Research Group Organic Geochemistry

We study organic compounds from plants, animals and microbes in the marine environment. These so called biomarkers harbor information on communities of organisms and processes in ecosystems and are preserved as molecular fossils on geologic timescales. With our research, we decode this information in order to advance our understanding of the interactions between the geosphere and the biosphere. To accomplish these interdisciplinary goals, our team members bundle complementary expertises in geosciences, chemistry and biology.

Studied Materials
• Sediments and seawater samples as archives of information on paleoenvironmental conditions and biogeochemical processes
• Sediments and rocks from the deep sub-seafloor biosphere, methane seeps and hydrothermal vents to study microbially mediated processes under extreme conditions

Methods

Ultra trace analysis of complex mixtures of organic molecules: gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to quantify biomarkers, determine molecular structures and compound-specific stable isotopic ratios; specific extraction and separation techniques

Ultra high-resolution imaging of intact sediment cores: from density and structure, distributions of elements and molecular biomarkers to a depth. profile of temperature proxies.
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Head
Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Hinrichs

1994 Diploma Degree: Major in Chemistry; Thesis in Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Germany; 1997 Ph.D. thesis in Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Employments:
1997 Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Germany
1997-2002 Department of Geology and Geophysics,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA, USA

Professor at the University of Bremen since 2002

Fields of research:
Biogeochemistry, Organic Geochemistry, Biomarker Research, Geobiology, Microbial Ecology, Paleoenvironmental Research

Tel. +49 421 218 - 65700
khinrichs@uni-bremen.de

Marum - Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften
der Universität Bremen
MARUM1 building / room nr. 2600
Leobener Straße
28359 Bremen

Yvonne von Klenze

Tel.: +49 421 218 - 65701

yklenze@marum.de


Marum - Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften
der Universität Bremen
MARUM1 building / room nr. 2580
Leobener Straße
28359 Bremen

Head Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Hinrichs

Marum - Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften
der Universität Bremen
Leobener Straße
28359 Bremen
Tel. +49 421 218 - 65700
khinrichs@uni-bremen.de

Secretariat

Yvonne von Klenze

Tel.: +49 421 218 - 65701

yklenze@marum.de


Marum - Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften
der Universität Bremen
MARUM1 building / room nr. 2580
Leobener Straße 28359 Bremen

Curriculum Vitae

1994 Diploma Degree: Major in Chemistry; Thesis in Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Germany; 1997 Ph.D. thesis in Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Employments:
1997 Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Germany
1997-2002 Department of Geology and Geophysics,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA, USA

Professor at the University of Bremen since 2002

Fields of research:
Biogeochemistry, Organic Geochemistry, Biomarker Research, Geobiology, Microbial Ecology, Paleoenvironmental Research