S1 Structure and Dynamics of Earth and planetary interiors
Convener: Christine Thomas, Claudia Stein (Universität Münster)
Understanding structures and processes within the deep Earth and planetary bodies is important to understand the evolution of the planets. The evolution and behaviour of the magnetic field, processes in the mantle, structure of the inner core and convection in planetary bodies are just a few topics that are of importance to understand the planet we live on. For this special session, we invite contributions from all fields of geophysics with focus on the deep structure, dynamics and evolution of Earth and planetary bodies. Contributions may use one or more approaches including seismology, geodynamics, geomagnetism, satellite observations, geochemistry and mineral physics. Studies for structures, dynamics and evolution of the mantle transition zone, the lower mantle, inner and outer core are welcome.
Plenarvortrag: Montag, 02.03.2026, Adrian van Kan (Texas A&M / Uni Münster)
S2 Exploration for a sustainable future
Convener: Michael Becken, Hannah Treppke (Universität Münster)
This session addresses challenges in geophysical exploration that are closely linked to the sustainable development of modern societies. Key aspects include securing the supply of raw materials in support of the European Union’s strategic objectives (Green Deal, industrial value creation, technological innovation, and defense capabilities), the exploration of geothermal resources, subsurface storage and repositories, as well as groundwater-related topics. We invite contributions addressing technical and methodological advancements, alongside case studies within these domains. Furthermore, contributions exploring aspects of public awareness, societal acceptance, and challenges related to attracting and developing the next generation of professionals are very welcome.
Plenarvortrag: Dienstag, 03.03.2026, N.N.
S3 AI, models, and big data
Convener: Christian Maas, Waleed Ismael, Nasim Karamzadeh (Universität Münster)
Machine learning is becoming increasingly important in studies of the Earth due to the complexity, scale, and richness of geophysical data. Picking seismic arrivals, classifying signals, pattern recognition or interpretations are only a few applications. We invite contributions from all fields of geophysics that make use of artificial intelligence, machine learning models, other model-based approaches, or big data. We welcome contributions that regard theory and model development, as well as applications of these methods across all scales from the deep Earth to the surface and atmosphere regardless of the specific geophysical methods employed.
Plenarvortrag: Mittwoch, 04.03.2026, Conny Hammer (Universität Hamburg)
S4 Geophysics in polar and ice regions
Convener: Christine Thomas, Katrin Hannemann (Universität Münster)
Climate change has a large impact on the ice-covered regions of the Earth and in particular on polar regions, where polar amplification causes more warming than in the rest of the world. But also the coupling of ice to the underlying ground is of great interest to understand dynamics and behaviour of ice. Measuring and classifying the behaviour of ice is therefore important for understanding effects such as sea level rise. Additionally, geophysics in ice-covered regions remains difficult and challenging, when trying to map the Earth beneath ice. We invite presentations from all fields of geophysics concerned with understanding ice structure, flow and dynamics, ice-crust coupling as well as investigations of Earth in ice-covered regions.
Plenarvortrag: Donnerstag 05.03.2026. Angelika Humbert (Alfred Wegener Institut Bremerhaven)