Prof. Dr. Jens O. Herrle

Micropaleontology & Paleoceanography Group

Working group

Postdocs

PhD students Secretary and Technician

Research topics

  • Calcareous microorganisms
  • Bio- and chemostratigraphy
  • Paleoceanography
  • Paleoecology
  • Marine proxy development

Research interests

  • Effect of climate change on the dynamic and stability of marine (paleo-) ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles
  • Evolution and dynamic of paleoclimate including the effects on oceanic processes and biological evolution
  • Effect of changes in biodiversity and climate on the critical function of marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles

The Micropaleontology and Paleoceanography (MPG) specializes in Ceno- and Mesozoic process studies of extreme greenhouse and icehouse conditions. Ongoing research focuses on the development and application of calcareous microorganism- and geochemical-based proxies for deciphering the history of marginal seas and open oceans, as well as the dynamics and stability of ancient and modern marine ecosystems. The research includes bio- and chemostratigraphic, paleoceanography, paleoecologic, and geochemical (trace elements, stable isotopes) methods to gain rigorous insights into causes and consequences of major perturbations in the Earth system as documented for example by the burial of massive carbon-rich sediments (Oceanic Anoxic Events) during the Mesozoic. A fundamental understanding of such perturbations in the global carbon cycling and the impact on the evolution of ancient marine ecosystems is crucial for our understanding of the nature and origin of petroleum source rocks during Earth’s history and the assessment of biotic changes associated with future global change. PBG projects are interacting closely with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP).

Supported through the

in the program "Rückkehr deutscher  Wissenschaftler aus dem Ausland", organized by the
German Scholars Organization (GSO).

IPCC Report 2018

1,5-Grad-Bericht des Weltklimarats - Klimaschutz ist kein Wunschkonzert