Our research
Research at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology encompasses field, experimental, and analytical studies as well as theoretical modelling.
Our main goal is to provide a deeper understanding and calibration of physical processes ranging from the formation of the earth and solar system through mountain building, ocean evolution, volcanism, and ore deposition.
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.
Our research groups
The institute is structured into the following principal research groups.
Earth Surface Geochemistry
Prof. Derek Vance
The Earth Surface Geochemistry 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
The Experimental Mineral Physics 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
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
The High Pressure Geology 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
Various 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, as well as the compositional structure and evolution of our planet (and others around the solar system).
Mineral Resource Systems
Prof. Cyril Chelle-Michou
Quantitative field investigations, advanced micro-analytical techniques, numerical process modeling and geochronological methods are used to study the formation of ore deposits from magmatic-hydrothermal systems.
Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology
Prof. Olivier Bachmann
The Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology group studies magmatic rocks (both plutonic and volcanic units) 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
Fluid rock interaction on the sea floor as well as on continents is being studied to gain insight into tectonics and the formation of ore deposits.