Research
Research at the IUP is dedicated to the physical and geochemical processes of the Earth's climate system. We work with the aid of state-of-the-art technologies, from quantum physics to remote sensing, and using simulation techniques.
Central questions concern emissions and anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and the Earth's climate. Changes in carbon, water and trace element cycles in the past and their precise dating. The role of aerosols for the Earth's climate is also an important topic. We use numerous experimental observation methods and numerical models to work on these research areas.
Publications (Highlights)
Stable isotope analysis in fluid inclusions
Several groups at IUP present new developments of a method for precise fluid inclusion stable isotope analysis of speleothems using cavity-ring down laser spectroscopy. With a continuously water-vapour purged extraction line, a method originally designed at University Bern, Therese Weisbach obtained high precision isotope measures on small µl liter amounts of water.
CO₂ pulses above Australia
The atmospheric physics group has a new paper in Science on soil respiration–driven CO2 pulses above Australia. Eva-Marie Metz, Sanam Vardag, Andre Butz and co-workers found pulses in CO2 concentrations recurring at the end of the dry season above Australia in most years.
The interface between magma and Earth's atmosphere
A major fraction of magmatic gas emissions are released into the atmosphere from open vents. The emission processes are characterized by fast turbulent mixing with atmospheric air (within seconds) and associated rapid cooling. Hardly anything is known about the chemical kinetics within this brief mixing and cooling period.
