Articles | Volume 12, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-559-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-559-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Physical modeling of ice-sheet-induced salt movements using the example of northern Germany
Department of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
Tim P. Dooley
Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
Michael R. Hudec
Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
Related authors
Inge Wiekenkamp, Valby van Schijndel, Jacob Hardt, Jonas Kuppler, Ramesh Glückler, Izabella Baisheva, Patricio Yeste, Paul Einhäupl, Maria Rosa Scicchitano, and Simeon Lisovski
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1858, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1858, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscience Communication (GC).
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted a survey on the topic of “interdisciplinarity” among early-career researchers in order to learn about their experiences. There are very different views on what interdisciplinarity means and many positive aspects are cited that enhance research, but there are also a few obstacles when it comes to communication, time management, and publication. It is precisely these obstacles that should be given greater consideration in education and research funding.
Jacob Hardt, Nadav Nir, Christopher Lüthgens, Thomas M. Menn, and Brigitta Schütt
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 72, 37–55, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-37-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-37-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the archaeological sites Hawelti–Melazo and the surroundings. We performed sedimentological analyses, as well as direct (luminescence) and indirect (radiocarbon) sediment dating, to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental conditions, which we integrated into the wider context of Tigray.
Christopher Lüthgens and Jacob Hardt
DEUQUA Spec. Pub., 4, 29–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-29-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-29-2022, 2022
Inge Wiekenkamp, Valby van Schijndel, Jacob Hardt, Jonas Kuppler, Ramesh Glückler, Izabella Baisheva, Patricio Yeste, Paul Einhäupl, Maria Rosa Scicchitano, and Simeon Lisovski
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1858, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1858, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscience Communication (GC).
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted a survey on the topic of “interdisciplinarity” among early-career researchers in order to learn about their experiences. There are very different views on what interdisciplinarity means and many positive aspects are cited that enhance research, but there are also a few obstacles when it comes to communication, time management, and publication. It is precisely these obstacles that should be given greater consideration in education and research funding.
Jacob Hardt, Nadav Nir, Christopher Lüthgens, Thomas M. Menn, and Brigitta Schütt
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 72, 37–55, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-37-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-37-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the archaeological sites Hawelti–Melazo and the surroundings. We performed sedimentological analyses, as well as direct (luminescence) and indirect (radiocarbon) sediment dating, to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental conditions, which we integrated into the wider context of Tigray.
Christopher Lüthgens and Jacob Hardt
DEUQUA Spec. Pub., 4, 29–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-29-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-29-2022, 2022
Cited articles
Adam, J., Urai, J. L., Wieneke, B., Oncken, O., Pfeiffer, K., Kukowski, N., Lohrmann, J., Hoth, S., van der Zee, W., and Schmatz, J.: Shear localisation and strain distribution during tectonic faulting – new insights from granular-flow experiments and high-resolution optical image correlation techniques, J. Struct. Geol., 27, 283–301, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2004.08.008, 2005.
Adams, J.: Postglacial faulting in eastern Canada: nature, origin and seismic hazard implications, Tectonophysics, 163, 323–331, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(89)90267-9, 1989.
Amberg, S., Sachse, V., Littke, R., and Back, S.: Influence of Quaternary glaciations on subsurface temperatures, pore pressures, rock properties and petroleum systems in the onshore northeastern Netherlands, Neth. J. Geosci., 101, e10, https://doi.org/10.1017/njg.2022.6, 2022.
BGE: Summary: Sub-areas Interim Report according to Section 13 StandAG; As per 28/09/2020; Ref.: SG01101/16-1/2-2020#30 – Object ID: 830270 – Revision: 000, Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (federal company for radioactive waste disposal) Peine, https://www.bge.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Standortsuche/Wesentliche_Unterlagen/Zwischenbericht_Teilgebiete/Zwischenbericht_Teilgebiete_-_Englische_Fassung_barrierefrei.pdf (last access: 25 April 2024), 2020.
Böse, M.: Methodisch-stratigraphische Studien und paläomorphologische Untersuchungen zum Pleistozän südlich der Ostsee, Zugl. Berlin, Freie Univ., Habil.-Schr., 1989, Ill. graph. Darst., Kt., Selbstverl. des Inst. für Phys. Geographie der Freien Univ. Berlin, Berlin, 114 pp., https://doi.org/10.23689/fidgeo-3198, 1989.
Brandes, C., Steffen, H., Steffen, R., and Wu, P.: Intraplate seismicity in northern Central Europe is induced by the last glaciation, Geology, 43, 611–614, https://doi.org/10.1130/G36710.1, 2015.
Brandes, C., Steffen, H., Sandersen, P. B. E., Wu, P., and Winsemann, J.: Glacially induced faulting along the NW segment of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, northern Denmark: Implications for neotectonics and Lateglacial fault-bound basin formation, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 189, 149–168, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2018.03.036, 2018.
Brooks, G. R. and Adams, J.: A review of evidence of glacially-induced faulting and seismic shaking in eastern Canada, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 228, 106070, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.106070, 2020.
Bungum, H. and Eldholm, O.: The conundrums of the postglacial tectonic response of the Fennoscandian and Canadian Shields, Earth-Sci. Rev., 232, 104146, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.104146, 2022.
Daniilidis, A. and Herber, R.: Salt intrusions providing a new geothermal exploration target for higher energy recovery at shallower depths, Energy, 118, 658–670, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.10.094, 2017.
Dooley, T. P. and Schreurs, G.: Analogue modelling of intraplate strike-slip tectonics: A review and new experimental results, Tectonophysics, 574–575, 1–71, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.05.030, 2012.
Dooley, T. P., Jackson, M. P. A., and Hudec, M. R.: Initiation and growth of salt-based thrust belts on passive margins: results from physical models, Basin Res., 19, 165–177, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2007.00317.x, 2007.
Dooley, T. P., Jackson, M. P. A., and Hudec, M. R.: Inflation and deflation of deeply buried salt stocks during lateral shortening, J. Struct. Geol., 31, 582–600, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2009.03.013, 2009.
Dooley, T. P., Jackson, M. P. A., and Hudec, M. R.: Breakout of squeezed stocks: dispersal of roof fragments, source of extrusive salt and interaction with regional thrust faults, Basin Res., 27, 3–25, https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12056, 2015.
Duffy, O., Hudec, M., Peel, F., Apps, G., Bump, A., Moscardelli, L., Dooley, T., Fernandez, N., Bhattacharya, S., Wisian, K., and Shuster, M.: The Role of Salt Tectonics in the Energy Transition: An Overview and Future Challenges, Tektonika, 1, 18–48, https://doi.org/10.55575/tektonika2023.1.1.11, 2023.
Duffy, O. B., Dooley, T. P., Hudec, M. R., Jackson, M. P. A., Fernandez, N., Jackson, C. A. L., and Soto, J. I.: Structural evolution of salt-influenced fold-and-thrust belts: A synthesis and new insights from basins containing isolated salt diapirs, J. Struct. Geol., 114, 206–221, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2018.06.024, 2018.
Fischer, U. H., Bebiolka, A., Brandefelt, J., Follin, S., Hirschorn, S., Jensen, M., Keller, S., Kennell, L., Näslund, J.-O., Normani, S., Selroos, J.-O., and Vidstrand, P.: Chapter 11 - Radioactive Waste Under Conditions of Future Ice Ages, in: Snow and Ice-Related Hazards, Risks, and Disasters, edited by: Shroder, J. F., Haeberli, W., and Whiteman, C., Academic Press, Boston, 345–393, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394849-6.00011-1, 2015.
Frick, M., Cacace, M., Klemann, V., Tarasov, L., and Scheck-Wenderoth, M.: Hydrogeologic and Thermal Effects of Glaciations on the Intracontinental Basins in Central and Northern Europe, Front. Water, 4, 818469, https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2022.818469, 2022.
GeoBasis-DE/LGB: Digital Terrain Model 1 of Brandenburg, dl-de/by-2-0, https://data.geobasis-bb.de/geobasis/daten/dgm/ (last access: 25 April 2024), 2020.
Gripp, K.: Inlandeis und Salzaufstieg, Geol. Rundschau, 40, 74–81, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01803212, 1952.
Hardt, J. and Böse, M.: The timing of the Weichselian Pomeranian ice marginal position south of the Baltic Sea: A critical review of morphological and geochronological results, Quatern. Int., 478, 51–58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2016.07.044, 2016.
Hardt, J., Lüthgens, C., Hebenstreit, R., and Böse, M.: Geochronological (OSL) and geomorphological investigations at the presumed Frankfurt ice marginal position in northeast Germany, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 154, 85–99, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2016.10.015, 2016.
Hardt, J., Norden, B., Bauer, K., Toelle, O., and Krambach, J.: Surface cracks – geomorphological indicators for late Quaternary halotectonic movements in Northern Germany, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 46, 2963–2983, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5226, 2021.
Hardt, J., Dooley, T. P., and Hudec, M. R.: Supplemental videos of the paper “Physical modeling of ice-sheet-induced salt movements using the example of northern Germany”, TIB-AV PORTAL [video supplement], https://doi.org/10.5446/63073, 2023.
Hudec, M. R. and Jackson, M. P. A.: Terra infirma: Understanding salt tectonics, Earth-Sci. Rev., 82, 1–28, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2007.01.001, 2007.
Hughes, A. L. C., Gyllencreutz, R., Lohne, Ø. S., Mangerud, J., and Svendsen, J. I.: The last Eurasian ice sheets – a chronological database and time-slice reconstruction, DATED-1, Boreas, 45, 1–45, https://doi.org/10.1111/bor.12142, 2016.
InSpEE: Salt structures in Northern Germany, https://services.bgr.de/geologie/inspee_salzstrukturen (last access: 25 April 2024), 2015.
Jackson, M. P. A. and Hudec, M. R. (Eds.): Evaporite Deposition and Flow, in: Salt Tectonics: Principles and Practice, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1–60, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139003988.002, 2017a.
Jackson, M. P. A. and Hudec, M. R. (Eds.): Salt Stocks and Salt Walls, in: Salt Tectonics: Principles and Practice, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 76–118, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139003988.008, 2017b.
Jarvis, A., Reuter, H. I., Nelson, A., and Guevara, E.: Hole-filled seamless SRTM data V4, CIAT – International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org (last access: 25 April 2024), 2008.
Künze, N., Koroleva, M., and Reuther, C. D.: Soil gas 222Rn concentration in northern Germany and its relationship with geological subsurface structures, J. Environ. Radioactiv., 115, 83–96, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.07.009, 2013.
Lambeck, K., Rouby, H., Purcell, A., Sun, Y., and Sambridge, M.: Sea level and global ice volumes from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene, P. Natla. Acad. Sci. USA, 111, 15296–15303, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1411762111, 2014.
Lang, J. and Hampel, A.: Deformation of salt structures by ice-sheet loading: insights into the controlling parameters from numerical modelling, Int. J. Earth Sci., 112, 1133–1155, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-023-02295-5, 2023.
Lang, J., Hampel, A., Brandes, C., and Winsemann, J.: Response of salt structures to ice-sheet loading: implications for ice-marginal and subglacial processes, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 101, 217–233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2014.07.022, 2014.
Lankof, L., Urbańczyk, K., and Tarkowski, R.: Assessment of the potential for underground hydrogen storage in salt domes, Renew. Sustain. Energ. Rev., 160, 112309, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112309, 2022.
Liedtke, H.: Die nordischen Vereisungen in Mitteleuropa, Forschungen z. dt. Landeskunde 204, Trier, ISBN 3881430202, 1981.
Liszkowski, J.: The effects of Pleistocene ice-sheet loading-deloading cycles on the bedrock structure of Poland, Folia Quaternaria, 64, 7–23, 1993.
Ludwig, A. O. and Stackebrandt, W.: Neotektonisches Bewegungsverhalten, Atlas zur Geologie von Brandenburg, 68–69, https://lbgr.brandenburg.de/sixcms/media.php/9/4_Geoatlas_1-69.pdf (last access: 25 April 2024), 2010.
Lüthgens, C. and Hardt, J.: Ice dynamics in the SW sector of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) – a fresh perspective from the classical area of the Weichselian glaciation in northern Brandenburg, DEUQUA Spec. Pub., 4, 29–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-29-2022, 2022.
Lüthgens, C., Hardt, J., and Böse, M.: Proposing a new conceptual model for the reconstruction of ice dynamics in the SW sector of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) based on the reinterpretation of published data and new evidence from optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 69, 201–223, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-69-201-2020, 2020.
Moeck, I. S.: Catalog of geothermal play types based on geologic controls, Renew. Sustain. Energ. Rev., 37, 867–882, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.032, 2014.
Müller, K., Winsemann, J., Tanner, D. C., Lege, T., Spies, T., and Brandes, C.: Glacially Induced Faults in Germany, in: Glacially-Triggered Faulting, edited by: Steffen, H., Olesen, O., and Sutinen, R., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 283–303, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108779906.021, 2021.
Reber, J. E., Cooke, M. L., and Dooley, T. P.: What model material to use? A Review on rock analogs for structural geology and tectonics, Earth-Sci. Rev., 202, 103107, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103107, 2020.
Reicherter, K., Kaiser, A., and Stackebrandt, W.: The post-glacial landscape evolution of the North German Basin: morphology, neotectonics and crustal deformation, Int. J. Earth Sci., 94, 1083–1093, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-005-0007-0, 2005.
Sandersen, P. B. E. and Jørgensen, F.: Tectonic impact on Pleistocene and Holocene erosional patterns in a formerly glaciated intra-plate area, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 293, 107681, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2022.107681, 2022.
Scheck, M., Bayer, U., and Lewerenz, B.: Salt movements in the Northeast German Basin and its relation to major post-Permian tectonic phases – results from 3D structural modelling, backstripping and reflection seismic data, Tectonophysics, 361, 277–299, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1951(02)00650-9, 2003.
Scheck-Wenderoth, M., Maystrenko, Y., Hübscher, C., Hansen, M., and Mazur, S.: Dynamics of salt basins, in: Dynamics of complex intracontinental basins: The Central European Basin System, edited by: Littke, R., Bayer, U., Gajewski, D., and Nelskamp, S., Springer, 307–322, ISBN 978-3-540-85085-4, 2008.
Schirrmeister, L.: Die Positionen weichselzeitlicher Eisrandlagen in Norddeutschland und ihr Bezug zu unterlagernden Salzstrukturen, Z. Geol. Wissensch., 27, 111–120, 1998.
Sirocko, F., Szeder, T., Seelos, C., Lehne, R., Rein, B., Schneider, W. M., and Dimke, M.: Young tectonic and halokinetic movements in the North-German-Basin: its effect on formation of modern rivers and surface morphology, Neth. J. Geosci. – Geologie en Mijnbouw, 81, 431–441, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600022708, 2002.
Sirocko, F., Reicherter, K., Lehné, R., Huebscher, C., Winsemann, J., and Stackebrandt, W.: Glaciation, salt and the present landscape, in: Dynamics of Complex Intracontinental Basins, edited by: Littke, R., Bayer, U., Gajewski, D., and Nelskamp, S., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 233–246, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-85085-4_4, 2008.
Spada, G.: Glacial Isostatic Adjustment and Contemporary Sea Level Rise: An Overview, Surv. Geophys., 38, 153–185, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-016-9379-x, 2017.
Stackebrandt, W.: Neotektonische Aktivitätsgebiete in Brandenburg (Norddeutschland), Brandenburgische Geowissenschaftliche Beiträge, 1–2, 165–172, 2005.
Stackebrandt, W. and Beer, H.: Salztektonik Halokinese, in: Geologie von Brandenburg, edited by: Stackebrandt, W. and Franke, D., E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, 472–479, ISBN 978-3-510-65295-2, 2015.
Steffen, H., Olesen, O., and Sutinen, R.: Introduction, in: Glacially-Triggered Faulting, edited by: Steffen, H., Olesen, O., and Sutinen, R., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1–40, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108779906.002, 2021.
Steffen, R., Wu, P., Steffen, H., and Eaton, D. W.: The effect of earth rheology and ice-sheet size on fault slip and magnitude of postglacial earthquakes, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 388, 71–80, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.11.058, 2014.
Štěpančíková, P., Rockwell, T. K., Stemberk, J., Rhodes, E. J., Hartvich, F., Luttrell, K., Myers, M., Tábořík, P., Rood, D. H., Wechsler, N., Nývlt, D., Ortuño, M., and Hók, J.: Acceleration of Late Pleistocene activity of a Central European fault driven by ice loading, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 591, 117596, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117596, 2022.
Stewart, I. S., Sauber, J., and Rose, J.: Glacio-seismotectonics: ice sheets, crustal deformation and seismicity, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 19, 1367–1389, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-3791(00)00094-9, 2000.
Strozyk, F., Reuning, L., Scheck-Wenderoth, M., and Tanner, D. C.: Chapter 10 – The Tectonic History of the Zechstein Basin in the Netherlands and Germany, in: Permo-Triassic Salt Provinces of Europe, North Africa and the Atlantic Margins, edited by: Soto, J. I., Flinch, J. F., and Tari, G., Elsevier, 221–241, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809417-4.00011-2, 2017.
Wagner, B. H. and Jackson, M. P. A.: Viscous flow during salt welding, Tectonophysics, 510, 309–326, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2011.07.012, 2011.
Warren, J. K.: Flowing Salt: Halokinesis, in: Evaporites: A Geological Compendium, Springer International Publishing, Cham, 491–612, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13512-0_6, 2016.
Warren, J. K., Urai, J. L., Schléder, Z., Spiers, C. J., Kukla, P. A., Mohr, M., Scheck-Wenderoth, M., Maystrenko, Y., Hübscher, C., Hansen, M., Mazur, S., Magri, F., Littke, R., Rodon, S., and Bayer, U.: Salt Dynamics, in: Dynamics of Complex Intracontinental Basins: The Central European Basin System, edited by: Littke, R., Bayer, U., Gajewski, D., and Nelskamp, S., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 248–344, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-85085-4_5, 2008.
Warsitzka, M., Jähne-Klingberg, F., Kley, J., and Kukowski, N.: The timing of salt structure growth in the Southern Permian Basin (Central Europe) and implications for basin dynamics, Basin Res., 31, 337–360, https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12323, 2019.
White, W. A.: Displacement of salt by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, Quatern. Res., 38, 305–315, https://doi.org/10.1016/0033-5894(92)90040-P, 1992.
Zhang, Q., Alves, T. M., and Martins-Ferreira, M. A. C.: Fault analysis of a salt minibasin offshore Espírito Santo, SE Brazil: Implications for fluid flow, carbon and energy storage in regions dominated by salt tectonics, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 143, 105805, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105805, 2022.
Zhang, X., Liu, W., Chen, J., Jiang, D., Fan, J., Daemen, J. J. K., and Qiao, W.: Large-scale CO2 disposal/storage in bedded rock salt caverns of China: An evaluation of safety and suitability, Energy, 249, 123727, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.123727, 2022.
Short summary
We investigate the reaction of salt structures on ice sheet transgressions. We used a series of sandbox models that enabled us to experiment with scaled-down versions of salt bodies from northern Germany. The strongest reactions occurred when large salt pillows were partly covered by the ice load. Subsurface salt structures may play an important role in the energy transition, e.g., as energy storage. Thus, it is important to understand all processes that affect their stability.
We investigate the reaction of salt structures on ice sheet transgressions. We used a series of...