Pertti Sarala

Dr. Sarala specialises in applied Quaternary and surficial geology and geochemistry in mineral exploration. He joined the Geological Survey of Finland's (GTK) Rovaniemi office in 2002 and worked in GIS database and management development, and as a specialist in GTK's geochemical data. Since 2008, he has worked as a Senior Scientist focusing on Quaternary and surficial geological research and the development of geochemical exploration methods. His focus has been on advanced, low-impact geochemical exploration techniques that leave minor traces to the environment and are therefore suitable for northern regions.

Pertti graduated with a M.Sc. in surficial geochemical exploration in 1994 and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oulu in 2005. He has worked as a docent (Adjunct professor) of Quaternary and surficial geology at the University of Oulu since 2009. Presently, he works as a joint Research Professor of geochemical exploration at the GTK and the Mining School of the University of Oulu. The appointment is for five years, and Pertti started in the position on 1 June 2016. He has published about 40 papers and more than 150 other publications including books, conference abstracts and working reports.