Welcome BSc, and MSc students to the Earth Systems Dyanimcs research group. Our group is composed of about 40 students, postdocs, and staff. We conduct research on a wide range of topics and regularly supervise about 5-10 BSc and MSc students per year. All students select topics where we have other students or research staff working on similar problems, so that there is a "Team Learning" approach. Regardless of if you like applying concepts in chemistry, math/physics, GIS, or biology in your studies - we most likely have a topic of interest for you below.
In the following, we provide a list of general topics that are available for either BSc or MSc thesis. The topics are organized by general research themes in our group. If some of these topics interest you, then please schedule a meeting with the appropriate advisor to discuss it further and see if the fit is right for you. Please note that a wide range of skills/tools are used in our group. We also welcome and support students bringing their own ideas for a thesis topic and provide help applying for a scholarship (e.g. DAAD-Scholarschip).
Additional information about our group and how we're organized is available thorugh this Wiki or through our group web page (http://www.esdynamics.org). The "Welcome" link in the column to the right provides additional informatoin about how our group operates, and our expectations. We hope to see you soon!
Your supervisors:
Tectonics Research Topics
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Topic: Exploring geomorphic responses to basic fault geometries at mountain range scale in numerical and natural landscapes over geologic time scales (MSc level)
Earth's surface represents the interface between multiple processes, e.g., erosion modulated by climate and tectonic motion. The aim of this study is to systematically explore and quantify the geomorphic response to basic fault geometries (normal, reverse and transcurrent) in natural and model landscapes over geologic time scales. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the main drivers that shape present-day landscapes.
Skills learned: aquisition and application of theoretical background on the evolution of landscapes (i.e., mechanisms of surface processes and bedrock motion along active faults), establishing fault kinematics in MOVE, setting up numerical landscape evolution models in Landlab, quantitative geomorphic analysis of natural and numerical landscapes in MATLAB and ArcGIS, (optional) thermochronologic modelling based on modelled fault kinematics and landscapes
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Topic: Drainage divide migration of the Neckar and cuesta evolution of the Swabian Alb (MSc level).
Skills learned: GIS (Geomorphic analysis with QGis and Matlab), landscape evolution modelling, quantification of erosion and exhumation (cosmogenic nuclide and thermochronological data).
Eberle et al. (2017)
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Topic: Reconstructing the tectonic history of the Eastern Alps along the EASI (Eastern Alpine Seismic Investigation) geophysical transect (BSc level).
Skills learned: Literature review of available geologic, geophysical and thermochronological data along the EASI transect. Merging the different datasets into GIS or MOVE and reconstruct the tectonic history.
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Topic: Reconstructing the tectonic history of the Central Alps along the NFP-20E geophysical transect (BSc level).
Skills learned: Literature review of available geologic, geophysical and thermochronological data along the NFP-20E transect. Merging the different datasets into GIS or MOVE and reconstruct the tectonic history.
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Topic: Timing of tectonic uplift and glacial erosion in southeast Norway (Msc or smaller version of it for a BSc).
Skills learned: Literature review of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic geologic history of Norway. Application of low-temperature thermochronology laboratory dating techniques (miscroscopy and geochemistry) to measure the cooling history of rocks exposed across glacially carved fjords of SE Norway. Application of GIS for plotting sample locations and topography.
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Topic: Tectonic activity of Pyrenees Mountains, Spain (BSc).
Skills learned: Literature review of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic geologic history of the Pyrenees and compilation of low-temperature thermochronology and magnetostratigraphy data from the region. Results will be integrated into a GIS project and interpreted.
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Topic: Analysis of earthquake history along the Patagonian Andes, South America (BSc).
Skills learned: Literature analysis of past earthquakes in southern South America and extraction of past earthquakes from global data bases. Plotting of results in GIS and analysis of events for the tectonic causes of different events and plotting of results along different profiles.
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Topic: Assessment of different Tibetan Plateau uplift scenarios based on Bayesian integration of d18O records and climate model based topography experiements. (MSc)
Skills learned: Literature review and synthesis on Tibetan Plateau palaeoaltimetry, original programming and editing existing scripts (Python and/or Fortran, and NCL) to implement a multivariate statistical assessment of the problem.
Surface Processes Research Topics
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Topic: Modelling the evolution of internal basins at high elevations in the Bozdag tectonic region, Central Menders massif (MSc).
Skills learned: GIS (Geomorphic analysis with ArcGis and Matlab), Original programming and editing existing scripts (hillslope and river profile modelling with strong contrasts in uplift and bedrock erodibilities using Child or Matlab), Interpreting analytical data (cosmogenic nuclide and thermochronological data).
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Topic: Quantifying Earth surface processes with photogrammetry (Drone multispectral images and Structure-from-Motion) (BSc level)
Skills learned: Flying a drone, creating high-resolution digital surface models, data interpretation, creation of maps using GIS, detection of patterns and estimation of Earth surface change rates, such as river dynamics, snow and vegetation cover
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Topic: Modelling dry rockfall runout and erosion processes on Mars (MSc level)
Skills learned: Processing and analysing Martian topography data (e.g., GIS, Matlab, R, Cloudcompare), applying a cellular dry gravel transport and erosion model (R or Matlab)
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Topic: Assessing spatial sediment-driven bedrock erosion processes in rock gorges using terrestrial laser scanning (MSc level)
Skills learned: Surveying a bedrock gorge using terrestrial laserscanning (fieldwork with a LiDAR device), analysing large 3D data sets regarding topographic change, interpreting data regarding sediment dynamics
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Topic: Spectral analysis of fluvial bedload transport in a pre-alpine creek (MSc level)
Skills learned: Application of spectral analysis on a temporally highly resolved data set of fluvial discharge and bedload transport; assessment of streambed evolution processes
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Topic: Evaluation of plucking-prone landscape evolution (MSc level)
Skills learned: (TLS)-surveying of plucking-dominated river/creek channel beds (partly hit by a recent extreme event; Braunsbach); GIS-analysis of landscape metrics; landscape-evolution modelling (Landlab)
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Topic: Bedrock erodibility in river channels (BSc level)
Skills learned: Collection of samples from bedrock river beds (field); application of geophysical testing on bedrock sample strengths (lab; collaboration with GFZ Potsdam); application of bedrock erosion models (R, Matlab or Python; office); assessment of spatial streambed evolution processes; picture: Gunnar Pruß
Supe
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Topic: Assessment of diffusivity-scaling in landscape erosion over high-resolution topography in Chile (MSc level)
Skills learned: Application of and scaling within a celular landscape evolution model (Landlab; Python) and landscape metrics analysis of artifical and real topography (possibly topotoolbox), transferable to a wide range of geological/geomorphological process research topics
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Topic: Waterfall (face) evolution since deglaciation (BSc level)
Skills learned: Literature analysis of waterfall incision process and drivers; high-resolution digital elevation model metrics analysis on river catchments above the Lauterbunnen Valey (Switzerland; GIS, cloudcompare); likely field data analysis from drone-flights and surface samples
Climate/Paleoclimate Research Topics
Note: These are just a few examples of possible projects to give you an idea of the scope of climatological research you could be involved in. You're encouraged to contact the listed supervisors if you have questions, concerns or even ideas regarding these projects.
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Topic: Quantifying the impact of glacial-interglacial cycles on Indian Summer Monsoon dynamics (BSc/MSc).
You will analyse palaeoclimate simulations conducted with a General Circulation Models to investigate how palaeoclimate evolution affects the Indian Summer Monsoon.
Skills learned: Original programming and editing existing scripts (python), statistics , literature analysis, and you will develop a deeper understanding of Late Cenozoic palaeoclimate and monsoon dynamics.
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Topic: Tracking the global climatic impacts of major mountain ranges (BSc/MSc).
You will analyse climate simulations conducted with a General Circulation Models to track the magnitude and extent of the impact the Andes and/or Himalaya-Tibet have on global climate.
Skills learned: Original programming and editing existing scripts (python), statistics , literature analysis, and you will develop a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics and climate-tectonics interactions.
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Topic: Local-scale estimates of Late Cenozoic and/or future temperature changes in South America based on General Circulation Model simulations and dynamical statistical models (MSc).
You will use statistical models in combination with climate simulations produced by full General Circulation Models to estimate local changes in climate from the Late Cenozoic to the future.
Skills learned: Original programming and editing existing scripts (python) to modify and apply dynamical statistical models, literature analysis, and you will develop a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics and multivariate statistics.
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Topic: Investigating possible shifts of the Congo Air Boundary (CAB) and moisture sources in East Africa during the Mid-Holocene. (MSc).
You will use state-of-the-art meteorological tools for tracking wind and moisture in East Africa based on sophisticated palaeoclimate simulations. This will complement the work of many micropalaeontologists and palaeoclimatolgists and help solve questions about the shifting position of CAB, which represents a major control on East African climate.
Skills learned: Using state-of-the-art tools of the European weather service and working with climate model output, and original programming and modifying existing programmes (python and/or Fortran). You will learn about wind and moisture tracking, and climate dynamics globally and in East Africa.
Note: This project can be implemented in collaboration with Annett Junginger.
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Topic: Crossing the thresholds: Modelling non-linear glacier response to climate change by using game theory and Bayesian glacier regime selection (MSc).
With the rapid, ongoing climate change, many glaciers experience a regime shift, resulting in threshold behaviour. Using game theory and Bayesian model selection, you will turn existing models into an intelligent model that is able to dynamically select the most appropriate algorithms for glacier change prediction.
Skills learned: Original programming and modifying existing programmes (python and/or Fortran). You will learn about objective decision making (using game theory), multivariate Bayesian statistics, statistical modelling and glacier-atmosphere dynamics.
Geologic Modeling Research Topics
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Topic: Analysis of the topographic and tectonic history fo the Patagonian Andes. (MSc)
Skills learned: Use of existing thermal-kinematic tectonic models to evaluate the tectonic and glacial erosion controls on the thermal field of the Patagonian andes. Research will involve conducting simulations with different parameter choices tectonic and topographic relief changes, plotting and interpreting results. Project involves learning how to write shell scrips and run simulations on super compters.
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Topic: Software development for the simulation of mountain bulding with a thermal kinematic model. (Bsc or MSc)
Skills learned: Project involves programming in Fortran to modify and existing program (Pecube) to output and plots computer simulations in different state of the art visualization software packages. Research involves learning how to run simulatons of the thermal evoltion of mountain ranges and plot / interpret reslts.
Geologic Hazards Research Topics
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Topic: Measurement of rock fall activity in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, using terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR) and Structure from Motion photogrammetry (SfM). (MSc level)
Skills learned: Field work (LiDAR, drones) and data analysis with remote sensing software and matlab. Research involves surveying large rock walls and calculating the volume and frequency of rock fall activity, as well as the climate, lithologic, hydrologic, and vegetation controls on rockfall activity.
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Topic: Quantification and localisation of rockfall activity on Albtrauf bedrock walls over time and space (MSc level).
Skills learned: Rockfall event localization using combined surface surveying and seismic detection by a self-mantained low-cost setup (arduino). Establishement of field setup (at the Hirschkopf, i.e. the most active rockfall wall of the Albtrauf, Swabian Alb), data compilation and implementation of analysis workflow for change detection and seismic orientation to determine rockfall at different magnitudes.
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Topic: Analysis of rockfall relationships to seismic activity in Central Asia (MSc or BSc).
Skills learned: Analysis of a data base of rockfall events in Central Asia and active Quaternary fault locations. Compilation of new rockfall events from literature and entering them into a data base. Plotting results in GIS, statistical analysis of spatial and temporal variaitons in rock fall activity in relationship to earthquakes.
Geo- Thermo-chronology Research Topics
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Topic: Tectonic thermochronology along the NFP-20E or EasternAlps profile (MSc).
Skills learned: Sampling (field work in the Alps), mineral separation (apatite and zircon separation from sampled rocks), thermochronology (dating apatite and zircon with the (U-Th)/He method), literature analysis.
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Topic: Resolving the spread in single grain (U-Th)/He ages with Micro-CT analysis (MSc).
Skills learned: Mico-CT analysis (preparation and interpretation of Mirco-CT analysis), Thermochronology (apatite or zircon (U-Th)/He dating), Editing existing scripts (Matlab).
Biology and Surface Processes Research Topics
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Topic: Quantifying the long-term erosion of South Africa with cosmogenic nuclides (MSc).
Skills learned: Field work and sampling in South Africa (3 weeks in March 2020). Working in a international collaborative project (SALDi - South Africa Land Degradation Monitor). Learning to quantify erosion rates with cosmogenic nuclides and GIS. Work would include sampling in the field, analysis in the laboratory and GIS-based interpretation of the analytical data.
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Topic: Analysis of the control of Andes mountain bulding on South American Biodiverity (BSc or MSc).
Skills learned: Combinatoin of literature analysis and spatial analysis of data in GIS. Work would include compliation of biodiversity datasets (past and present) and a synthesis of the tectonic history to determine how biodiversity responds to the development of large mountain ranges and climate change.
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Topic: Analysis of the control of the Tibetan Plateau on southeast Asia Biodiverity (BSc or MSc).
Skills learned: Combinatoin of literature analysis and spatial analysis of data in GIS. Work would include compliation of biodiversity datasets (past and present) and a synthesis of the tectonic history to determine how biodiversity responds to the development of large mountain ranges and climate change.
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Topic: Burrowing mammals, birds, and insects along a climate and ecological gradient in Chile. Spatial distribution and depth of burrowing (BSc)
Skills learned: Combinatoin of literature analysis and spatial analysis of data in GIS. Work would include determining the spatial density of different animals an insects and the possible magnitudes of material moved by them on hillslopes.
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Topic: Mechanics of bioturbation in soils: An investigation into the depth, frequency, seasonality, and climate controls on mass redistribution by animals. (MSc or BSc)
Skills learned: Combinatoin of literature analysis and spatial analysis of data in GIS or Matlab. Software would be used to document how fast and how thoroughly insects and animals mix soil and effect chemical weathing and nutrient supply in soils.
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Topic: Comparison of observed animal burrow size and depth in Germany with Chile. (MSc)
Skills learned: Combination of literature analysis and field work (Deutschland). Measurement of animal and insect burrows on hillslopes.
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Topic: Investigating the effect of different vegetation types on topography and erosion with a landscape evolution computer model (MSc or BSc).
Skills learned: Landscape evolution modeling with the Landlab software. Software exists and student would be conducting simualtions for different choices in vegetation cover, and analizing results.