Wolfgang Bach

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Bach serves as a Professor of Petrology at the MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (University of Bremen), leading the Petrology of the Ocean Crust research group since 2005. His work bridges magmatic petrology and inorganic geochemistry with a focus on global hydrothermal systems.

• PhD (1996) & Diplom (1991) from Justus Liebig University Giessen
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1996-2005) as Postdoc/Research Associate
• IODP leadership roles (2003-2005) and ECORD Science Operator collaboration

His research examines ocean crust formation/destruction cycles, including seafloor spreading, hydrothermal alteration, mantle recycling, and chemosynthesis-driven ecosystems. Key methods involve:

• Micromineralogy of altered basalts and serpentinites
• Geochemical analysis (ICP-MS, laser ablation, fluid inclusion studies)
• Thermodynamic modeling of fluid-rock-microbe interactions

Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight advances in CO2 sequestration in marine basalts, hydrothermal sulfur cycling, and mantle-derived hydrogen production across diverse settings from Arctic ridges to subduction zones. Collaborative work spans 30+ international institutions and integrates data from IODP expeditions and ECORD programs.

He contributes to ocean drilling infrastructure at the University of Bremen, maintains the MARUM Research Academy training initiatives, and advises on subseafloor biosphere exploration through projects like IODP Expedition 336 and Surtsey volcano monitoring.