DEPARTMENT “GEOPHYSICS”

Prof. DSc. Daniela (Neli) JORDANOVA – Head of Department
Tel. 02 979 39 58

Research dealing with Physics of Solid Earth (Earth’s magnetism and gravimetry, paleomagnetism and environmental magnetism) and Physics of the Earth’s envelope (atmosphere and ionosphere).

SECTIONS:

Atmosphere Physics
Prof. Georgi GADZHEV, PhD – Head of Section
Tel. 02 979 33 28

• Phase transition of atmospheric water.
• Atmospheric turbulence and diffusion.
• Dynamic processes in the atmosphere.
• Stratospheric ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the atmosphere.
• Air quality protection, pollution emissions inventories, and forecast models for local, regional, and national air quality.

Ionosphere Physics
Assoc. Prof. Borislav ANDONOV, PhD – Head of Section
Tel. 02 979 33 37

• Investigation of the mechanism of the ionosphere influence on the Earth’s atmosphere – its impact on the chemical composition, temperature balance, and irradiative properties.
• Studies of the middle atmosphere and its relation to climate change.
• Investigation of the waves in ionosphere – global distribution and temporal variations of the main tides, stationary planetary waves, and others.
• Effects of atmospheric dynamics and climate on the ionosphere with significance for communications and satellite technology.

Earth Magnetism
Assoc. Prof. Maria AVRAMOVA, PhD – Head of Section
Tel. 02 979 33 27

• Monitoring and analysis of the behavior of Earth’s current magnetic field using data from the geomagnetic observatory “Panagyurishte”.
• Interpretation of geomagnetic and gravity anomalies caused by structures in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle.
• Investigation of deep structures by geo-electrical structures using the telluric currents method.
• Study of the behavior of the ancient magnetic field in the historical past by using archeo-magnetic data and dating. Applied magnetic studies of the environment in order to develop: paleo-climatic reconstruction of Bulgaria’s territory and assess the degree of anthropogenic pollution of soils and sediments.
• Applied magnetic studies.
• Studies of anisotropy of rock samples’ magnetic susceptibility in solving structural geology problems.

DEPARTMENT “SEISMOLOGY AND SEISMIC ENGINEERING”

Assoc. Prof. Plamena RAYKOVA – TSANKOVA, PhD
Tel. 02 979 3965

The Department maintains the continued operation of the National Seismological Service and the National Strong Earthquake Network.

The activities of the Department are related to:

• Physics of the seismic waves and earthquake mechanisms;
• Earthquake magnitude classification;
• Structure of the Earth’s crust in Bulgaria.
• Seismic zoning in the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Defining the parameters of the expected seismic effects;
• Experimental investigations for identifying the dynamic characteristics of the soil environment, buildings and engineering structures;
• Analysis of the dynamic response of the system “soil environment-structure-equipment’;
• Probability analysis of the seismic safety of buildings and structures;
• Investigation, analysis and assessment of the damages from strong earthquakes in the country and abroad;
• Investigation and assessment of the seismic safety/vulnerability of all types of buildings and engineering structures;
• Creation of structures, which actively resist seismic excitations;
• Seismic risk reduction for cultural monuments.

Regulatory documents for design and construction in earthquake areas are being developed.

Basic applied research results: Seismic zoning maps of Bulgaria; Automated system for assessment of earthquake effects; Detailed macroseismic files, maps and atlases; Seismic maintenance of the Bulgarian nuclear power stations; Provision of seismic expertise, analyses, and testimonials.

More important objects of applied research: NPP “Kozlodui” and the NPP “Belene site; Thermal power plant (TPP) “Maritsa-Iztok”; The dams of Chaira, Kardzhali, Draginovo, Tsankov kamak, etc.; The Sofia metro; The salt body near Provadia; Monuments of cultural heritage: the Rila Monastery, the church St. Sofia in the city of Sofia, the Bulgarian National Bank buildings in Varna and Plovdiv, the Shumen mosque, the Antique Theatre in Plovdiv, etc.

DEPARTMENT “GEODESY”

Assoc. Prof. Nikolay DIMITROV, PhD – Head of Department
Tel. 02 979 33 13

Object of investigation is the Earth as a planet: space geodesy, geodetic astronomy, physical and mathematical geodesy, basic geodetic networks, global, regional and local geodynamics, the introduction, updating and use of the national reference coordinate, altitudinal, and gravimetrical systems, as a part of the European and world systems; development of a national data base for geodetic information and methods for its maintenance, updating and integration with other national and international geoinformation systems.
Activities:

• Maintains the National Network of Permanent GNSS stations.
• Contributes to the construction and maintenance of the basic gravimetric network in Bulgaria.
• Secures the measurements of the Black Sea level, as well as the magnetic measurements throughout the country, assigned to the BAS under the 2006 Law on Geodesy and Cartography.
• National Centre for Collection, Processing, and Analysis of Geodetic Data based on measurements of the state GPS, leveling, and gravimetric networks.
• Providing of expertise and preparation of specialists in general, higher, and applied geodesy.

DEPARTMENT “GEOGRAPHY”

Prof. Georgi ZHELEZOV, PhD – Head of Department
Tel. 02 979 33 04

The department studies spatial change in nature and society in Bulgaria and provides scientific services to national, regional, and municipal governments. It als investigates the relationships among nature, population, settlements and economy in the geographic space.

SECTIONS:

Physical Geography
Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan KOTSEV, PhD – Head of Section
Tel.  

Scientific and applied research related to the parameters, potential, dynamics, quality and space-time characteristics of the natural components (relief, climate, water, soils, plants, and animals) and to landscapes at a local, regional and national level in the context of Global Change. The research priorities are targeted to the most efficient use of natural resources and sustainable development of the territory within the system “man-society,” as well as monitoring the environmental impacts, interactions, transformations, and risks.

Economical and Social Geography
Assoc. Prof. Nadezhda ILIEVA, PhD – Head of Section
Tel. 02 979 33 69

General and specific investigations, concerning geographic localization of economic sectors, demographic and other processes by administrative-territorial units, functional, and uniform regions, settlements, and planning regions (NUTS), as defined by the Law on Regional Development. Conditions and factors, which control these processes, as well as human impact on the natural environment. Spatial impacts of trans-border cooperation both among neighboring states, as well as with the EU partners and their influence on the socio-economic development of the country. Bulgaria’s participation in the EU regional programmees and strategies, such as the Danube Strategy. Researchers from the Section perform expert activities, serving national, regional, and local governments.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Prof. Dr. Stoyan NEDKOV – Head of Section
Tel. 02 979 33 60

Research projects and GIS applications in geographic investigations, spatial analyses and modeling, development and maintenance of geo- data bases at local, regional, and national level. It closely collaborates with similar research institutions from the country and abroad. The section maintains a modern 12 station GIS laboratory with copying and printing peripherals.