Elke Kossel

Elke Kossel is a Researcher in Marine Biogeochemistry at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany, where she has worked since 2009. Her research focuses on marine gas hydrates, microplastics in marine sediments, and marine carbon dioxide storage. She is affiliated with Research Division 2: Marine Biogeochemistry and Research Unit Marine Geosystems within the institution.

Dr. Kossel's educational background includes:

• PhD in Physics from University of Ulm (1999-2004), promoted to Dr. rer. nat. in 2005
• Physics studies at University of Hamburg (1992-1998)

Her primary research interests center around marine biogeochemical processes, with specific focus on:

• Marine gas hydrates and their potential as energy resources
• Microplastic pollution in marine environments and sediments
• Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in marine settings
• Biogeochemical processes in marine sediments

Dr. Kossel employs advanced techniques including magnetic resonance imaging and high-pressure flow-through experiments to investigate these topics at both micro and macro scales.

Analysis of Dr. Kossel's recent publications reveals a strong dual focus in her research. The first trajectory centers on gas hydrate systems, examining CH₄-CO₂ exchange processes, hydrate formation/dissociation dynamics, and the geomechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments. The second trajectory investigates microplastic pollution in marine environments, with emphasis on detection methods, spatial distribution patterns, and ecological impacts in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic regions. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications for environmental monitoring and energy resource development, demonstrating consistent interdisciplinary approaches throughout her publication record.

Dr. Kossel has secured funding for and participated in multiple significant research projects:

• GEOSTOR I-II (2022-2027) - Focused on geological storage of CO₂
• LABPLAS (2022-2024) - Investigating microplastics in marine environments
• HOTMIC (2020-2023) - Studying microplastics in the ocean
• STEMM-CCS (2018-2020) - Sub-seafloor carbon dioxide storage
• SUGAR I-III (2009-2018) - Submarine gas hydrate resources

At GEOMAR, Dr. Kossel works within the Marine Geosystems research unit, utilizing specialized laboratory facilities for high-pressure experiments related to gas hydrates and sediment analysis. Her work often involves extensive international collaborations with researchers across Europe and beyond, as evidenced by her publication co-authorship patterns. She has developed expertise in magnetic resonance imaging applications for studying subsurface processes and has contributed significantly to the development of monitoring strategies for carbon dioxide storage sites, with her research having practical implications for both environmental protection and energy resource management.