Geological Survey of Finland GTK

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is one of the leading organizations in its field in Europe. GTK employs 300 geologists, geophysicists and geochemists, whose expertise is used both in Finland and worldwide. GTK also maintains extensive collections of data on earth science in Finland.

The Geological Survey is a versatile research centre that provides consulting services and basic geoscience information, essential to the assessment and balanced use of raw materials and geological resources, land-use planning and environmental management. Its interdisciplinary approach has become an increasingly important tool for solving present-day problems in all these fields.

RAW MATERIALS

GTK makes assessments of the availability and exploitability of geological raw materials, including metal ores, industrial minerals, building stone,
construction materials, peat, and ground water. GTK offers expertise to the mineral industry in economic geology, and provides tailor-made exploration services, as well as advanced chemical, mineralogical and other laboratory services on a confidential basis, both in Finland and abroad.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

GTIC promotes the use of geological knowledge to prevent environmental problems from arising, as well as to solve existing problems. One major field of expertise is distinguishing between human-induced changes in the environment and natural ones, which are mainly caused by geological processes.

Applications and services include the investigation and repair of contaminated areas, the use of airborne geophysics to determine the environmental impact of landfills; the effects of agricultural land afforestation on the mobility of heavy metals in soil; and the classification of soil for forestry purposes, using ground-penetrating radar. GTK also provides research services for nuclear waste disposal programmes.

GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION, R&D

GTK produces basic information for practical applications to meet the needs of society and industry. The information includes geological,
geophysical and geochemical data, available as printed maps, computer printouts, or in digital form. It also develops new methods and applications, such as the integration of a digital gravimeter and a GIS (geographic information system); the hyperspectral interpretation of satellite data; and visualisation and modelling related to image processing.

GEOSERVICE CENTRE

The Geoservice Centre of the GTK includes geolaboratory, technical and geophysical services. The geolaboratory is a research laboratory specialising in analytical services. Quality assurance in this accredited laboratory is based on EN45000 standards.

BASIC FACTS
• National geoscience expert agency
• Provides consulting services and geoscience information
• Total personnel 800, over 300 of them with academic degrees
• Offices in Espoo, Kuopio and Rovaniemi
• Motto: "Geology is the basis"

CONTACTS
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
P.O. Box 96, FIN-02151 Espoo, Finland
Visiting address: Betonimiehenkuja 4
Tel: +358 20 55 011 Fax: +358 20 55 012
http://www.gtk.fi

Elias Ekdahl, Director General
Tel: +358 20 550 2200
Email: elias.ekdahl@gtk.fi