Biogeologie

Modern ecology links to the past

The figure visualizing the current estate of our planet show a scientist (like Alexander von Humbolt in a highly diverse neotropical rainforest on the left), who now consciously studies the nature he lives in. Grasslands mediate between forests and deserts, which now spread. All cultivable land is nowadays opened up by highways and railroads. Desert plants, like cacti, are used as models for economization and recovery of water like fog collectors. Alpine glaciers retreat due to climate change. 

In a nutshell

What does our research in this field focus on?
The past is the key to the present, and the present is the key to the past. This basic principle is the reason why the biogeology group also analyzes the actual ecological state of our planet. which is now heavily affected by human activities.

Which key methods or approaches do we commonly use?
For that we use a broad range of methods from pollen analysis, micrometeorology, soil science and isotopic tracking of trophic relationships to eco-physiological measurements during simulation experiments.

What is our main contribution to this research field?
We analyze structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems during the Anthropocene with special focus on human impact on climate conditions, biodiversity patterns and ecosystem services. In particular we examine the role of plants in water, carbon and nutrient cycling and use them as blueprints for nature inspired adaptions strategies towards climate change.

 

 

Associated Projects

Fog plant oases (FPO) 

Garapia Agroforestry Project (GAP)

Core research team & scientific network

Biogeology research group

Scientific network

  • Huei Gan

PhD, M.Sc. and B.Sc. students (past 5 years)

Publications

Gan, H.Y., Hohberg, K., Schneider, C., Ebner, M., Marais, E., Miranda, T., Lehmitz, R., Maggs-Kölling, G., Bocherens, H. (2024) The hidden oases: unveiling trophic dynamics in Namib’s fog plant ecosystem. Sci Rep 14, 13334 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61796-8

Ebner, M., Roth-Nebelsick, A., Bocherens, H., Gschwender, F., Baumeister, M., Miranda-Ebner, N., Hohberg, K., Gan, H.Y., Schneider, C., Maggs-kölling, G., Marais, E., Lehmitz, R., Miranda, T. (2025, in print). The fog harvesting Namib Desert dune grass Stipagrostis sabulicola promotes niche building by modifying substrate and atmosphere conditions. Journal of Arid Environments, 227, 105312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2024.105312

Public Outreach