HelTec - Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling

Simulating geodynamic processes is a challenging task because of the non-linearity and scale dependence of most associated processes. A great challenge is the multispectral character of lithosphere deformation ranging from earthquake rupture (seconds) to fault zone evolution (Millions of years).

Recent advances in experimental techniques like high resolution monitoring and complex analogue rheologies made it possible to develop models simulating deformation on all relevant timescales with high spatial resolution. We follow an integrated modelling approach involving structural-kinematic modelling, analogue experiments and numerical simulations.

We are a member of the European Plate Observing System EPOS, the European Training Networks TOPOMOD and SUBITOP, the Helmholtz Graduate School GEOSIM, the DFG-Collaborative Research Center SFB1114 “Scaling Cascades in Complex Systems” as well as the DFG Cluster of Excellence MATH+.

In the year 2014 we hosted the GEOMOD conference at GFZ Potsdam and edited the corresponding Tectonophysics special issue.

Please find an introductory text to our lab here.

Our lab facility consists of four basic components:

1) The Analogue rock physics lab featuring all kind of experimental devices for measuring rock analogue materials’ properties including friction, elasticity, viscosity etc.

2) The Analogue modelling lab featuring a suite of customizable deformation devices for simulating (seismo)tectonic and other geological processes

3) The Experimental monitoring lab providing the means of quantifying deformation in analogue models and experiments using cutting-edge high-resolution digital image correlation methods, force and pressure sensors, piezo and MEMS accelerometers etc.

4) The Computational analysis lab allowing to cross-validate and analyse analogue models and natural prototypes applying state-of-the-art numerical simulation & inversion, statistical data analysis, as well as structural restoration and balancing.

Lab infrastructure

Rotational axial/triaxial tester (Zwickiline 2.5 kN - 10 Nm)

Rheometer/Viscosimeter
Ring-shear tester
Rotational axial/triaxial tester

Sandbox standards
Vice setup (pure shear, biaxial)
Expander
Gravitational flow
Intrusion
Impact

Mid-speed cameras — LaVision's sCMOS and MX4M 50 Hz@5 MPx to 100Hz@2 MPx, 16 bit and 150 Hz@4 MPx to 750 Hz@1 MPx , 8-12 bit

Dynamic topography — Stereo-PIV/Digital image correlation

High-speed camera — Phantom Veo 640L 1.4 kHz@4 MPx to 12 kHz@0.25 MPx, 12 bit

InSAR emulation of experimental subduction megathrust earthquake

Impact signal — Analogue seismogram and spectrogram of experimental landslide

Force reading — Multipectral stick-slip cycles

Digital topography — Structure from Motion

High-resolution cameras — LaVision Imager X-Lite 29M 29 MPx@2 Hz, 12 bit

Digital image correlation
Force/pressure sensors
MEMS accelerometers/Piezotransducers

Lab projects

HelTec Projects

Current projects:

Seismogenic fault networks (DFG SFB1114 B01 Dr. M. Rudolf)
Subduction zone seismotectonics (H2020 SUBITOP ESR11 MSC E. Kosari)
Normal faulting earthquakes (H2020 SUBITOP ESR11b MSC Y. Creton)
Extension with inheritence (Erasmus/DEEP, MSC E.E. Osagiede)
Fold deflection (MSC M. Maleco)
EPOS - European Plate Observing System Thematic Core Service Multi-scale Laboratories (H2020, Dr. M. Warsitzka)
Suspension flows (DFG MATH+ N.N.)
Machine learning based analog earthquake prediction (DAAD, Dr. Fabio Corbi, Dr. J. Bedford)

Theses & fellowships:

Strike-slip earthquakes (PHD M. Rudolf, FU Berlin, 2019)
Translational domain desctruction (E.ON/EPOS TNA, Dr. Z. Ge, U Bergen/NOR, 2018)
Trench-trench-transforms (DAAD Prof. A. Nicol, U Canterbury/NZ, 2018)
Syntectonic intrusion (PHD Secondment M. Michail, U Ferrara/IT 2017)
Salt tectonics (PHD Secondment M. Warsitzka, U Jena, 2017)
Strike-slip faulting (PHD M. Ritter, FU Berlin, 2017)
Impact crater relaxation (MSC S. Teuber, U Hamburg, 2016)
Megathrust seismic cycle (PHD S. Li, FU Berlin, 2016)
Fracking (MSC R. Gentzmann, FU Berlin, 2016)
Rate-state friction model vs. experiment (PHD Secondment Z. Amirzada, U Utrecht/NL 2016)
Kinematic complexity in sandbox experiments (PHD T. Santimano, FU Berlin, 2015)
Gravitational mass movements (PHD O. Haug, FU Berlin, 2015)
Seismological monitoring of landslides (MSC Z. Amirzada, FU Berlin, 2015)
Numerics of rate-state friction (PHD E. Pipping, FU Berlin, 2015)
Subduction erosion (PHD F. Albert, FU Berlin, 2014)
Bivergent wedges (BSC S. Teuber, U Hamburg, 2014)
Thermomechanical model of subduction orogeny (Humboldt Fellowship D. Boutelier 2013)
Material properties benchmark (PHD Secondment M. Klinkmüller, U Bern/CH, 2011)
Material properties impact on wedging (BSC F. Hofmann, LMU Munich, 2010)
Indenter tectonis (Diploma K. Reiter, U Freiberg, 2010)
Salt tectonics (Diploma M. Warsitzka, U Jena, 2010)
Fault propagation (Diploma A. Clauß, U Jena, 2010)
Seismic imaging (PHD M. Buddensiek, FU Berlin, 2009)
Analog vs. numerical megathrust earthquakes (Diploma R. Nerlich, FU Berlin, 2009)
Submarine landslides (Diploma A. Reiprich, FU Berlin, 2009)
Magma emplacement in the crust (PHD S. Burchardt, U Göttingen, 2009)
Overprinting of impact structures (Diploma F. Kiebach, HU Berlin, 2009)
Elongated calderas (Diploma K. Müller, U Jena, 2008)
Rifting (PHD T. Lohr, FU Berlin, 2008)
Plateau formation (PHD K. Schemmann, FU Berlin, 2008)
Syntectonic sedimentation (Diploma M. Soyka, FU Berlin, 2007)
Oblique convergence (PHD A. Kellner, U Potsdam, 2007)
Subduction accretion vs. erosion II (Diploma A. Rechlin, U Hamburg, 2006)
Retrowedge kinematics (Diploma U. Schönrock, U Potsdam, 2006)
Continental collision zones (PHD S. Hoth, FU Berlin, 2006)
Makran accretionary wedge (PHD K. Huhn, FU Berlin, 2002)
Subduction accretion vs. erosion (PHD J. Lohrmann, FU Berlin, 2002)

Lab data

HelTec Data

Rock analogue material properties

Rosenau et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand G23 used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.004

Rosenau et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand G12 used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.003

Zwaan et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand from the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.028

Zwaan et al. (2018): Rheology of PDMS-corundum sand mixtures from the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.023

Willingshofer et al. (2018): Ring shear test data of feldspar sand and quartz sand used in the Tectonic Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University for experimental Earth Science applications. V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.072

Willingshofer et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of plastic sand, a new rock analogue material used for experimental Earth Science applications at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.022

Ritter et al. (2016): Supplement to: Scaling the Sand Box - Mechanical (Dis-) Similarities of Granular Materials and Brittle Rock. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.005

Rudolf, M. et al. (2016): Supplement to: Rheological benchmark of silicone oils used for analog modeling of short- and long-term lithospheric deformation. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.001

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The axial test dataset. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.006

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The ring shear test dataset. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.002

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The SEM image dataset. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.004

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The sieve dataset. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.003

Experiment and analog modelling data

Rosenau et al. (2019): Supplement to Synchronization of greatsubduction megathrust earthquakes: Insights from scale model analysis. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.005

Rudolf et al. (2019). Supplement to: Smart speed imaging in digital image correlation: application to seismotectonic scale modelling. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2018.002

Corbi et al. (2018): Supplementary material to "Machine Learning can predict the timing and size of analog earthquakes". GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.071

Ritter et al. (2017): Supplement to: Growing Faults in the Lab: Insights int the Scale Dependence of the Fault Zone Evolution Process. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2017.004

Ritter et al. (2017): Supplement to: Sandbox Rheometry: Co-Evolution of Stress and Strain in Riedel- and Critical Wedge-Experiments. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2017.001

Rosenau et al. (2016): Supplement to "Analogue earthquakes and seismic cycles: Experimental modelling across timescales". GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.008

Reiter et al. (2016): Supplementary material for analogue experiments on the interactions of two indenters, and their implications for curved fold-and-thrust-belts. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.007

Albert, F. (2013): Supplement to: Identification of kinematic boundary conditions triggering removal of material in tectonically erosive margins : insight from scaled physical experiments. Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.b103-13109.1

Lab publications

HelTec Publications

Special issues

Style of deformation and tectono-sedimentary evolution of fold-and-thrust belts and foreland basins: from nature to models, Tectonophysics 2019

GeoMod 2014 – Modelling in Geoscience, Tectonophysics, Vo. 684 (2016)

Tectonics of oblique plate boundary systems, Tectonophysics, Vol. 693 (2016)

*Guest publications (studies supported by access to or services by HelTec infrastructure)

Preprints

Ge, Z., Rosenau, M., Warsitzka, M., and Gawthorpe, R. L. (in review): Mechanisms of destructing translational domains in passive margin salt basins: Insights from analogue modelling, Solid Earth Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/se-2019-2

Rudolf, M., Rosenau, M., & Oncken, O.: Interseismic deformation transients and precursory phenomena: Insights from stick-slip experiments with a granular fault zone. earthArXiv, https://dx.doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6MWRX

2019

Rosenau, M., Horenko, I., Corbi, F., Rudolf, M., Kornhuber, R., & Oncken, O. (2019): Synchronization of great subduction megathrust earthquakes: Insights from scale model analysis. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB016597 >preprint@earthArXiv

Rudolf, M., Rosenau, M. , Ziegenhagen T., et al. (2019): Smart speed imaging in Digital Image Correlation: Application to seismotectonic scale modelling, Front. Earth Sci., 24 January 2019. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2018.00248 (open access article)

Corbi, F., et al. (2019): Machine Learning can predict the timing and size of analog earthquakes. Geophysical Research Letters. http://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081251 >preprint@ResearchGate

2018

Li. S., et al. (2018): Spatiotemporal variation of mantle viscosity and the presence of cratonic mantle inferred from eight years of postseismic deformation following the 2010 Maule Chile earthquake, Geochem. Geophys. Geosys. , https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GC007645 >copy@GFZpublic

Albert, F., N. Kukowski, A. Tassara, and O. Oncken (2018): Material transfer and subduction channel segmentation at erosive continental margins: Insights from scaled analogue experiments, Tectonophysics, 749, 46-61, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2018.10.019

Ritter, M.C., M. Rosenau, O. Oncken (2018): Growing Faults in the Lab: Insights into the Scale Dependence of the Fault Zone Evolution Process, Tectonics, doi: 10.1002/2017TC004787 >copy@GFZpublic

Ritter, M.C., T. Santimano, M. Rosenau, K. Leever, O. Oncken (2018): Sandbox rheometry: Co-evolution of stress and strain in Riedel– and Critical Wedge–experiments, Tectonophysics, Volume 722, 2 January 2018, Pages 400-409, ISSN 0040-1951, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2017.11.018

2017

Corbi F., F. Funiciello, S. Brizzi, S. Lallemand, and M. Rosenau (2017), Control of asperities size and spacing on seismic behavior of subduction megathrusts, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, doi: 10.1002/2017GL074182 >copy@GFZpublic

Rosenau, M., F. Corbi, S. Dominguez (2017): Analogue earthquakes and seismic cycles: Experimental modelling across timescales, Solid Earth, doi: 10.5194/se-2016-165 (open access article)

Li, S., M. Moreno, J. Bedford, M. Rosenau et al. (2017): Postseismic uplift of the Andes following the 2010 Maule earthquake: Implications for mantle rheology, Geophys. Res. Lett., doi.: 10.1002/2016GL071995 >copy@GFZpublic

*Aschauer, J., Kenkmann, T. (2017): Impact cratering on slopes, Icarus, Volume 290, Pages 89-95, ISSN 0019-1035, doi.: 10.1016/j.icarus.2017.02.021.

*de Zeeuw-van Dalfsen, E., Richter, N., González, G., Walter, T.R., (2017): Geomorphology and structural development of the nested summit crater of Láscar Volcano studied with Terrestrial Laser Scanner data and analogue modelling, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 329, 1-12, doi.: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2016.09.018.

2016

Rosenau, M., Leever, K., and Oncken, O. (2016): Experimental Tectonics: Convergent Plate Margins, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, doi.: 10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.09497-5.

Ritter, M., K. Leever, M. Rosenau, and O. Oncken (2016): Scaling the Sand Box - Mechanical (Dis-) Similarities of Granular Materials and Brittle Rock, J. Geophys. Res - Solid Earth, doi.: 10.1002/2016JB012915 >copy@GFZpublic

Haug, Ø.T., Rosenau, M., Leever, K. and Oncken, O. (2016): On the Energy Budgets of Fragmenting Rockfalls and Rockslides: Insights from Experiments, J. Geophys. Res. - Earth Surface, doi: 10.1002/2014JF003406 >copy@GFZpublic

Leever, K., and O. Oncken (2016), GeoMod 2014 – Modelling in geoscience, Tectonophysics, 684, 1-3, doi.: 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.06.034.

Díaz-Azpiroz, M., Brune, S., Leever, K., Fernández, C., Czeck, D. M. (2016): Tectonics of oblique plate boundary systems. Tectonophysics, doi.: 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.07.02.

*Zwaan, F., G. Schreurs, J. Naliboff, S.J.H. Buiter (2016): Insights into the effects of oblique extension on Continental rift interaction from 3D analogue and numerical models. Tectonophysics, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.02.036.

Schreurs, G. et al. (2016), Benchmarking analogue models of brittle thrust wedges, J. Struct. Geol., doi: 10.1016/j.jsg.2016.03.005.

Klinkmüller, M., G. Schreurs, M. Rosenau, and H. Kemnitz (2016), Properties of granular analogue materials: A community wide survey, Tectonophysics, 666, doi.: 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.01.017 >preprint@GFZpublic

Pipping, E., R. Kornhuber, M. Rosenau, O. Oncken (2016), On the efficient and reliable numerical solution of rate-and-state friction problems, Geophys. J. Int., 204 (3), 1858-1866, doi.: 10.1093/gji/ggv512 >copy@GFZpublic

Rudolf, M., D. Boutelier, M. Rosenau, et al. (2016), Rheological benchmark of silicone oils used for analog modeling of short- and long-term lithospheric deformation, Tectonophysics, 666, doi.: 10.1016/j.tecto.2015.11.028.

2015

Santimano, T., M. Rosenau, and O. Oncken (2015), Intrinsic versus extrinsic variability of analogue sand-box experiments - Insights from statistical analysis of repeated accretionary sand wedge experiments, Journal of Structural Geology, 75, 80-100, doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2015.03.008.

Di Giuseppe, E., F. Corbi, F. Funiciello, A. Massmeyer, T. N. Santimano, M. Rosenau, and A. Davaille (2015), Characterization of Carbopol hydrogel rheology for experimental tectonics and geodynamics, Tectonophysics, 642, 29-45, doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2014.12.005.

Li, S., M. Moreno, J. Bedford, M. Rosenau, and O. Oncken (2015), Revisiting viscoelastic effects on interseismic deformation and locking degree: A case study of the Peru-North Chile subduction zone, Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 120(6), 4522-4538, doi:10.1002/2015jb011903 >copy@GFZpublic

Warsitzka, M., Kley, J., and N. Kukowski (2015), Analogue experiments of salt flow and pillow growth due to basement faulting and differential loading, Solid Earth, 6, 9-31, doi: 10.5194/se-6-9-2015 (open access article)

2014

Haug, Ø.T., Rosenau, M., Leever, K. and Oncken, O., 2014. Modelling Fragmentation in Rock Avalanches. In: Landslide Science for a Safer Geoenvironment Volume 2: Methods of Landslide Studies, K. Sassa, P. Canuti, Y. Yin (eds.), Springer International Publishing, Cham, 93-100, doi.: 10.1007/978-3-319-05050-8_16.

Boutelier, D., O. Oncken, and A. R. Cruden (2014), Trench-parallel shortening in the forearc caused by subduction along a seaward-concave plate boundary: Insights from analogue modelling experiments, Tectonophysics, 611, 192-203, doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2013.11.028.

*Le Corvec, N., T. R. Walter, J. Ruch, A. Bonforte, and G. Puglisi (2014), Experimental study of the interplay between magmatic rift intrusion and flank instability with application to the 2001 Mount Etna eruption, Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 119(7), 5356-5368, doi:10.1002/2014jb011224.

*Kervyn, M., B. v. W. de Vries, T. R. Walter, M. S. Njome, C. E. Suh, and G. G. J. Ernst (2014), Directional flank spreading at Mount Cameroon volcano: Evidence from analogue modeling, Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 119(10), 7542-7563, doi:10.1002/2014jb011330.

Leever, K., O. Galland and V. Acocella (2014), The Science Behind Laboratory-Scale Models of the Earth, Eos Trans. AGU, 95(3), 30 doi: 10.1002/2014EO030008.

Li, S., M. Moreno, M. Rosenau, D. Melnick, and O. Oncken (2014), Splay fault triggering by great subduction earthquakes inferred from finite element models, Geophysical Research Letters, 41(2), 385-391, doi:10.1002/2013gl058598.

2013

Bedford, J., M. Moreno, J.C. Baez, D. Lange, F. Tilmann, M. Rosenau et al. (2013), A high-resolution, time-variable afterslip model for the 2010 Maule Mw = 8.8, Chile megathrust earthquake, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 383, p. 26-36, doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.09.020.

Boutelier, D., and A. Cruden (2013), Slab rollback rate and trench curvature controlled by arc deformation, Geology, 41(8), 911-914, doi:10.1130/g34338.1.

*Holohan, E. P., T. R. Walter, M. P. J. Schoepfer, J. J. Walsh, B. v. W. de Vries, and V. R. Troll (2013), Origins of oblique-slip faulting during caldera subsidence, Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 118(4), 1778-1794, doi:10.1002/jgrb.50057.

Krawczyk, C. M., M. L. Buddensiek, O. Oncken, and N. Kukowski (2013), Seismic imaging of sandbox experiments - laboratory hardware setup and first reflection seismic sections, Solid Earth, 4(1), 93-104, doi:10.5194/se-4-93-2013.