Subsurface planning

Towards a common understanding of the subsurface as a multifunctional resource

Bibliographic Data

ID11460581
AuthorsYevheniya Volchko (0000-0001-9859-7359, Chalmers University of Technology), Jenny Norrman (0000-0003-2849-7605, Chalmers University of Technology, corresponding author), Lars O Ericsson (Chalmers University of Technology), Kristina L Nilsson, Kristina Nilsson (0000-0002-6747-2243, Luleå University of Technology), Anders Markstedt (WSP Sverige (Sweden)), Maria Öberg (Luleå University of Technology), Fredrik Mossmark (0000-0002-2390-3267, Geological Survey of Sweden), Nikolai Bobylev (0000-0002-1977-8141, St Petersburg University), Per Tengborg (Stiftelsen Bergteknisk Forskning)
Year2020
Volume90
Pages104316
Publication date2020-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLand Use Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0264-8377 • E-ISSN: 1873-5754
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104316
OpenAlexW2984492673
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited53

In response to powerful trends in technology, resource and land supply and demand, socioeconomics and geopolitics, cities are likely to increase use of the subsurface in the near future. Indeed, the subsurface and its appropriate use have been put forward as being of crucial importance if we are to achieve resilient and sustainable cities. In recent years, quite apart from being seen primarily as a construction basis to provide physical space for infrastructure and to create a better surface living environment, the subsurface has been recognised as a multifunctional natural resource, one which provides physical space, water, energy, materials, habitats for ecosystems, support for surface life, and a repository for cultural heritage and geological archives. Currently, the subsurface is often utilised according to the “first-come-first-served” principle, which hinders possibilities to take strategic decisions on prioritisation and optimisation of competing subsurface uses, as well as fair inter- and intragenerational distribution of limited natural resources. Taking a broad international perspective, this paper investigates the subsurface as a multifunctional resource from five focal points: (1) what professionals with different backgrounds mean when using different terms related to the subsurface; (2) how professionals describe the subsurface and its multiple resources, functions and services; (3) how planning of subsurface use is supported in policy and regulations; (4) how the subsurface is included in the planning process; and (5) frameworks that can support decision-making on responsible use of the subsurface. The study reveals that the subsurface must be recognised (not only by scientists but also by decision- and policy-makers and other stakeholders) as a precious and multifunctional resource requiring careful planning and sensitive management in accordance with its potential and its value to society. Utilisation of the different subsurface functions to yield services requires careful planning and a framework to support decision-makers in achieving a balance between utilisation and preservation, and between the subsurface functions themselves in the case of outright utilisation. Further, to facilitate the necessary change towards transdisciplinary work settings in the planning process and form a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, there is an urgent need for a common language, i.e. mutually understandable terminology, and a common understanding, i.e. an all-inclusive view on the subsurface as a complex multifunctional resource

Business · Earth science · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Resource (disambiguation · CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions · Computer Science · Environmental Science · Geological Modeling and Analysis · Underground infrastructure and sustainability · Geology

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access