Barbara Sponholz

apl. Prof. Dr. Barbara Sponholz holds the Chair of Geomorphology at the Institute of Geography and Geology, University of Würzburg. Her research focuses on arid land geomorphology, paleoclimatology, and environmental reconstruction in Africa, particularly the Sahara and Sahel regions. She has led projects like 'GEO-XR' exploring spatial analysis and '115 years of sedimentation in the Urft Reservoir.' Key research themes include silicate karst systems, fulgurite analysis, and Holocene climate dynamics.

• Current positions: Beauftragte der JMU für Studierende mit Behinderung, Vizepräsidentin der Universität (2012-2021), Universitäts-Frauenbeauftragte
• Education: Habilitation (1997), PhD (1988), studies at University of Würzburg (1979-1984)

Her work integrates fieldwork in Niger, Tunisia, and Romania with laboratory analysis, focusing on sediment dynamics and environmental archives. Notable projects include international collaborations with Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria) and the Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey. She advises on climate change impacts and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Recent funding includes BMBF grants (2019-2022) for remote sensing applications in arid regions. Over 30 academic publications demonstrate her expertise in karst systems, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and geoarchaeology.