Gypsum desert and atmospheric deposition (C04)

• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268236062

Primary gypsum and secondary anhydrite are the major mineral components in Atacama Desert surface soil. Although both are Ca-sulfates, their phyical and mineralogical properties - e.g. volume - change dramatically during the transition. This affects a number of local geomorphologic processes according to field observations. There is also a distinct spatial distribution pattern on the regional scale which suggests - at least partially - an environmental control or feedback. We seek to investigate the complex mechanisms and processes along with the yet unknown chemical environment governing that mineral transformation. To unravel controls on landscape formation, and identify environmental feedbacks, we apply a holistic approach of studies across the whole spatial scale from atomistic to landscape dimensions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1211: Earth - Evolution at the Dry Limit
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Petra Becker-Bohatý, until 6/2020; Professor Dr. Tibor J. Dunai, until 6/2020; Professor Dr. Sandro Jahn; Dr. Christoph Lenting, since 7/2020; Professor Dr. Carsten Münker, since 7/2020; Dr. Benedikt Ritter; Professor Dr. Michael Staubwasser