GRK 2698:  Geophysical modelling of vertical motion processes constrained by geodetic and geological observations (UPLIFT)

• Subject Area: Geophysics and Geodesy ; Geology and Palaeontology
• Term: since 2022
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 440512084

Vertical motion of the Earth’s lithosphere (uplift) occurs on different spatial and temporal scales. Commonly assumed to be primarily related to plate tectonic mechanisms and isostatic adjustment, it has become clear that mantle related forcing and in particular mantle plumes are a significant contributor to uplift events in many regions of the world. This makes vertical motions a powerful probe into sublithospheric processes. Due to significant improvements of observational methods (such as satellite missions) and data analysis techniques (such as digital geological maps), geodetic and geological constraints have crossed a threshold whereby they have become invaluable sources to inform geodynamic models. The latter in turn provide key insight into complex landscape evolution processes. Here, for the first time, we seek to apply an interdisciplinary approach of geodynamics, geodesy and geology to answer one of the most pressing scientifically and societally relevant questions of contemporary geophysics, namely how the interaction of exo- and endogenic forcing shapes a diverse array of processes from landscape evolution to the occurrence of earthquakes. Only a combined interpretation of interdisciplinary observations with different spatial and temporal sensitivity, in conjunction with physical models, will enable us to disentangle the different uplift mechanisms. The method-oriented nature of this interdisciplinary research calls for a Research Training Group, based on the fact that extensive expertise in the contributing fields exists at the two applicant universities. This specific setting at one location of scientifically strong groups with excellent international reputation in the fields of geophysics, geodesy and geology, complemented by top-level high-performance computing capabilities, is a unique situation in Germany and a rare one worldwide. The tailored qualification programme is embedded in the existing infrastructure of the Munich Geocenter operated by the two applicant universities. Specific elements of the qualification and study programme will foster scientific excellence of doctoral candidates in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, and shall produce young researchers capable not only to do in-depth science in their respective disciplines, but having the competence to work beyond disciplines. The resulting profile is highly needed to work on today’s big geoscientific challenges, and will provide excellent chances for future top-level careers in science and industry.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Co-Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Roland Pail
• Participating Researchers: Professor Hans-Peter Bunge, Ph.D.; Professorin Anke Friedrich, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Stuart Alan Gilder; Professor Dr. Urs Hugentobler; Professor Dr. Heiner Igel; Professor Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller; Professor Dr. Michael Krautblatter; Dr. Laura Melas; Dr. Markus Wiedemann; Professorin Dr. Barbara Wohlmuth; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Xiaoxiang Zhu