Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1492490
maltatoday | SUNDAY •12 FEBRUARY 2023 8 INTERVIEW Raphael Vassallo rvassallo@mediatoday.com.mt Geology is not just about rocks, Recently, the Malta Chamber of Geologists issued a state- ment highlighting the lack of any local 'National Geologi- cal Service': a situation which "undermines public safety and […] increases public appre- hension." First of all, can you explain what a 'Geological Ser- vice' actually is; and why it is so important for Malta? Let me start with this: Malta is the only country in Europe where geology and geologists are not recognized as a profession, in any shape or form. In Italy, for exam- ple, geologists are not only recog- nized, but they are actually given a State warrant: just like other professionals in Malta; architects, doctors, lawyers, and so on. It's the same in Greece, Spain, and other countries as well. These countries take their geol- ogists seriously: whereas here in Malta, we haven't even begun rec- ognizing the profession; let alone, seeing its benefits for society. And there are many benefits to be gained, by acknowledging the importance of the geology profes- sion. Why? Because geologists are involved in a public service which has to do with public safety, and natural resources. Basically, that these are the two fundamental contributions that geologists give, to society. In cases of rock-excavation, for example: we have had a number of construction accidents recent- ly; many of which were related to lack of understanding of geology and the nature of the underlying rock-structure. And yet, for some reason, this is something that has been consistently ignored in this country. In fact, the geological profession is not even seen as a stakeholder in the construction industry, at all. We have applied to become mem- bers of the advisory board of the BICC [Building Industry Consul- tative Council]; but two years after submitting our application, we are still waiting for an answer. Meanwhile, we have been in contact with government – specif- ically, with Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who is responsible for planning and construction – but up until now, there has been no formal recognition. At present, the Maltese Author- ities do not recognise the geolo- gists' role within the construction industry; and this is very strange, because in Italy and Switzerland geologists are recognised as stake- holders of the construction indus- try. Even the Malta Developer's Association believe that we are industry stakeholders. In fact, we recently issued a joint position pa- per with MDA, which emphasises the importance of recognising the profession of the geologist. This is the MDA: the developers themselves are saying this. But up till now, the government hasn't done anything about the situation. Regarding the current 'earth- quake swarm': the message we [as media] are receiving from seismologists, is that such activity is not in itself 'unusual'; and basically, there is nothing to be unduly alarmed about. But if, as you suggest, there has been no actual input by geolo- gists, in studying this phenom- enon… how much trust can we actually place, in this sort of 'reassurance'? Seismologists 'gather data about earthquakes'; usually, informa- tion about their depth, location, magnitude, and so on – assum- ing it is actually correct. But it is the geologist who interprets that data within a framework of the structural/tectonic geology of the region. We do have an understanding about the geology of the central Mediterranean; especially, about its major fault-systems. So we know to a certain extent, what is happening, in what is (from a geological point of view) a highly complex region. Regarding the latest swarm of earthquakes, for instance: it is true that such activity is quite 'normal'. We've had similar patterns before. In this case, the magnitudes were around 4 or 5; which is compara- ble to similar swarms in the past. But these earthquakes have been occurring along the Melita Gra- ben: which is a geological feature that we don't actually know all that much about. There are many other large faults in the central Mediterranean: some of which could possibly be related to the Melita Graben and other faults as well. One of these is the Malta Es- carpment: a bathymetric feature – meaning that it is shaped like a giant underwater 'step', with a dif- ference in depth of around 2-3km – with what is known as a 'strike- slip' fault running along it (in oth- er words, there is lateral horizon- tal movement along the fault). Unfortunately, the Malta Es- carpment fault – and all its asso- ciated faults - can produce very large earthquakes, when activated. We know that it caused the 1693 earthquake in Sicily, which was probably a magnitude 7 – similar to the one in Turkey – with its ep- icentre close to Catania. Malta felt the effects of that earthquake: many houses in Val- letta were damaged; and the old cathedral in Mdina actually col- lapsed (or to be more precise: be- came a very dangerous structure, which had to be demolished and rebuilt)…. But surely, the 1693 earthquake must have occurred on a very different fault-line, than the Malta Escarpment… Yes; they are two different fault- lines associated with the Malta Es- carpment, one along the Sicilian coast and another which is more offshore. This doesn't mean that there is 'definitely' going to be an earth- quake along the Malta Escarp- ment; but the Malta Escarpment is still an active fault; and it has a well-documented recorded histo- ry of activity. So we need to keep a more watchful eye. In the circum- stances, to say that 'there is noth- ing at all to worry about' is – in my view – inappropriate, because we also need to be prepared for any eventuality. Earlier, you specified that 'as- suming the data [provided by seismologists] is correct'. Are you suggesting that some of the data concerning the recent earthquakes may be incorrect? We're not too sure how precise the information concerning the locations of these earthquakes has been. Also, I think that seismolo- gists should be giving out more in- formation than they are currently doing. There is other data that is important, aside from location, magnitude and so on. But that is the information with which we have been provided; and with which we have to work. So far, we've only been talking about the geology of the are- as actually producing earth- quakes. What about the geolo- gy of our own islands? Surely, the extent to which Malta may be affected by a large earth- quake – even if the epicentre is miles away – will depend on the stability of its own geologi- cal structure. How much do we actually know about that? That is the very crux of the mat- ter. When earthquakes strike, the extent of the damage depends not Between earthquakes and construction accidents, Malta feels less 'stable' than before. But geologist PETER GATT argues that Maltese citizens can only be better reassured by the establishment of a proper National Geological Service in the country's decision-making process