Earth Surface Systems
Research in Earth Surface Systems focus on various aspects of geology, geochemistry and geophysics, and concentrates on interactions and feedbacks between different compartments of the surface Earth.
We study faults and shear zones at tectonic plate boundaries to assess seismic risks and investigate biogeochemical cycles to reconstruct past climate conditions and make predictions for future climate events.
We analyse the processes of rock formation and the interactions between tectonics, climate and erosion. Other areas of research include global carbon cycles and the transformation of organic material in the environment. Isotope geochemistry helps us to analyse geochemical processes and the history of oceans and climate.
In the context of global environmental change, our research is also concerned with the mechanisms and long-term evolution of biogeochemical cycles on Earth. Our work in this area encompasses both shallow and deep geological processes and we use state-of-the-art methods and models to deepen the understanding of Earth processes and address current environmental issues.
We investigate fundamental questions such as the driving mechanisms of volcanism and their links to sources and sinks of surface volatiles, and explore the complex network of physical, chemical, and biological processes that cycle carbon, oxygen, sulphur and other important elements through major reservoirs, now and in the past.