Leader:	Dr. R. Jung
Telephone:	+49 (0)511 643-2820
E-Mail:	R.Jung

The "Geothermics and Groundwater Hydraulics" section carries out research on the thermal and hydraulic regimes in the upper part of the Earth's crust. Geothermal energy is receiving increasing interest as an alternative to fossil fuels. Investigations in these two interrelated fields is important for future supplies of energy and drinking water.

In the research conducted by this section, the thermal properties of rocks down to depths of 5000 m are studied using well-logging techniques and laboratory analysis. This information is used for various purposes, including mapping underground temperatures, estimating the size of geothermal resources and verification of the suitability of candidate sites for waste disposal. Groundwater research is focused on groundwater movement and the transport of dissolved substances.

Numerical modelling is carried out to better understand groundwater dynamics and to evaluate whether the conditions necessary for the exploitation of geothermal energy are present at a particular site. The Institute has access to the most extensive collection of heat flow density and subsurface temperature data in Germany.