Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology

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Our research and research groups

Research within our institute combines theoretical, experimental and analytical work on a wide range of samples to better understand the fundamental principles behind the formation and evolution of planet Earth.

Our goals include reaching a deeper understanding on:

  • how did the Earth and its atmosphere form and evolve through time,
  • how it functions today,
  • how we can sustainably extract raw material from it, and
  • how we can reduce the effect of natural disasters.

The institute is structured into the following principal research groups.

Earth Surface Geochemistry

Prof. Derek Vance

Earth Surface Geochemistry

The Earth Surface Geochemistry research group uses geochemistry to characterise, understand and quantify the processes involved in the evolution of the Earth’s surface, its environment, climate and biosphere.

Experimental Mineral Physics

Prof. Motohiko Murakami

Experimental Mineral Physics

The Experimental Mineral Physics research group applies a high-pressure and high-temperature experimental approach mainly using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell technique, which reproduces the condition of the deep Earth in the laboratory.

Experimental Planetology

Prof. Paolo Sossi

Experimental Planetology

The Experimental Planetology research group seeks to understand how planets form and evolve, both in our Solar System and beyond.  

High Pressure Geology

Prof. Max W. Schmidt

High Pressure Geology

The High Pressure Geology research group simulates physical and chemical conditions in the interior of the Earth, Moon and planets, in order to better understand their origin and evolution.

Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry

Prof. Maria Schönbächler

Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry

The Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry group researches isotopes in natural materials are measured with cutting edge mass spectrometers to study a number of fundamental issues in earth sciences, including the formation of the solar system, earth, and moon.

Mineral Resource Systems and Ore Fluids

Prof. Cyril Chelle-Michou

Mineral Resource Systems and Ore Fluids

The Mineral Resource Systems and Ore Fluids research group uses quantitative field investigations, advanced micro-analytical techniques, numerical process modeling, and geochronological methods to study the formation of ore deposits from magmatic-hydrothermal systems.

Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology

Prof. Olivier Bachmann

Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology

The Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology research group studies magmatic rocks in many location worldwide to better understand the differentiation of our planet, the generation of the earth's crust, and the hazards related to volcanic activity.

Marine Geology and Geochemistry

Marine Geology and Geochemistry

The Marine Geology and Geochemistry group studies fluid rock interaction on the sea floor as well as on continents to gain insight into tectonics and the formation of ore deposits.

Events

News

Water-rich magmas are crucial for forming copper deposits

Copper

"Super-wet" magmas play a critical role in forming large deposits of copper, a metal vital for modern technologies and society's shift to green energy.

New insights into the formation of the Tibetan Plateau

Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World", spans 2.5 million square kilometers with an average elevation over 4000 meters. A new study in Nature Geoscience suggests that mantle delamination of the overriding plate may explain the mysterious formation of this vast region.

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