Disaster-Related Medical Geology Research: A Bibliometric Mapping of Geogenic Exposure Pathways and Earth-Health...

Medical geology (MG) examines the interactions between geological materials, environmental processes, and human health, with particular importance in disaster-prone regions, where rapid geological changes can abruptly intensify geogenic exposures and necessitate immediate public health responses. Geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and dust storms can mobilize hazardous geogenic materials, enhancing atmospheric dispersion and inhalation exposure. Although the relevance of disaster-driven geogenic hazards is increasingly recognized, quantitative evidence of the thematic transition from mineral-pathology to integrated exposure science remains limited. This study presents a bibliometric science-mapping analysis of disaster-related MG research using 64 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (1980-2025). Using keyword co-occurrence networks, temporal trend analysis, and conceptual structure mapping, the field's intellectual organization, thematic development, and global collaboration patterns were examined. The results indicate that the literature is structured around three major thematic domains: (a) naturally occurring fibrous minerals and associated disease outcomes; (b) disaster-triggered exposure pathways; and (c) environmental particulates and population-level health impacts. While mineral-specific diseases such as mesothelioma remain central, publications from 2022 to 2025 show a clear shift toward exposure-oriented frameworks, with "exposure" emerging as the most frequent Keywords Plus term (n = 6). This transition is particularly evident in temporal overlay visualizations and multiple correspondence analysis conceptual maps. Overall, disaster-related MG research has evolved from a predominantly disease-centered perspective toward an integrated exposure science positioned at the interface of geosciences, atmospheric processes, and public health. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating geogenic exposure metrics into disaster risk reduction and environmental health governance.