Is the research of deep-seated geological structures useful from practical point of view?

Abstract

Similarities and differences between basic and application-oriented research in geophysics are discussed. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that some results of basic research may turn out to be useful from practical point of view. This is illustrated by the example of the lithosphere investigations in Poland. Poland is a site of two huge sedimentary basins, the Polish Basin and the Carpathians. Surveys of the lower parts of these basins, as performed with two methods, explosive seismology and electromagnetic sounding, revealed the presence of porous rocks, which may suggest their reservoir-like nature.