Chair for Geophysics
Prof. Hans-Peter Bunge
Professor
Assistant
Administrative assistant to the chair of Geophysics
Welcome message from the chair
Geophysics focuses on the structure and dynamics of the Earth, comparisons with Earth-like planets, geomaterials, resources, and hazards caused by seismic activity. Advances in remote sensing (satellites, seismic/magnetic techniques) and their integration into complex geomodels on supercomputers are currently accelerating the pace of discovery in geophysics, comparable to the "golden age" of the 1960s.
Munich geophysics is excellently positioned in this field both nationally and internationally. Research focuses on remote sensing and sophisticated geosimulations on high-performance computers. The Munich Earth Observatory (MEO) and close cooperation with the geodesy department at the Technical University of Munich offer unique access to seismic, magnetic, and geodetic data. A powerful Beowulf cluster and the resources of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre create an internationally leading research environment. Munich's location as a high-tech centre near the Alps also offers an attractive research environment.
History of geophysics in Munich
1836
Foundation stone of geophysics in Munich
Inspired by Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Friedrich Gauss, Johann von Lamont, then director of the observatory of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences, began observing the Earth's magnetic field (declination and horizontal intensity) in Munich—initially sporadically, then regularly from 1840 onwards.
1896
Establishment of a geomagnetic observatory
Previously part of the observatory, the geomagnetic observatory became independent in 1896. Seismic observations began in 1905.
1927
Relocation of the observatory to Maisach
Increasing industrialization and the resulting disruption to measurements made it necessary to relocate the observatory to Maisach.
1937
Relocation of the observatory to its current location in Fürstenfeldbruck
Further relocation of the observatory to Ludwigshöhe near Fürstenfeldbruck.
1938
Observatory becomes part of Ludwig Maximilian University
The Bavarian Academy of Sciences transfers the observatory to Ludwig Maximilian University.
1948
Foundation of the Institute for Applied Geophysics
The Institute for Applied Geophysics at LMU was founded in 1948. The first chair holder was Prof. Dr. Hermann Reich.
1950
Relocation of the Institute for Applied Geophysics
Verify year In its early days, the institute was housed in the library wing of the Deutsches Museum and later moved to the former building of the Academy of Applied Arts at Richard-Wagner-Straße 10 (until 1971).
1957
Gustav Angenheister is the new chair holder
Prof. Dr. Gustav Angenheister was appointed to the Chair of Applied Geophysics in 1957.
1985
Heinrich Soffel is the new chair holder
His successor from 1985 to 2002 was Prof. Dr. Heinrich Soffel.
1990
Move to Theresienstrasse
Verify year Today, the Geophysics Department is located at Theresienstraße 41, in the immediate vicinity of the Pinakotheken art museums. In addition to the observatory in Fürstenfeldbruck, since 1984 it has included the Laboratory for Rock and Paleomagnetism in Niederlippach near Landshut and a laboratory for rock magnetism in Garching.
2002
Establishment of the Department of Geosciences and Environmental Sciences
In 2002, the Institute of Geophysics merged with the Institutes of Mineralogy, Crystallography, Geology, Paleontology, and Geography to form the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, one of the largest university research and teaching institutions in the geosciences in Germany.
2003
New chair holder
Hans-Peter Bunge takes over the Chair of Geophysics. Learn more