Research Interests

As one of the main developers of the ASPECT modelling software I am particularly interested in all forms of progress in sustainable scientific software development in geodynamics. This includes many topics, but in particular:

1. Investigating new numerical and modeling  techniques in geodynamics, e.g. what influence do our approximations in the equations have on results? Which numerical techniques do we need to utilize upcoming larger and more heterogeneous computer architectures?
2. Extending our modeling capabilities to systems previously thought to be too complex or expensive to investigate. This in particular includes questions that require multidisciplinary approaches. Examples are predicting and observing grain size evolution in the mantle; two-phase flow calculations in large-scale models; integrating plate-reconstructions, global mantle flow, and plume-lithosphere interactions to explain topography and evolution of ocean island chains.
3.  Maintaining community software projects that are both state of the art and easy to learn, to make geodynamic modeling a tool that is as useful and accessible as possible. This also includes providing technical support to other users, helping to create a welcoming and supporting community, and spreading the word about best software development practices to as many scientists as possible.

Selected Publications

Dannberg, J., & Gassmöller, R. (2018). Chemical trends in ocean islands explained by plume–slab interaction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 201714125, doi:10.1073/pnas.1714125115

Timo Heister, Juliane Dannberg, Rene Gassmöller, Wolfgang Bangerth (2017). High accuracy mantle convection simulation through modern numerical methods – II: realistic models and problems, Geophysical Journal International, Volume 210, Issue 2, 1 August 2017, Pages 833–851, doi:10.1093/gji/ggx195

Dannberg, J., Eilon, Z., Faul, U., Gassmöller, R., Moulik, P., & Myhill, R. (2017). The importance of grain size to mantle dynamics and seismological observations. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. doi:10.1002/2017GC006944.

Gassmöller, R., J. Dannberg, E. Bredow, B. Steinberger, and T. H. Torsvik (2016). Major influence of plume‐ridge interaction, lithosphere thickness variations, and global mantle flow on hotspot volcanism—The example of Tristan, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 17, 1454–1479, doi:10.1002/2015GC006177. 

last updated 2018-04-23