSc., RNDr. Vozár Ján, PhD., RNDr. Vozár Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Zahorec Pavol, PhD.
Annotation:	Application of modern approaches of gravimetric inversion and structural density and integrated modelling, supported by additional geophysical and geological methods, to solving selected current problems of crustal and lithospheric structure and its tectonic development, as well as dynamic processes therein. For that sake methods of joint modelling of several geophysical fields and diverse datasets will be adopted, along with gravimetric inversion based on model exploration and growing source bodies of free geometry (the Growth approach). The Growth inversion approach will be applied also to interpretation of spatiotemporal gravity changes. For structural studies interpretation of new geoelectric and MT data, and existing seismic profile data, will be employed. Isotope dating and petrological and geochemical analyses will be utilized also. The determined rheological properties will be incorporated into the structural models to infer tectonic implications.

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Duration:	1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	1/0107/23
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Madarás Ján, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Biroň Adrián, CSc., Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD., Mgr. Fojtíková Lucia, PhD., Mgr. Ondrášová Lenka, Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD.

Crust-mantle rock complexes of the Variscan Western Carpathian basement geosuture zones – petrological-geochemical and geochronological indicators of the Gondwanan peripheral Paleozoic basins, and their paleogeographic correlation
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	1/0028/23
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Kohút Milan, CSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Madarás Ján, PhD., RNDr. Siman Pavol, PhD.
Annotation:	The crust-mantle rock complexes in geosuture zones of the West-Carpathian Paleozoic basement play a key role in determination of Proto- and Paleotethyan oceanic basins at the northern Gondwana margin from Cambrian to Mississippian. The project goal is to define the ocean crust relics within the Variscan metamorphic complexes of the Tatric, Veporic and Gemeric basement. The inferred indicators are suites of meta-mafic rocks, including eclogites and peridotites. The field investigation is focused on lithological type profiles and the representative rock sampling. Laboratory research, using the methods of magmatic and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology can reveal the magmatic types and environments of magmatism on the Gondwana margin (arc, back-arc, oceanic), their melting sources and isotopic ages. Reconstructed evolutionary model of the Tethyan basins rock complexes in the West-Carpathian basement will be correlated in the framework of terrane paleogeography of the European Variscides.

The monitoring of the geomagnetic field and the study of extreme mid-latitude geomagnetic disturbances
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	2/0003/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Valach Fridrich, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Revallo Miloš, PhD., RNDr. Váczyová Magdaléna, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	Koči Eduard, Mgr. - externý doktorand
Annotation:	Recent case studies of extreme mid-latitude geomagnetic variations have indicated that their primary cause may be the auroral current systems or the field aligned currents connecting the auroral oval to the more distant parts of the magnetosphere. This is inconsistent with the traditional concept of magnetic storms, which says that the main cause of such extreme phenomena is the intensified ring current. The preliminary conclusions of these case studies can only be confirmed, refuted or corrected by an analysis of a larger number of very intense mid-latitude disturbances. Thus the aim of the project is to contribute to the verification of this newly proposed mechanism of the extreme mid-latitude variations by analyzing a larger database of observations. The database will consist of modern digital records available from the INTERMAGNET as well as historical magnetograms from the mid-19th century. The project also contributes to the database extension with our observations at observatory Hurbanovo.

Sedimentary environment and ostracod fauna in the Late Miocene of the Western Carpathians
Duration:	1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	2/0085/24
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Starek Dušan, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Dr. Kyška-Pipík Radovan, PhD., Mgr. Žatková Lucia, PhD.
Annotation:	The Upper Miocene of the Central Paratethys is characterized by the formation of the Lake Pannon and the endemic ostracod fauna. However, the vastness of the Lake Pannon, the long-term evolution of the benthic fauna, and the complexity of paleoecological environments do not allow a species based paleoecological characterization of the environment, which led to many complications in the correlation of deposits and the interpretation of paleoecological evolution. New geochronological, biostratigraphic, and paleoecological data offer an opportunity to rediscover the potential of ostracods for the reconstruction of the Lake Pannon paleoenvironments. To achieve this goal, depositional environment will be studied, ostracod associations will be identified and their spatio-temporal relationships will be determined.

Disentangling the effects of warming and taphonomy on size structure of benthic communities in the fossil record (Early Jurassic, Tithonian, Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum, Holocene)
Duration:	1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:	2/0106/23
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Tomašových Adam, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Koubová Ivana, PhD., RNDr. Ölveczká Diana, PhD., Mgr. Šimo Vladimír, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava
Annotation:	Events inducing abrupt seawater warming associated with acidification and anoxia that are preserved both in the deep-time and in the Holocene-Anthropocene record provide unique opportunities for (1) the assessment of rate of extinction and recovery in the ecological structure of marine benthic ecosystems but also for (2) evaluation of how changes in the ecosystem functioning affects their preservation and stratigraphic resolution. Although multiple studies analyzed the relation between climatic changes and benthic community turnover, most paleoecological studies lack the sufficient stratigraphic resolution, sample size, and robust taphonomic background. In this project, we select four intervals and will analyze changes in size and shell structure in sections that have a high stratigraphic resolution, spanning the Sinemurian-Toarcian, the onset of pelagic carbonate deposition in the Tithonian, the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum, and the Holocene-Anthropocene transition.

GraBUS - Correlation of Carboniferous, Permian and Early Triassic granitic rocks in Bulgaria and Slovakia: A contribution to understanding of the Variscan and post-Variscan orogenic processes in the Balkanides and Central Europe
Duration:	1. 8. 2024 - 31. 7. 2026
Evidence number:	Sk-BG-23-0016
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Broska Igor, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Kohút Milan, CSc., Mgr. Kurylo Sergii, PhD., Mgr. Molnárová Alexandra, PhD.
Annotation:	Reconstruction of the geological history of large regions such as Europe requires comparison between geological units of similar age and granitic rock composition (e.g. Schmidt et al. 2020). The comparison of the pre-Alpine history and evolution of granites as an effective window to the Earth crust is still full of ambiguity due to existing: (1) differences in the degree of study of granite massifs or the available volume of age and bulk geochemical data, (2) lack of regional correlation of main pre-alpine tectonic units. This proposal has ambition to bring together the granite researchers from Bulgaria, and Slovakia in order to compare the main granite magmatic events in the Balkanides and Central Europe, Western Carpathians, with general view on their metallogenetic potential especially towards critical metals. The joint approach should eliminate major discrepancies in knowledge and focus on selected rock types of granites that could become principal in solving of their evolutionary comparisons. The goal of the project is to propose main geotectonic feature of granite evolutions in the Balkanides and Central Europe in both the Variscan orogenesis and the controversial Upper Carboniferous-Permian (Triassic) magmatism

DISLOCAT - Atlas of tectonic dislocations of the Earth´s crust in the territory of Slovakia
Duration:	1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026
Evidence number:	APVV-21-0159
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Bezák Vladimír, CSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Bilčík Dušan, RNDr. Bódi Jozef, Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD., Mgr. Fojtíková Lucia, PhD., Mgr. Godová Dominika, PhD., RNDr. Madarás Ján, PhD., Mgr. Madzin Jozef, PhD., RNDr. Nogová Ema, PhD., Mgr. Ondrášová Lenka, Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD., Mgr. Šugár Martin, PhD., RNDr. Vozár Ján, PhD., Mgr. Zahorec Pavol, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	František Marko, Andrej Mojzeš, Martin Bednarik, Miroslav Bielik, Erik Andrássy, Bibiana Brixová, Vincent Kultán
Annotation:	The knowledge of tectonic dislocations (faults) is essential for various areas of economic activity (e.g. large transport constructions, dams, nuclear power plants, mineral exploration and exploration of geothermal waters), and it has an impact on environmental issues (e.g. risks, slope deformations, sites for radioactive waste seismic storage). The systematic processing of data on the dislocations of crust in Slovakia in the form of a comprehensive monograph is highly needed. This is the aim of our DISLOCAT project. Based on the excerption of available published and archived data, all significant tectonic dislocations of crust will be characterized according to uniform criteria. We will focus on the faults from the youngest Neoalpine tectonic development, many of which are still active today. The basic parameters of the faults will include the manifestations of the faults in the geological map and/or aerial and satellite images, its course, inclination and depth, thickness of the disturbed zone, structural data and kinematics, age, seismicity, available geodetic measurements of recent movements, geomorphological manifestations and springs of water or emanations. Great attention will be paid to seismoactive fault zones. The information about selected faults will be collected and made more precise by field research into the geological structure and geophysical, mainly magnetotelluric measurements.

PSR-SUDE - Evolution of biota and climate in the southern Turgai Strait: refuge populated by endemic species or paleoenvironment that enabled selective faunal exchange between Asia and Europe in Cretaceous?
Duration:	1. 7. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:	21-0319
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Šurka Juraj

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of granitoid rocks of the Veporic unit of the Western Carpathians and their possible contribution in the area of critical raw materials.
Duration:	1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:	APD0109
Program:	PostdokGrant
Project leader:	Mgr. Molnárová Alexandra, PhD.
Annotation:	The subject of the research is the Variscan granitoid rocks of the Vepor pluton (the largest granitoid body in the Western Carpathians) in the Fabova hoľa area (W part of the Slovak Ore Mountains) with the aim of reconstruction their geological evolution, also with regard to their metallogenetic potential, especially for the area of critical elements. In general, the geological evolution of the Alpine Veporic Unit, which is part of the Inner Western Carpathians (Hók et al., 2019), is considered to be complicated. The reason is that its Variscan basement, which mainly consists of granitoids, underwent Alpine metamorphic overprinting in the Cretaceous period, while a new mineral paragenesis was formed in the granitoid rocks. The distinction between Variscan and Alpine paragenesis in granitoids is very important from the point of view of evolutionary interpretation. It should be emphasized, that granitoid rocks of the Vepor and Ipeľ type from the area of the Fabova hoľa massif, have not been petrogenetically investigated so far. The new obtained results should help clarify the evolution of not only this granitoid magmatism, but also contribute to solving the petro-tectonic development of the granitoids of the entire Western Carpathians. Therefore, such complex research must rely on a wide range of modern analytical methods that can provide a sufficient amount of information for interpretation.

Mineralogical, crystallochemical and isotope study of sulfosalts form the selected types of ore mineralizations in the Western Carpathians
Duration:	1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:	2/0029/23
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Števko Martin, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Mikuš Tomáš, PhD., Mgr. Myšľan Pavol, Mgr. Vlasáč Jozef, PhD.
Annotation:	The proposed project deals with detailed mineralogical, crystal-chemical and isotope study of sulfosalts from the various genetic types of the ore mineralizations from the territory of the Western Carpathians. The studied localities are selected to represent different paragenetic and genetic types of hydrothermal mineralization (epithermal veins, siderite veins, stibnite veins, greisens) as well as different geological environments (neovolcanic rocks, crystalline basement of the Tatric and Veporic unit, Gemeric unit etc.). Project includes a detailed study of the chemical composition of minerals of the sulfosalt group, their advanced crystal chemical research as well as study of stable isotopes of sulphur in these minerals. A wide range of analytical methods will be used. The expected results of this project will significantly contribute and expand the existing knowledge about minerals of the sulfosalt group at the international level.

Mobility and accumulation of critical elements during formation and alteration of orogenic carbonatites
Duration:	1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:	1/0013/22
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Hurai Vratislav, DrSc.
Annotation:	Minerals of critical metals (Zr, Nb, Ta, REE) are prospective raw materials that trigger the recent technological progress. These elements are preferably bound to carbonatites, i.e. igneous rocks composed predominantly of carbonates. The overwhelming part of recent knowledge concerns carbonatites in stable cratons. Recently, however, the metallogenetic potential of orogenic carbonatites from tectonic plate junctions has been investigated. These carbonatites are intensely reworked, which affected the behavior of critical elements. The aim of the project is mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological research of selected carbonatite deposits in Mozambique and China in order to identify processes of mobilization, accumulation and disproportionation of critical metals during magma fractionation and superimposed metamorphic, hydrothermal and metasomatic reworking. The main output of the project will be the formulation of criteria for optimizing exploration methods for orogenic carbonatites.

Research on the influence of geological aspects on the estimation of seasonal correction factors of radon for living spaces
Duration:	1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:	1/0019/22
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing., RNDr. Smetanová Iveta, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Csicsay Kristián, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	doc
Annotation:	The main source of radon in buildings is the subsoil. Radon concentration in the soil air is not constant and depends on several parameters. A proper understanding of the mechanisms of radon transport from soil to homes can help reduce the health risk of the population from radon exposure. Concentrations of 222Rn, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K in the soil will be monitored in order to gain new knowledge about their distribution in the soil and also contribute to a better understanding of radon exhalation from soil as afunction of soils parameters. The research will also improve the sensitivity of 222Rn measurement methods. Models describing the entry of radon into buildings and radon behavior in residential areas will be improved and tested. Based on a year-long measurement of indoor 222Rn and knowledge of the subsoil, seasonal correction factors for the calculation of average annual indoor radon, depending on the geological aspects of the soils, will be proposed and adjusted.

Finished

BENTONIT - 3V - Bentonite: Slovak strategic raw material - Innovative assessment of bentonite quality and origin for its efficient use
Duration:	1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025
Evidence number:	APVV-20-0175
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Biroň Adrián, CSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Lexa Jaroslav, CSc., Mgr. Šurka Juraj

TAMARA - Reading in natural archives: thousands of years of environmental history and climate change recorded in alpine lakes of the Ukrainian Carpathians
Duration:	1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025
Evidence number:	APVV-20-0358
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Dr. Kyška-Pipík Radovan, PhD.
SAS cosolvers:	Mgr. Milovská Stanislava, PhD., Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD., Mgr. Starek Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Žatková Lucia, PhD.

Paleoproxy - Chronostratigraphic standards and sedimentary archives of global changes of biota and paleoenvironments of the Western Carpathians
Duration:	1. 8. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025
Evidence number:	APVV-20-0079
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Soták Ján, DrSc.
SAS cosolvers:	RNDr. Antolíková Silvia, PhD., prof. RNDr. Aubrecht Roman, PhD., RNDr. Biroň Adrián, CSc., Mgr. Hrabovský Juraj, PhD., Mgr. Koubová Ivana, PhD., Mgr. Madzin Jozef, PhD., doc. RNDr. Michalík Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Milovský Rastislav, PhD., Mgr. Starek Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Šimo Vladimír, PhD., Mgr. Šurka Juraj, Mgr. Vďačný Marek, PhD., Mgr. Žatková Lucia, PhD.
Other cosolvers:	Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava
Annotation:	Sedimentary archives preserve a time-stratigraphic boundaries and records of evolutionary development, life environments, climatic conditions and the Earth global changes. The project is focused to integrated research and multiproxy analysis of stratigraphic sections of the Western Carpathians. The first objective of project will be to provide the data for determination of stratigraphic boundaries and their time-scale calibration with international stratotype sections GSSP. The most usefull for dating of marine sediments are planktonic organisms, which provide a bioevents for global correlation of stratigraphic stage boundaries, biozones, magnetochrons, isotope curves, orbital cycles, etc. Beside of crucial importance for stratigraphy, the fossil microorganisms also provide a sensitive proxy for climatic conditions, CO2 content, eustatic sea level, oxygen concentration, circulation, isolation, and another paleoenvironmental changes. Terrestrial environments will be analyzed in term of mammalian biostratigraphy, vertebrate paleoecology and paleovegetation. The aim of the project will be identification of stratigraphic boundary events at reference sections of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic formations of the Western Carpathians, and their correlation with geologic time scale and global changes of paleoenvironments in Tethyan and Paratethyan basins.