Department of Structural Geology and Geothermics

Welcome to the Website of Structural Geology and Geothermics!

Our department deals with rock deformation and heat transport across a wide range of scales, from the crystal lattice to the Earth's crust. Linking energy security with structural geological research is a crucial lever for the energy transition, as geothermal energy, unlike wind and solar, is capable of providing base load – meaning it is available around the clock. By analyzing rock formations, fault systems, and tectonic stress fields, we minimize exploration risk and make a direct contribution to the security of supply for our society.

Our research is across scales on the geodynamics of mountain building to sedimentary basin formation, considers the deformation processes occurring in them, and the development of the thermal field up to reservoir characterization with the goal of geothermal utilization. We investigate how rock deformation interacts with other processes such as the transport of molten rock, fluids, and heat. In doing so, we link fundamental research with applied, socially relevant topics. We address our research questions on the structural geological setting and energetic use of the subsurface in an interdisciplinary approach through diverse collaborations, such as with industrial partners or the social or economic sciences at the university.

We teach in the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Geosciences. Our courses cover many thrilling areas of structural geology and geothermal studies, with connections to other disciplines such as hydrogeology and sedimentology. In practice-oriented exercises and field trips, we cover a wide range of our relevant disciplines – from visiting drill sites to mapping in the field to 3D modeling of the structural-geothermal subsurface. You can find more information under Teaching.