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Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesDepartment of Geosciences

GSSP scientists

You can choose between the following scientists and research fields: 

  • Prof. Dr. Christina Bogner (Geography): Microplastic dynamics in soils
  • PD Dr. Alexander Follmann (Geography): Transformation of peri-urban infrastructures in India
  • Prof. Dr. Patrick Grunert (Geology and Mineralogy): Microfossil perspectives on Humboldt Current evolution and its paleoclimatic significance
  • Dr. Marijn van der Meij & Prof. Dr. Tony Reimann (Geography): Geomorphology of Tillandsia dunes and their potential as paleoclimate archives in the Atacama Desert

Further information can be found below. 

Christina Bogner: Microplastic dynamics in soils

discipline: Geography

The Ecosystem Research group at the University of Cologne is part of the Collaborative Research Center 1357 Microplastics (CRC 1357, https://www.sfb-mikroplastik.uni-bayreuth.de/en/index.html). We study the transport of chemically complex and realistic microplastic particles on soil surfaces and within soils, generating critical insights into potential accumulation zones and transport mechanisms. Our research spans laboratory experiments with soil columns to field studies in floodplain ecosystems. Our Cologne lab is equipped with state-of-the-art analysis techniques for microplastic (μFTIR and ATR-FTIR), complemented by additional methods through our CRC and local partners.
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to explore microplastic (and possibly macroplastic) dynamics in soils, particularly at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic systems or in urban environments, with a focus on soils and/or rivers. The candidate will work within the interdisciplinary framework of CRC 1357, benefiting from its interdisciplinary collaborative network and state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in microplastic transport and its environmental implications, we invite you to join our team!

Alexander Follmann: Transformation of peri-urban infrastructures in India

discipline: Geography

The proposed PhD project will focus on the nexus between (peri-)urbanisation, infrastructure development and nature-based solutions in India. The research will address the socio-economic, environmental and spatio-temporal implications of water and flood infrastructure in the process of rapid peri-urban transformation. Massive investments in 'hard' infrastructure (transport, water, energy, etc.) are transforming peri-urban morphologies and hydrological systems. This leads to increasing problems of waterlogging and flooding. Although large-scale, government-led drainage, river control and flood protection schemes are often planned, they are rarely implemented, have long planning periods, and their effectiveness is often questionable. In this context, the project will explore the different ad hoc mitigation strategies of state and non-state actors through the development of heterogeneous infrastructures (e.g. pumping systems) and the role of nature-based solutions (e.g. wetland restoration). 
Related research by PD Dr Alexander Follmann focuses on peri-urban transformation in Chennai in international cooperation with Professor Dr Karin Pfeffer (University of Twente) and Professor Dr Loraine Kennedy (CNRS Paris), and on ‘rural urbanisation’ in West Bengal with Dr Saurav Chakraborty (Presidency University Kolkata, Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowship).
Applicants should have a Master's degree in Human Geography or a related subject with very good mixed methods skills in remote sensing, GIS and social science methods.

Patrick Grunert: Microfossil perspectives on Humboldt Current evolution and its paleoclimatic significance

discipline: Geology and Mineralogy

Oceanic currents and surface water properties of the SE Pacific Ocean have been identified as one of the main drivers of paleoclimatic variability in western South America. As part of CRC 1211 “Earth-evolution at the dry limit”, the Working Group on Micropalaeontology and Palaeoecology (https://geologie.uni-koeln.de/arbeitsgruppen/mikropalaeontolgie-palaeooekologie) at the University of Cologne explores the Cenozoic history of the Eastern Boundary Current of the South Pacific Gyre and investigates the dynamic co-evolution between heat and moisture transport by the (proto-)Humboldt Current System and spatio-temporal variability of palaeoclimatic fluctuations in the Atacama Desert. The research relies on the fossil record of foraminifera, preserved in marine sediments of land-based outcrops and offshore drill cores, and integration of the extracted palaeoceanographic information with studies of terrestrial palaeoclimate and modelling studies of the (palaeo)hydrological cycle.
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to these efforts through foraminifera-based research. Analytical approaches may include (but are not limited to) studies on faunal successions, paleobiogeography, paleobiodiversity, morphometry, and/or shell geochemistry. Capitalizing on the highly interdisciplinary research within CRC 1211, tight integration of the microfossil data with complementary paleoceanographic, paleoclimatic, and stratigraphic data is expected.

Marijn van der Meij & Tony Reimann: Geomorphology of Tillandsia dunes and their potential as paleoclimate archives in the Atacama Desert

discipline: Geography

The hyperarid Atacama Desert hosts isolated patches of coastal loma vegetation that rely on fog as water source, including species like Tillandsia landbeckii. Although Tillandsia lack roots, they capture aeolian sediments within their leaves. This leads to the development of small dunes with intercalated layers of sand and dead plant material. While active Tillandsia-dune fields are located in the current fog zone, abandoned dune fields can be found on other elevations as well. This suggests that these Tillandsia-dune fields provide promising geo-archives of past fog supply to the Atacama Desert.
In close cooperation with CRC 1211 “Earth-evolution at the dry limit”, this project will explore the suitability of Tillandsia dunes as paleoclimate archives using geomorphological mapping, dating and modelling techniques, with a focus on the large Oyarbide Tillandsia field. First, the occurrence of living and abandoned Tillandsia dunes will be mapped using remote sensing products and machine learning techniques. Second, a robust chronology of Tillandsia occurrence will be established by dating different dune systems using Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating, radiocarbon dating and Bayesian age modelling. Third, these spatial and temporal insights will be integrated into a process model of Tillandsia distribution to study the past and future evolution of the dune ecosystems in response to changing fog supply.