Geologic mapping and environmental analyses in the vicinity of the damaged red sludge reservoir at Kolontár

Abstract The authors carried out geologic investigations in the Kolontar area in connection with the red mud catastrophe of 4 October 2010, and have acquired more detailed knowledge using geologic mapping methods. This study is an evaluation on the basis of the immediate analyses that were made after the accident and are published in this paper. Based on their research results the authors find that the alluvial deposits of the Torna Brook are highly inhomogeneous, which is manifested in the variability of stability and bearing capacity. Based on the morphology in the area of Kolontar a small, rhombus-shaped pull-apart basin can be outlined, which can be interpreted as a neotectonic event characterized by a right-lateral fault. However, further detailed research is needed in order to understand what kind of role the geologic environment played in the development of the situation that led to the dam failure.