Karsten Gohl

Prof. Dr. Karsten Gohl is a Senior Scientist and Deputy Head of the Geophysics Section at the Alfred Wegener Institute. His research focuses on polar geophysics, glacial processes, and tectonics with a particular emphasis on Antarctic ice sheet dynamics, continental margins, and geothermal influences. He has led expeditions in the Southern Ocean and contributed to major international projects like MOSAiC and the FRAM observatory.

Research Interests:

• Geophysical analysis of polar regions
• Glaciomarine sedimentation patterns
• Ice-sheet stability and paleoclimate links
• Geothermal heat flow impacts on subglacial systems
• Tectonic evolution of ocean basins

Key Contributions:

• Discovered elevated geothermal heat flow beneath Thwaites Glacier
• Reconstructed Eocene-Oligocene climate transitions via sediment cores
• Advanced understanding of Cretaceous tectonic processes in Zealandia

Awards: Recipient of the Heinrich Award for contributions to polar science.

Infrastructure: Co-developed the FRAM Ocean Observing System and contributed to data assimilation frameworks.