The research is concerned with the development and application of seismic, gravimetric and magnetic methods as well as the complementary integration of structural geological analyses in order to achieve the best possible exploration results. Current applications are geohazards, for example active fault systems and ground subsidence due to subrosion/karst, georeservoirs, currently the development of utilization concepts for geothermal energy, natural hydrogen and the search for a final storage site, and groundwater in the sense of improved exploration of hydrogeologically relevant structures.

The working group uses various modern methods to investigate the geological subsurface:

• Shear wave and multi-component reflection seismics enable detailed insights into the elastic parameters of the subsurface by “sounding” the subsurface using elastic waves and provide a high-resolution image of the geological structures. Seismic sources and measurement technology developed in-house, such as the patented electrodynamic micro-vibrator (ELVIS), are also used.
   
• Gravimetry and magnetics use anomalies in the Earth's gravitational field and magnetic field to explore tectonic and geological structures, but increasingly also to gain a better understanding of underground processes. Traditional magnetometers and gravimeters are used for this purpose, as well as innovative devices such as a quantum gravimeter.
   
• Strukturanalysen & Deformationsmodellierungen mittels numerischer und analoger Verfahren nutzen insbesondere die aus der Reflexionsseismik und aus Bohrungen gewonnen strukturellen Informationen wie interpretierte Horizonte und Störungen, um die Deformationsgeschichte eines Gebietes abzuleiten.
   
• Geophysikalische Modellierungs- und Inversionsverfahren kombinieren anschließend die geophysikalischen und geologischen Daten, um eine detaillierte Rekonstruktion geologischer Strukturen und Prozesse zu ermöglichen.