Many phenomena in Earth system dynamics are complex in the sense that they emerge from nonlinear interactions of large numbers of processes across wide ranges of temporal and spatial scales. Modelling such phenomena on the basis of the underlying fundamental physical laws poses serious challenges, in particular in situations of strongly nonlinear behavior that may lead to abrupt state transitions, or if one is interested in the characteristics of extreme events.
In this Future Lab, hosted by PIK’s Research Department 4, we explore mathematical techniques to investigate and model complex Earth system processes with a strong focus on combining process-based with Machine Learning approaches.
Associated Projects
Past to Future - Towards fully paleo-informed future climate projections (P2F)
2025-2028
Funded by EU, Horizon Europe
Coordination: Niklas Boers
ClimTip - Uncertainty-aware quantification of climate tipping potential and climatic, ecological, and socioeconomic impacts
2024-2028
Funded by EU, Horizon Europe
Contact: Niklas Boers
CriticalEarth - Multiscales and Critical Transitions in the Earth System
2021-2024
Funded by EU, H2020
Contact: Niklas Boers
Predicting abrupt transitions and extremes in the Earth system
2019-2026
Funded by Volkswagen Foundation
Contact: Niklas Boers
Contact
If you are interested in carrying out a BSc, MSc, or PhD project with us, please contact us to discuss possible topics.