معرفی
Prof. Taras Gerya is a faculty member at the Department of Earth Sciences of ETH Zurich since 2010, where he leads research in geodynamic and planetary numerical modeling. He previously held positions at the Institute of Experimental Mineralogy (1990-1999), Ruhr-University Bochum (2000-2004), and ETH Zurich as Senior Research Scientist (2004-2008) and Privatdozent (2008-2010).
Education:
- MSc in Geology (1984), Tomsk Polytechnic University, USSR
- PhD in Petrology (1990), Moscow State University
- Habilitation in Petrology (1999), Moscow State University
- Habilitation in Geodynamics (2008), ETH Zurich
Taras Gerya's research focuses on geodynamic numerical modeling of plate tectonics, subduction zones, mantle convection, planetary core formation, and lithospheric deformation. His work uses finite-difference and marker-in-cell techniques with visco-elasto-plastic rheology to simulate processes like slab breakoff, continental collision, and mantle wedge plumes. He emphasizes realistic physics, adaptive mesh refinement, and multi-phase interactions.
His Introduction to Numerical Geodynamic Modelling (Cambridge, 2010) provides foundational MATLAB code examples for continuum mechanics, stress-strain analysis, and thermo-mechanical codes. Research trends show strong emphasis on subduction dynamics, mantle flow, and planetary surface structures.
Scientific Awards:
- 2024 Augustus Love Medal (EGU)
- 2023 Golden Owl (3rd Mahl) for teaching excellence (VSETH)
- 2021 Francis Birch Lecture (AGU)
- 2020 Golden Owl (2nd Mahl) (VSETH)
- 2019 AGU Fellow
- 2018 Elected to Academia Europaea
- 2008 Golden Owl (VSETH)
- 2008 Top 50 Russian Scientists Abroad (Russian Newsweek)
He has advised over 30 PhD/MSc students and supervised numerous postdocs. His group develops the I2(EL)VIS and I3(EL)VIS geodynamic modeling codes, integrating self-gravity, fluid transport, and surface processes.
