The federal Council admin.ch
Federal Chancellery (FCh)
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP)
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
Federal Department of Finance (FDF)
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC)
ENselected
Geology Portal
Themes A-Z
Anthropogenic pollution
The most diverse bedrock and rock components have weathered to fertile soils over thousands of years. They constitute the indispensable foundation for the terrestrial ecosystem, for plant growth and higher forms of life. The Swiss Soil Monitoring Network NABO monitors the state and development of soil pollution and is an important instrument in preventative soil protection.
All of us are confronted daily – often unknowingly – confronted with geology: from the ground on which we live, past the concrete as part of a building's foundation, to the copper in the mobile telephone, so much has to do with geology.
Boreholes provide information about the composition of the ground. They also serve a particular purpose: for example, for the production of natural gas or as preparation for construction methods.
Bergregal
The Bergregal (principles of mining law) regulates the property rights for mineral resources. In Switzerland, it is mostly determined by the cantons. Energy and ore resources as well as salt are usually included therein.
Borehole data model
As a result of greater and more diverse utilization of the subsurface, administrative and public circles are increasingly focusing on our knowledge about the subsurface. Borehole data from drilling operations are one of the main sources of the relevant information. Therefore the Swiss Geological Survey, in collaboration with representatives from the federal government, cantons, private sector and universities, developed the "borehole data model" as the first recommendation for structuring basic digital borehole data.
The construction site is to be evaluated, described and investigated in detail for the professional execution of construction projects.
Construction & technology
CO2 sequestration
With CO2 capture and sequestration, carbon dioxide is separated from combustion exhaust gases and subsequently indefinitely stored without using containers, in deep underground rock layers. The technology is currently still in the developmental stage.
Dimension stone as building material, utensils and carriers of messages are part of our culture: the oldest cultural artifacts are similarly from stone, just as the products of today's artists or engineers.
Are you looking for geodata on geology or the environment? Here you will find access to various metadata catalogs for Switzerland, Europe or other countries.
Checklists, sample table of contents, sample reports, job tools – such standards are provided as recommendations in different geological spheres. Following them complies with good professional practice.
Deep repository
In Switzerland, radioactive waste will in the future be disposed of in deep geological repositories. These are situated located several hundred meters below the surface of the Earth in geologically stable rock layers. Geodata documents the federal governments sectoral plan procedure.
Is the Piz Bernina map sheet already printed? On what type of ground is my house standing? You can find the answer to these and other questions in the «Topic Geology» of swisstopo's Viewer "map.geo.admin.ch".
In general, a model depicts the very complex reality. In order to enable this depiction, the reality must be generalized and idealized.
Switzerland's energy supply results largely from the import of fossil fuels. To reduce her CO2 emissions and become more independent on foreign countries, Switzerland must rely on energy efficiency and renewable energies. Geothermal energy could play a decisive role in this process as a geological energy source.
Switzerland has a high per capita consumption of energy resources. Its energy requirements are covered by various sources: fossil fuels such as combustibles and motor fuels make up the largest portion thereof.
Earthquakes are caused by stresses in the Earth's interior which built up by the movement of the Earth's crustal plates relative to one another. If these stresses become too large then a fracture occurs, whereby the rock masses suddenly jerkily move past each other.
Experience Geology
At the "Erlebnis Geologie" (Experience Geology) events, Swiss geologists from universities, museums, public offices and private industry provide the general public with interesting insights into their areas of expertise. The knowledge of how many areas of geology influence our daily lives has been fascinating all visitors since the start of the event series in 2007.
Whether for children or adults: museums, show mines, geoparks or geological trails offer numerous opportunities to be inspired by geology. Here you will find a selection of what is on offer.
Fundamentals of geology
Groundwater is an important indigenous resource. It is a central element of the natural water cycle and feeds valuable habitats. An integral groundwater conservation is indispensable for conservation of groundwater resources.
Geothermal energy – energy from the earth's interior – is today already widely used in Switzerland. The potential for the future is enormous.
Geotechnics & engineering geology
Geotechnical engineering combines elements of earth science, construction and mining. Tunneling projects, slope stabilization or site investigations are typical areas of application.
Geological cartography
Geological maps display a multitude of geologically relevant information in a concise manner. They are an important basis for geotechnical and environmental decisions. .
Geophysics deals with all of the Earth's relevant physical phenomena. It includes various fields and can be subdivided according to research methods and their relevant applications.
Geological hazards
Geology-relevant data
So that the widest possible audience has access to geology-relevant data, the Swiss Geological Survey published an overview in book form.
Geological 3D models
Geological 3D models provide a clear insight into the subsurface and thereby depict complex relationships in an understandable way.
Geology data model
The geology data model forms the foundation for national uniformly structured geological vector data sets.
Geology lexicon
Numerous databases and lexica about geology can be found in the internet and in book form.
Geotopes
Geotopes are natural geoscientific monuments worthy of protection: spatially constrained parts of the geosphere of geological, geomorphological or geo-ecological importance. Depending on whether the formative processes are complete or still in progress, they are then static or active geotopes.
Geological hiking trails
Geotourism develops, promotes and commercializes special geological landscape features. Professionals and lay people can experience and understand developments in earth science on geological trails, in geoparks, show caves, geotopes or at events such as "Erlebnis Geologie".
Water shapes the character of landscapes and natural ecosystems. It is a significant basic need for the population and for numerous economic sectors in Switzerland. Hydrological data allow observation of the water balance.
The risk of lung cancer increases when radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, accumulates in rooms. Based on recent scientific evidence, the Federal Council in 2011 adopted the "National Action Plan concerning Radon 2012-2020".
Industrial minerals are minerals or rocks that are important for technical processes and applications in industry. Unlike ores, which are converted into metals by smelting, industrial minerals can be used in their natural state or after minimal beneficiation.
Diverse information provided compactly and simply – that is the requirement of the Geology Portal. Experience more e.g., about the geology of Switzerland, data models or software that simplifies the daily routine of geologists.
Here you will find a range of websites that offer virtual learning platforms or material for schools and teachers.
Look at
Below can be found a selection of web-based image databases, image archives and maps in the field of geology or earth sciences. This collection does not claim to be complete.
Mines & history of mining
In Switzerland, ores and other mineral resources were already being extracted by mining methods 3500 years ago. There has been no mining activity in this country since 1967 – there is however an interest in its history.
Metadata ("data about data") refers to structured data that describes an information resource and thus make these easier to find. In this way information from the properties of an object are also referred to as metadata.
Natural pollution
Pollution is understood to mean the natural or anthropogenic pollution of the living environment by polluting Nature with harmful substances such as toxins, microorganisms and radioactive substances. Man is exposed to both cosmic as well as terrestrial natural radiation. The so-called terrestrial radiation level is registered with a variety of methods.
Since the Bronze Age, the mining and extraction of naturally occurring ores are of great importance for mankind. In Switzerland however, the mining of ores nowadays can no longer be operated economically.
Overview of geological software
Geologists are dependent on support from numerous software applications for their daily work. Besides the classic Office applications, a multitude of specialized applications enable the useful analysis and representation of geological data sets.
The Quaternary is the most recent period in the Earth's history: the last 2.6 million years. It is marked by the appearance of man as well as repeated glacial/interglacial cycles, which strongly influenced the mountains and their environment.
Rockfall, landslides, debris flows
Mass movements (gravitational natural hazards) are downslope directed displacements of solid and/or loose rocks as well as soil material. As falling processes, they can occur quickly and suddenly. Landslides on the other hand, are slow, continuous processes.
Resource monitoring
Statistical data on mineral resources, mineral or raw material industries and material cycles in Switzerland (qualitative, quantitative and economic) are collected and interpreted through resource monitoring
Rocks & soils
The rocks and soils are an important commodity group for Switzerland. This includes raw materials for the brick-and-tile industry, lime and marl for the binder material industry, gravels and sands as well as dimension stone and rock for construction purposes.
Revision service
Are there any changes, errors or additions that have not yet been included in our maps or geodata? Share your input with us using the geodata viewer at map.swisstopo.admin.ch – via your smartphone if you're on the go or simply from your computer at home.
Regulations, guidelines and standards
Geologists are required to perform work according to professional standards that are defined in technical documentation, guidelines, acts and regulations.
As a geological discipline, stratigraphy deals with the spatial location and temporal sequence of rock bodies. By means of stratigraphy, bodies of rock are dated and correlated with each other.
Seismic Atlas
The Swiss Plateau makes up about a third of the surface of Switzerland and consists mainly of the Molasse basin. Slightly more than two thirds of Switzerland's population lives here. The Seismic Atlas of the Swiss Molasse Basin serves as an important foundation for geological projects.
Here you will find data analyses on geological topics in Switzerland. The Swiss Geotechnical Commission (SGTK) is currently building up a raw materials monitoring program together with the Swiss Geological Survey.
Shops & Downloads
Are you interested in geology-relevant data, topographic or geological maps? Are you looking for an unpublished geological report or a scientific publication? Here you can find the most important suppliers..
Stratigraphic committee
Stratigraphic lexicon
The Lithostratigraphic Lexicon of Switzerland describes the lithostratigraphic units occurring in Switzerland. It is a convenient reference work for geologists from academia and industry.
Tectonics / Structural geology
Enormous forces have always been at work inside our Earth. They continuously deform the Earth's crust and affect its structural composition. Tectonic maps show how Switzerland is geologically constructed.
The rock mass must be described and investigated in detail for the professional project planning and execution of underground structures. Here geologists and engineers must work closely together.
Underground planning
The deep subsurface is being exploited more and more. The underground planning project group of the Swiss Association of Geologists (CHGEOL) is campaigning in this field for sustainable concepts which are based on geological knowledge. In addition, they are investigating where there is a need for regulations in order to avoid conflicts in the utilization
Whether fluid or frozen: water can cause a variety of natural hazards
The system "rock – weathering – soil – vine – wine" is complex: climate and weather influence the quality of a wine – for the character however, the underlying rock, from which the vine obtains nutrients and water, also plays an important role.
3D Geology
3D geological models provide a key solutions approach for infrastructure, urban and landscape planning. Spatial representation offers many advantages.
What's new in the field of geology? Here you will find news on current topics.
On this page you will find the latest job vacancies and internship positions in the Geology sector in Switzerland.
Summaries of media communications on the subject of geology
What's new with respect to maps, books, publications and other products in the field of Geology? Here you will find everything at a glance.
On this page you will find detailed information on the latest events in Switzerland in the field of geology.
The Geology Portal regularly presents a new 'topic of the month'.
Themes current page
Are you interested in geology-relevant data, topographic or geological maps? Are you looking for an unpublished geological report or a scientific publication? Here you can find the most important...
Are there any changes, errors or additions that have not yet been included in our maps or geodata? Share your input with us using the geodata viewer at map.swisstopo.admin.ch – via your smartphone if...
Is the Piz Bernina map sheet already printed? On what type of ground is my house standing? You can find the answer to these and other questions in the «Topic Geology» of swisstopo's Viewer...
Metadata ("data about data") refers to structured data that describes an information resource and thus make these easier to find. In this way information from the properties of an object are also...
Here you will find data analyses on geological topics in Switzerland. The Swiss Geotechnical Commission (SGTK) is currently building up a raw materials monitoring program together with the Swiss...
Geology scene
The geology scene works on geology-related tasks. The Geology Portal is an important step in strengthening the Swiss geology scene, for a more efficient collaboration and an improved awareness of...
The Swiss geology scene consists of a multitude of organizations. Here you will find contact details for the members of the geology scene, an overview of the network of individual organizations and...
Are you looking for a current or past event on geology? Here you will find them at a glance. In addition, we make presentations and further documents available to you.
Diverse information provided compactly and simply – that is the requirement of the Geology Portal. Experience more e.g., about the geology of Switzerland, data models or software that simplifies the...
In contrast to other countries, there is no central geological service in Switzerland. The geology scene works on geology-related tasks. This has advantages, but also limitations. The Geology Portal...
The Geology Portal wants to swiftly provide broad benefits. We are working to develop content and technical capabilities and look forward to your feedback.
Why is the portal important? What are its aims? Who is behind it? What is next? Here you will find all the information about the Geology Portal.
Your opinion is important to us! - Are you missing content? Would you like to express your opinion on the Geology Portal? Contact us via the feedback form!
The Geology Portal is operated by a group of organizations. Each participating organization belongs to the Swiss geology scene and represents an interest group there.
Legal information on use of the Geology Portal.
Back to overview Back Themes
Wine active
Should unconsolidated rocks be absent and the humus layer thin, the vines are bound very directly to the hard bedrock.
© FGS
The vineyards of Switzerland can be geologically grouped into "Jura", "Swiss Plateau" or "Alpine" wines. The simplified rock type map displays the bedrock of the viticulture regions.
In the Jura Mountains between Neuchâtel and Schaffhausen, the vineyards are widespread on marls and on slope debris of Jurassic limestone, which are very rich in nutrients thanks to a high clay content.
In the Swiss Plateau region, the wine grows on molasse rocks and moraines – formations that produce suitably balanced mixed soils for wine growing. The molasse subsurface consists of alternating layers of sandstones and marls. Conglomerates (Nagelfluh) occur in Lavaux and in the St. Gallen Rhein Valley. Moraine covers the molasse in many places, particularly in the regions of La Côte, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Zürich and the Thur valley.
In the Alpine valleys, vineyards are located mostly on alluvial cones, debris slopes and rockslide masses. Debris from Alpine limestones dominates in the northern mountain chains. In the central valley zones, particularly in canton Valais and the Alpine Rhine valley, there are flysch sequences and Bündner schist. Sandy calcareous soils originate from these interbedded sandstones, marls and calc-schists.
Gneisses and mica schists form the base of the vineyards in the Alpine valleys of canton Ticino. Weathered layers and moraine covering, of varying thickness, commonly lie on top of this bedrock. In the far south, the vineyards of Mendrisiotto thrive on volcanic rocks, Kieselkalk lime- and marlstones, conglomerates and moraines.
Wine: Who is who
Georesources Switzerland Group
NO F 35
Sonneggstrasse 5
Project "Stein und Wein"
For further information on the book "Stein und Wein" go to
Project home page (German)
Wine: Data
The vineyards of Switzerland can be geologically grouped into "Jura", "Swiss Plateau" or "Alpine" wines. The simplified rock type map displays the bedrock of the viticulture regions and was produced within the framework of the "Stein und Wein" project. This map displays the rock types that are of importance for viticulture. The Swiss wine-producing regions (maroon) have been displayed on top of that.
More information (German)
The Swiss wine-producing regions displayed on a map of rock types
ETH Zurich Department of Earth Sciences
NO F35