Jörn Behrens

Prof. Jörn Behrens is a Professor of Numerical Methods in Geosciences at the University of Hamburg's Department of Mathematics. His work focuses on computational geoscience, including adaptive numerical methods, tsunami modeling, and multiscale simulations. He leads the Numerical Methods in Geosciences research group and is affiliated with the Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) cluster of excellence.

Education & Positions:

• Since 2009: Full Professor at University of Hamburg
• 2012: Visiting Scientist at Isaac Newton Institute, Cambridge
• 2007–2009: Privatdozent at University of Bremen
• Extensive experience at Alfred-Wegener-Institut and TU Munich

Research Interests:

Behrens develops numerical algorithms for geophysical flows, emphasizing adaptive mesh refinement, discontinuous Galerkin methods, and tsunami hazard modeling. His work bridges computational mathematics and geoscience applications, with a focus on environmental challenges like climate modeling and disaster risk assessment. Recent efforts include cloud computing for instant hazard simulations and interdisciplinary projects like the Global Tsunami Model (GTM).

Key Publications:

Recent work includes bathymetry reconstruction via PDE-constrained optimization, low-rank preconditioning for fluid flow, and tsunami hazard frameworks within EPOS. These reflect his expertise in computational methods and geophysical problem-solving.

Grants & Projects:

• Lead on EU-funded DT-GEO (Digital Twin for Geophysical Extremes)
• Co-chair of COST Action AGITHAR (Tsunami Hazard Research)
• Contributions to CLICCS and EPOS infrastructure development

Labs & Teams:

Leads the Numerical Methods in Geosciences group, collaborating internationally on tsunami modeling, climate systems, and high-performance computing.