Felix Gross

Dr. Felix Gross serves as the Group Leader of the 'Marine Geohazards' working group at the Center for Ocean and Society within Kiel Marine Sciences. He is affiliated with the Marine Geophysics and Hydroacoustics department at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in submarine landslide dynamics and coastal hazard assessment. His work integrates field expeditions, advanced imaging techniques, and hazard modeling to understand geological processes at continental margins.

Dr. Gross received his academic training at German institutions:

• Bachelor of Science in Geosciences (2009) from Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Master of Science in Marine Geosciences (2012) from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Doctoral degree (2015) from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel with thesis on 'Architecture, tectonic control and instability of the submarine continental margin offshore Mount Etna, Italy'

His research focuses on coastal hazard assessment, deformation processes at continental margins, and submarine landslide mechanisms. Dr. Gross employs multiple methodologies including marine 2D/3D seismics, sediment echo-sounding, multibeam bathymetry, and UAV/drone technology for mapping coastal areas and shallow waters. His work has significant implications for understanding tsunami generation, volcanic flank collapse, and slope stability in various marine environments worldwide.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent focus on submarine landslides across diverse geographical settings including New Zealand's Hikurangi Margin, the Mediterranean Sea, Northwest Africa, and Arctic regions. His research demonstrates an evolution from studying specific landslide complexes to developing broader understanding of triggering mechanisms, including the role of gas hydrates, tectonic activity, and volcanic processes in slope instability.

Dr. Gross has participated in numerous research expeditions aboard vessels including RV Maria S. Merian, RV Meteor, RV Poseidon, and others, conducting fieldwork in regions such as Cape Verde, Labrador Sea, Chile/Peru margin, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Svalbard, Sicily, Thailand, and the Baltic Sea. His collaborative approach is evident through extensive co-authorship with international researchers across multiple disciplines.

As Group Leader of the 'Marine Geohazards' working group since February 2019, Dr. Gross directs research on coastal hazard assessment and slope stability mechanisms. Previously, he served as Coordinator for the 'Ocean Disasters' research area (2017-2018) and held PostDoc positions focused on submarine clathrate hydrate imaging and marine geophysics at Kiel University. His extensive field experience includes participation in over 14 research cruises since 2010, demonstrating sustained engagement with marine geological processes in diverse settings worldwide.