Ritske S. Huismans

Ritske S. Huismans is a Professor and Head of the Geodynamics and Basin studies Group at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen. Her research focuses on geodynamic processes at rifted passive margins, orogen dynamics, and the interplay between tectonics, surface processes, and climate. She leads projects totaling over 220 million NOK, including international collaborations like the IODP drilling expedition on the Mid-Norwegian margin and the COLORS project.

Her work combines computational modeling (e.g., finite element methods) with field observations to address questions about continental rifting, mantle exhumation, and glacial erosion. Key collaborations include researchers from institutions such as the University of Oslo, Oxford University, and GFZ Potsdam.

Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding mantle exhumation mechanisms, the role of frictional shear zones in rifted margins, and the impact of surface processes on mountain building. She has supervised multiple PhD students and postdocs, contributing to advancing numerical geodynamic models.

Notable grants include the PALMAR project (2023–2026) studying Paleogene basins and leadership of the IODP Expedition 396 on breakup volcanism. Her research bridges lithospheric-scale mechanics with surface processes, providing insights into Earth’s dynamic systems.