Geomorphology and remote sensing

***While the museum building will close its doors mid-2013 for
renovation, scientific research will continue at Tervuren.***

We are studying the relief changes at the surface of the soil in Africa, more particularly in Central Africa.  We are specialised in evaluating the risks linked to these natural phenomena

• landslides
• flooding
• gully erosion
• oscillations of lake and water table levels
• violent winds
• important farm erosion

 
We study  the current geomorphologic processes in the field and in the laboratory, mainly using aerial and satellite photographs.  In order to understand past geomorphologic processes, we analyses sedimentary layers on the surface of the earth.  
 
To alleviate the impact of natural disasters, we encourage research in Africa and the transfer of knowledge through:

• a network of African partners
• an increase in the research capacity of the partners
• individual and group traineeships in Belgium and in Africa concentrating on the production of risk maps.

Regions studied:

• Burundi,
• Republic of Cameroon
• Northern Ethiopia
• Uganda
• Kivu (DRC)
• Rwanda
• Kinshasa

We are now setting up databases on natural risks in Central Africa.  These databases enable the assessment- of the socio-economic impact of natural risks and to understand their causes. 
 
At the Museum, we collaborate regularly with the departments of geology and archaeology.

Geomorphologic research applied to geological cartography in Central Africa was started in 1900. The research unit became independent in 2008.