Research

Research at GeoZentrum Nordbayern

With its research pillars of crustal dynamics, paleoenvironment, and applied geosciences, the GeoCenter North Bavaria comprises a total of 11 working groups that cultivate a future-oriented link between basic and applied research and participate in a variety of ways in interdisciplinary research at FAU. Our research focuses in particular on the following areas:

We investigate the interaction between geodynamic processes, climate, and the biosphere—from the history of the Earth to future projections. Using big data, modeling, and a combination of fossil, genetic, and ecological data, we examine the causes and consequences of climate and environmental change. The aim is to gain a deep understanding of the evolution of life and geological material cycles.

• Investigation of the coupling of geodynamic processes with the development of the climate and the biosphere using big data and modeling approaches
• Determination of the impact of climatic and geodynamic processes on ecosystems in the past and transfer to forecasts for the future
• Development of methods for combining fossil, genetic and ecological data to test hypotheses about the origin and evolution of life
• Investigation of geodynamic transport of substances during the development of the lithosphere

We develop sustainable strategies for georesources and climate-friendly building materials. Our focus is on the use of geothermal energy, CO₂ and hydrogen storage, sustainable geomaterials, geochemical processes in the subsurface, and dealing with geological risks such as drought or flooding – for a resource-efficient, climate-neutral future.

• Researching strategies for the sustainable use of georesources and recycled materials as well as developing geo-inspired building materials to reduce the effects of climate change
• Study of the geological subsurface for the potential use of geothermal resources for heat and electricity production or storage of groundwater CO₂ and energy sources such as hydrogen
• Investigation of geochemical interactions between rocks and fluids with regard to dissolution and precipitation processes in the geological subsurface
• Researching the geological risks such as drought or flooding and strategies to mitigate them

Methodologically, the GeoZentrum Nordbayern uses state-of-the-art geochemical and experimental laboratory equipment as well as modeling and data processing (big data and AI), which are also used in forward-looking teaching concepts.

Internationally recognized, interdisciplinary research on climate and the Earth’s resources has established itself at the Faculty of Natural Sciences as an interdisciplinary research focus with increasing social and economic relevance. The scientists at the GeoZentrum investigate climate change and its short- and long-term effects, as well as the formation and sustainable use of raw materials. We make an important political contribution through our direct involvement in the assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), commissioned by the UN.

In addition to the GeoZentrum, other scientists from the Department of Geography and Geosciences and the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy are involved in the emerging research area of climate and resources at FAU.