Marine Geology

Research tasks

The research of the department is focused on the geological and biogeochemical components of the ecosystem Baltic Sea, i.e. on the investigation of postglacial formation and biogeochemical transformation processes of and within the Baltic Sea basin and its sediments. Here, the interaction of vertical and horizontal matter fluxes, oceanographic conditions and sediment formation, and early diagenesis play a key role. Studies on biogeochemical transformations, sediment sequences, their genetic interpretation and material balance are prerequisites to reveal trends in the development of the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Special interest is paid to the separation and quantification of natural and anthropogenic processes.

Complementary to various research projects, the department is responsible for a sedimentological and geochemical mapping programme within the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea in the frame of an administrative contract with the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany.