Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Focusing on System Earth

There is only one institution in the world that addresses the whole spectrum of the Earth Sciences: the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. Geodetics and geophysics, geology and mineralogy as well as geochemistry make up the work fields which the Helmholtz scientists study from their home base in Potsdam. They seek to understand the interactions taking place in System Earth between geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Current ecological and socio-economic questions make an understanding of the state and dynamics of the Earth ever more important. Long-term climate changes, a sufficient supply of natural resources and energy for the ever-growing world population and, in particular, our society's vulnerability to natural disasters are just such questions. But these are only a few examples of the topics which represent major challenges for politicians, business and industry. With "System Earth" in the focus of their research, the geosciences play a key part in solving these problems.

Understanding functions - judging consequences - developing solutions

Before they can reach sustainable solutions, researchers first need to understand the fundamental functions of System Earth and how humankind and nature interact. Scientists at the GFZ do this by studying the physical and chemical processes taking place in System Earth, for example. They examine geoprocesses and model them, investigate the development of climate and environment, and inquire into the consequences of human action on nature. In so doing, they identify regional and global change trends and gain insights which enable them to assess the consequences and risks of certain processes to humans. The work of the scientists is not limited to processes above ground; they also study how underground resources can best be tapped.

An important topic at the Potsdam-based Helmholtz Centre with its about 970 staff covers the area of natural disasters: forward-planning strategies, protection concepts and lessening the impact - these are the fields on which researchers are working. A group of specialists stands ready at all times to study earthquakes and volcanic eruptions all around the world immediately after the event.

To help them in their work, the researchers have set up a comprehensive global observation infrastructure. This observation system includes recording instruments on board aircraft and satellites for research from the perspective of great height as well as an Earth-spanning network of geophysical and geodetic stations. While scientists at the GFZ use geophysical deep sounding and scientific research boreholes to help them look direct into the Earth's innermost realms.