Hydrogeology
and Engineering Geology
In 1934 by Professor T. Jrbashian's initiative, the chair of General and Applied
Geology was formed (for that times the first and the only one).
Subsequently, taking into consideration
the demand of qualified hydrogeologists,
engineer-geologists in Armenia, in 1952 the specialization of hydrogeology and
engineering geology was included in General and Applied Geology chair, that
acts to present. During different period of time the chair was headed by such
scientists as professor H. Stepanyan, academician A. Aslanyan, professors V.Avetisyan,
P.Boshnaghyan, associate professor V.Hasratyan, A.Ananyan, H.Gyoletsyan, E.Barseghyan. Since
2002 associate professor, S.Hayroyan heads the chair.
In 2004, the General and Applied Geology
chair was renamed to hydrogeology and engineering geology chair. Since the day
of its foundation the chair has dealt with the researches of such issues as
regional hydrogeology, the evaluation of groundwater formation and balance, hydrogeological investigations in the field of hydrogeochemistry and soils' melioration, the ecology of
geological environment, the composition, structure of rocks, the deformation
and stability properties under the influence of different factors, the
regularities of slope formation, their stability estimation, the global changes
of climatic factors and the activities in hydrotechnical
constructions in the Republic (construction of canals, intense water use),
cement soils, estimation of confining layers of dams, etc. During different
period, the chair members have had their active participation in the
exploration of groundwater resources of the Republic, estimation of operational
resources and compiling of 1:500000 scale hydrogeological
maps of ground water resources and mineral water distribution. The chair has
its serious contributions in the development of engineering protection measures
of certain localities (Yerevan, Gyumri, Vardenis) including Yerevan
underground. Some research has been carried out referring to the sedimentary
rocks of Cretaceous and Paleogene age in the
territory of Armenia. (V. Hasratyan, M. Movsisyan).
The chair has laboratories and cabinets
of general geology, hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry,
soil mechanics, engineering geology, lithology that
are provided with new equipment.
In the chair alongside the experienced,
merited lecturers young, promising specialists work. Today the collaborators of
the chair participate with great responsibility in the solution of university
methodological issues with their work contributing to the preparation of highly
qualified hydrogeologists and engineer-geologists the
Republic needs.
The chair stuff has actively participated
and continues to participate in international and local workshops and
conferences. Parallel to the lectures and practical works with students
(associate professors S.Hayroyan, J.Achoyan,
assistant A.Aghinian, instructors T.Mkrtchyan,
H.Shahnazaryan) investigations are being conducted in
thematic and TOR basis.
Presently the students of the chair
specialize in hydrogeology and engineering geology.
An applicant who chooses the
specialization of hydrogeology and engineering geology should be well aware
that he or she has chosen a multidiscipline field including both geology and
physics-mathematical sciences. He will get knowledge and solve a number of
issues referring to the field of engineering geology (especially referring to
dangerous geological processes), hydrogeology, hydrotechnical
constructions and ecology. To solve these issues he or she will make use of
modern experimental devices and computer technologies. In order to master the
practical and theoretical knowledge acquired during the years of education the
student will have an educational practice in different areas of the Republic.
He or she will participate in the scientific research and practical works
carried out in the Republic and out of its borders. After graduation, he or she
will have an opportunity to work as an engineer- geologist, hydrogeologist
in the institutes of Geological Sciences of National Academy, in National
Survey of Seismic protection, Ministry of Nature Protection, bottled mineral
water factories, and other state and private companies.