Geosciences / Geophysics
Fachbereich 11

The research of the Geodynamic Modelling group  focuses on the understanding of geological processes using quantitative modelling methods. We develop and apply predictive numerical models to the study of Earth’s dynamics from the mineral scale to the global scale and from the seismic to the tectonic time scale. The research pursued in the group is motivated by geological and geophysical observations and involves numerous interdisciplinary collaborations (e.g. regional geology, petrology, sedimentology, applied mathematics, computational sciences).

Selected topics:

• Lithosphere dynamics in convergent settings (subduction, obduction and collision zones) and in divergent setting  (orogenic collapse, rifting and oceanisation).

• Processes that drive strain localisation in rocks, plate tectonic triggering mechanisms, tectonic cycles and long-term tectonic inheritance.

• Impact of multi-physical processes on the formation of emblematic tectonic and metamorphic structures that are observed on the field (thrusts nappes, domes, detachments, metamorphic grades).

• Evolution of the Earth’s surface: feedback between lithospheric deformations and surface processes.

• Development of innovative numerical solutions methods and high performance computing.

The group is looking for talented, motivated students with an interest in the quantification of geological processes and scientific computing.