Simon Schorn, PhD
A. v. Humboldt Fellow

Metamorphic Processes | Institute of Geosciences
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz
J.-J.-Becher-Weg 21
D-55128 Mainz

email: schorsim@uni-mainz.de
phone: +43 677 640 20351

I am an Earth Scientist focussing on metamorphic processes and their role in crustal evolution. My research combines field observations, petrography, experimental petrology, thermodynamics and numerical modelling to develop physically consistent, quantitative descriptions of geological processes.

Central to my work is the formulation and testing of assumptions that link mineral-scale processes to large-scale tectonic and thermal evolution. I am particularly interested in how energy, mass, and chemical components are transferred and transported through processes such as diffusion, phase reactions, melt and fluid production, and transport.

Using tools such as thermal and chemical diffusion modelling, reaction kinetics, and coupled thermo-mechanical simulations, I aim to quantify process rates, timescales and feedbacks. This includes exploring how endothermic and exothermic reactions influence thermally activated processes, mineral zoning patterns, and thermochronological records.

My work seeks to bridge disciplines and scales, connecting microscopic observations to crustal-scale geodynamics such as subduction, exhumation, densification, porosity-formation, and crustal differentiation. For details on my research, click here.

Geology & Research – my passion

Geology is the study of Earth’s structure, composition, and evolution, while metamorphic processes are a key component in understanding the dynamic nature of the planet’s interior. Metamorphism occurs when existing rocks are subjected to changes in temperature, pressure, and chemically active fluids, leading to mineralogical and textural transformations. These processes provide crucial insights into tectonic environments, crustal evolution, and the conditions deep within the Earth.

Beyond their geological significance, metamorphic processes have direct societal, industrial, and energy-transition relevance. They control the formation and localization of critical raw materials such as rare earth elements, lithium, and base metals, influence geohazards in active mountain belts, and provide key insights into material behaviour at extreme temperature–pressure conditions. Fluid/gas–rock interactions play a fundamental role not only in ore formation and emerging resources such as natural hydrogen, but also in subsurface carbon capture, utilisation, and storage. Understanding metamorphism therefore supports the reconstruction of Earth’s history, resource exploration, the energy transition, hazard assessment, and industrial-technical applications.