With her work on large-scale three-dimensional inversion of semi-airborne electromagnetic (sAEM) data, Dr Wiebke Mörbe has delivered an outstanding scientific achievement which, according to the DGG, sets benchmarks in methodology, data volume and scientific depth. At its core is the first complete 3D inversion of a very extensive sAEM dataset. The DGG also particularly highlighted that induced polarisation (IP) effects were convincingly estimated within the 3D inversion models—an essential aspect for reliably imaging graphite-rich units and demonstrating the potential of modern electromagnetic methods.

The award-winning work relates to the publication published in 2024:

MÖRBE, W., YOGESHWAR, P., TEZKAN, B., KOTOWSKI, P., THIEDE, A., STEUER, A., ROCHLITZ, R., GÜNTHER, T., BRAUCH, K. & BECKEN, M. (2024): Large-scale 3D inversion of semi-airborne electromagnetic data — Topography and induced polarization effects in a graphite exploration scenario. - Geophysics, 89(5): B339-B352. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2023-0471.1

The work was carried out as part of the DESMEX II project during Dr Wiebke Mörbe’s postdoctoral period at the University of Cologne. The project already involved collaboration with the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics.

From field campaign to validation

The study combines field measurements, modelling, inversion methodology and geological interpretation, and was applied to the Kropfmühl graphite deposit. According to Dr Wiebke Mörbe, she was involved in all stages—from preliminary investigations and the first field campaigns, to adapting inversion workflows, through to comprehensive analysis and validation of the results. The DGG recognised not only the technical originality and scientific excellence of the work, but also its clarity, transparency and careful validation.

Relevance: graphite in Germany and the energy transition

The DGG particularly emphasised the application-oriented relevance to graphite exploration in Germany and thus to securing critical raw materials in the context of the energy transition. In this way, the award-winning work links methodological progress with societal relevance.

Future goals: method development and groundwater exploration

The scientist’s future goals include:

• Further development of the sAEM methodology, for example UAV-based sAEM, which was also applied to the Kropfmühl graphite deposit in 2023. This work has resulted in another publication in the journal Geophysics in January 2026.

• Application to groundwater exploration, including within the SeeKaquA project (funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)), which focuses on exploring deep aquifers in southern Africa.

Initial results and the UAV equipped with the measurement system will be on display, among other places, at IFAT Munich 2026 from 4 May.