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Sampriti BasakView profile

Assistant Professor

• Petrology
• Geochemistry
• Thermodynamic Modelling
• +5 more

Sampriti Basak is an Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, based at The Natural History Museum. Her research focuses on Earth's evolution as a habitable planet through geological and geochemical analysis of ancient rock formations. Education: Ph.D. in Geology, Ruhr University Bochum (2020), thesis: "High-resolution thermal and tectonic history of Archean terranes: A case study from Coorg Block, S. India" Her research applies petrology, geochemistry, thermodynamic modelling, isotope geochronology, and diffusion modelling to investigate Earth's development of oceans and an oxygenated atmosphere. As an enthusiastic field geologist, she conducts fieldwork in western Australia, eastern Canada, and India to study Earth's oldest rocks, integrating spatial geological features with laboratory analyses of petrology and isotopic techniques. Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal consistent focus on Archean geology in Greenland and South India, utilizing petrological and geochemical methods to unravel deep crustal processes, metamorphic evolution, and tectonic histories during Earth's formative periods. She supervises bachelor's and master's thesis students while conducting departmental examinations. Her active research involves six major Greenland projects investigating corundum formation, talc deposits, anorthosite complexes, graphite deposits, orogenic zones, and supracrustal belts through international collaborations with Denmark, Germany, China, and Japan. As part of the 'Early Earth Research Group' led by Associate Professor Kristoffer Szilas, she operates the Bruker Tornado M4+ micro-XRF with Automated Mineralogical Identification System (AMICS), JEOL Electron Microprobe JXA 8200, and XRD instrumentation for advanced mineralogical analysis.

• Glaciology
• Ice Sheets
• Abrupt Climate Change
• +4 more

Richard Blane Alley is the Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, where he conducts groundbreaking research on glaciology, ice sheets, and abrupt climate change. His work focuses on understanding the relationships between Earth's cryosphere and global climate systems, with particular emphasis on ice core analysis to reconstruct past climate conditions and predict future changes. Alley's research spans multiple critical areas of Earth science: Glaciology and ice sheet dynamics Abrupt climate change events in Earth's history Cryosphere-climate interactions Ice core analysis and interpretation Sea level rise mechanisms and projections Climate change communication and policy implications His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent progression from fundamental ice physics to large-scale climate implications. Recent publications increasingly address the mechanisms behind rapid ice loss and their consequences for sea level rise, reflecting the growing urgency of understanding ice sheet stability in a warming world. Alley's work integrates field observations from both Greenland and Antarctica with laboratory experiments and numerical modeling to advance our understanding of ice sheet behavior. Alley's scientific contributions have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards: Seligman Crystal (2005) for contributions to understanding ice sheet stability Louis Agassiz Medal (2005) for outstanding contributions to glaciology Heinz Award with special focus on the Environment (2011) BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change (2014) Foreign Member of the Royal Society (ForMemRS) (2014) Wollaston Medal from the Geological Society of London (2017) National Medal of Science (2025) Throughout his career, Alley has maintained strong research funding through grants from the National Science Foundation and other agencies supporting polar research. His work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of how ice sheets respond to climate change and the potential consequences for global sea levels. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have become leaders in glaciology and climate science. Alley leads research through Penn State's Earth System Science Center, where his team analyzes ice cores, develops models of ice sheet behavior, and investigates the physical processes governing ice flow and stability, making fundamental contributions to one of the most critical areas of climate science.

Michael VohlandView profile

Professor

• Remote Sensing
• Geoinformatics
• Soil Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Michael Vohland serves as Professor of Geography with a focus on Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing at the University of Leipzig, where he has been a faculty member since February 2012. He currently holds the position of Director of the Institute of Geography (since October 2023) and previously served as Vice Dean for Research in the Faculty of Physics and Geosciences (2016-2019). His academic career began at the University of Trier where he held positions as Junior Professor and Academic Councillor in Remote Sensing. Dr. Vohland's research spans multiple domains of environmental remote sensing with particular expertise in soil analysis. His work focuses on soil spectroscopy techniques using portable visible-to-near-infrared (vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) instruments, hyperspectral imaging applications in environmental sciences, and hydrological modeling through fusion of multi-sensor remote sensing data. His research addresses critical environmental challenges including soil organic carbon quantification, water resource monitoring, and microbial community assessment. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating multiple spectral analysis methods to improve environmental monitoring at various spatial scales. The research shows increasing sophistication in combining field measurements with laboratory analysis, with a growing emphasis on in situ measurement techniques that provide more accurate regional-scale assessments of soil properties. Dr. Vohland has secured significant research funding, primarily through the German Research Foundation (DFG), for projects including: Soil microbial community assessment with portable spectroscopy (2017-2020) Screening methods for organic matter detection in soils (2017-2019) Water monitoring using hyperspectral camera technology (2014-2017) Spectral characterization of soil associations (2021-2024) Hydrological modeling through remote sensing data fusion (2020-present) His methodological approach combines advanced spectral analysis with practical environmental applications, creating bridges between theoretical remote sensing techniques and real-world environmental monitoring challenges.

Michael SeidelView profile

Researcher

• Soil Spectroscopy
• Remote Sensing
• Digital Soil Mapping
• +3 more

Michael Seidel serves as a Research Associate at the Institute of Geography, University of Leipzig, working under Prof. Dr. Michael Vohland in the Chair of Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing since May 2014. His work integrates advanced remote sensing techniques with soil science applications. Education: Master's degree in Physical Geography / Geoecology (M.Sc.) from University of Leipzig (2010-2014), with minors in Vegetation Ecology/Plant Geography and Geosciences Bachelor's degree in Geography (B.Sc.) from University of Leipzig (2007-2010), with minors in Geosciences and General Chemistry Seidel's research centers on measuring and mapping soil properties using near-field and remote sensing methods. He specializes in optimizing on-site measurements with portable spectrometers (both imaging and non-imaging) and developing machine learning algorithms for quantifying key soil characteristics. His work extends to digital soil mapping for monitoring programs across different scales by combining spectrometric point data with spatial covariates like multispectral satellite imagery and digital surface models. Current teaching activities include Statistics for Geographers (B.Sc.), Analysis of Remote Sensing Data (B.Sc.), and Multivariate Data Analysis in Spectroscopy (M.Sc.). His publication record demonstrates expertise in soil spectroscopy applications, particularly in organic carbon assessment using portable instruments across visible-to-near-infrared and mid-infrared spectrums. Research projects reveal sustained funding from sources including the German Research Foundation (DFG), focusing on mobile spectroscopic methods for soil property determination, cost-effective organic matter detection in agricultural soils, and hyperspectral water monitoring systems. Research Projects: Synergetic Use of Mobile and Lab-Based Spectroscopic Methods (2018-2021, DFG-funded) Screening Methods for Organic Matter Detection in Agricultural Soils (2017-2019) Water Monitoring in Vertical Profiles Using Hyperspectral Technology (2014-2017) Seidel maintains active research in both field-based soil property measurement and algorithmic development for environmental monitoring applications, with particular emphasis on practical implementations for soil conservation and agricultural management.

• Observational Geodynamics
• Solid Earth Geophysics
• Lithosphere-Mantle System Dynamics
• +4 more

Giampiero Iaffaldano serves as Associate Professor in Solid Earth Geophysics at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management within the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He has held this position since June 2015, following a tenured Assistant Professor role at the Australian National University's Research School of Earth Sciences (2010-2015) and a Reginald A. Daly Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University (2008-2010). His academic journey reflects an international career spanning European, North American, and Australian institutions. His educational credentials include: PhD in Natural Sciences - Geophysics (summa cum laude), Ludwig–Maximilians University Munich, Germany (2007) MSc in Physics (summa cum laude), University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy (2003) Iaffaldano specializes in observational geodynamics, developing computational models constrained by geological and geophysical observations to understand forces controlling the coupled lithosphere-mantle system. His research integrates forward and inverse modeling approaches with empirical data to address fundamental questions about Earth's dynamic processes across spatial and temporal scales. His work bridges theoretical geophysics with practical applications in hazard assessment and resource management. His recent publication record (2023-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on plate boundary dynamics, mantle plume influences on plate motions, and earthquake cycle processes. His research spans global to regional scales with particular emphasis on the North Atlantic region (Icelandic plume effects), South American plate boundaries, and microplate systems in Asia and Europe. The consistent presence of high-impact journals like Earth and Planetary Science Letters and Geophysical Journal International demonstrates his standing in the geophysics community. Among his significant scientific recognitions: Elected member of the Young Academy of Europe (2017) Ringwood Fellowship at Australian National University (2010) Reginald A. Daly Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University (2007) Elite Netzwerk PhD scholarship of the Bavarian Government (2005) Professor Iaffaldano has secured approximately DKK 14,000,000 in research funding from major international sources including the Independent Research Fund Denmark, Villum Foundation, National Science Foundation (USA), and Australian Research Council. He chairs the steering committee for DanSeis – Danish National Center for Seismic Instrumentation. His teaching portfolio includes Geodynamics (MSc), Quantitative Problem-Solving in Geosciences (BSc), and specialized PhD courses on plate kinematics. He serves as Associate Editor for Geosphere and has reviewed for premier journals including Nature, Science, and Journal of Geophysical Research. His extensive international collaborations with institutions in Denmark, Australia, USA, Chile, and Europe reflect the global nature of contemporary geophysical research and his leadership in the field.

Tais Wittchen DahlView profile

Associate Professor

• Biogeochemistry
• Geobiology
• Isotope Geochemistry
• +5 more

Tais Wittchen Dahl is an Associate Professor of Geobiology at the University of Copenhagen, holding dual appointments at the Globe Institute (Section for Geobiology) and the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (Geology). Her research focuses on reconstructing Earth's climate and oxygenation history through geochemical experiments, observations in the rock record, and theoretical Earth system modeling, with particular emphasis on the co-evolution of life and Earth's environment. Education: PhD in Geochemistry, University of Copenhagen (2005-2009) MSc in Geophysics, University of Copenhagen (2004-2005) BSc in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2000-2004) Dahl's research interests span biogeochemistry, geobiology, isotope geochemistry, environmental science, planetary science, and geology. Her work centers on understanding the co-evolution of life and Earth's environment, particularly focusing on oxygenation events throughout Earth's history and their relationship to biological evolution. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of metal-silicate mixing during planetary accretion, molybdenum isotope composition in ancient oceans, and the impact of early land plants on Earth's oxygen levels. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Earth's oxygenation history, with particular emphasis on the Cambrian and Devonian periods. Her work often combines geochemical analyses (particularly molybdenum and uranium isotopes) with paleontological data to reconstruct ancient ocean conditions and their relationship to evolutionary events. A recurring theme is the investigation of marine anoxia events and their impact on biogeochemical cycles throughout Earth's history, with methodological innovations in trace metal analysis. Scientific Awards: Adjunct Professor at China University of Geosciences, Wuhan (2019) ERC Starting Grant Interview, Panel PE10 (2016) Inge Lehmann's Scholarship for research visit at University of Exeter (2013) Member of the board, Young Academy, Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters (2012) Villum Young Investigator Programme (2013) Carlsberg Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017) Dahl has supervised numerous students including MSc Julius Havsteen, MSc Sune F. Månsson, and others. Her research has been supported by significant grants including the Carlsberg Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017), Villum Foundation Young Investigator Grant (2013-15), and multiple grants from the Danish Council for Independent Research. She has organized EarthTalks bi-weekly seminars through Geocenter Danmark (2017-19) and received infrastructure funding from the Carlsberg Foundation (2015). Dahl leads a highly cross-disciplinary research group that bridges planetary sciences, climate science, and geophysics with geochemistry. Her team collaborates with research groups nationally and internationally, reflecting the global nature of Earth system science. Her work has been published in top journals including Nature Geoscience, PNAS, and Earth and Planetary Science Letters, and has generated significant public interest through press releases and media appearances.

Ole FrydView profile

Associate Professor

• Urban Planning
• Landscape Architecture
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +3 more

Ole Fryd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in climate adaptation through nature- and landscape-based approaches. His work integrates natural systems—topography, hydrology, geology, and biology—to develop sustainable urban and coastal environments resilient to climate challenges. Education: PhD, University of Copenhagen (2011) MSc Urban Design, Aalborg University (2005) Fryd researches landscape-based stormwater management and multifunctional coastal landscapes, with current focus on evaporation as drainage strategy and nature-based responses to shallow groundwater. He explores century-scale urban transformations challenging conventional infrastructure (sewers, dikes, drainage), advocating for radical human-nature coexistence. Key research areas include urban planning, climate change, coastal change, and urban water management. His 100+ publications reveal interdisciplinary climate adaptation research spanning sponge city evaluations to social vulnerability studies, bridging engineering, landscape architecture, and social sciences for holistic coastal resilience solutions. Advising and Teaching: Supervised nearly 200 graduation projects and 7 completed PhD theses Program director for three educational programs Responsible for 16 bachelor's/master's courses He contributed as consultant to the Coastal Imaginaries project for the Danish Pavilion at the 2023 Venice Biennale of Architecture, applying climate adaptation principles to international urban coastal contexts.