Tectonics, structural geology and tectonic geomorphology

The research of the working group Prof. Hampel is dedicated to tectonics and structural geology as well as to the investigation of the Earth's surface as the expression of the interplay betweeen endogeneous and exogeneous processes. As methods, numerical modelling, field work, low-temperature thermochronology and cosmogenic nuclides are applied. Main working areas are the European Alps, western Turkey, China, the Andes and the Basin-and-Range Province in the western U.S..

Research topics

Neotectonics and tectonic geomorphology
Interaction of tectonics and Earth surface processes
Geodynamics of subduction zones
Mechanics of faults
Response of faults to climate-induced mass changes on the Earth's surface
Numerical modelling of earthquake cycles
Analysis of co- and postseismic Coulomb stress changes
Numerical modelling of landscape evolution and tectonic processes

Theses as part of our research

Permanent offers for final theses
As part of our research work, we offer topics for Bachelor's and Master's theses. We are permanently working on these topics:

GIS-supported analysis of digital height models for tectonically active areas

Structural geological analysis of microstructures

Analysis of deformation structures using thin sections; possibly in conjunction with field work

Tectonic interpretation of geodetic data

Tectonic orientation: Visualisation and analysis of digital height models with regard to tectonic activity, possibly with the integration of thermochronological or cosmogenic nuclide data Geomorphological orientation: Visualisation and analysis of digital height models with regard to geomorphic activity. cosmogenic nuclide data

Geomorphological orientation: visualisation and analysis of digital elevation models with regard to geomorphological structures, possibly with the integration of thermochronological or cosmogenic nuclide data

Young halotectonic activity in northern Germany

Numerical modelling of lithospheric deformation

Stress transfer between faults

Analysis of co- and postseismic stress transfer based on the calculation of Coulomb stress changes