Articles | Volume 17, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-179-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-179-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
30 Jan 2026
Research article |
| 30 Jan 2026
| 30 Jan 2026
Spatial influence of fault-related stress perturbations in northern Switzerland
Lalit Sai Aditya Reddy Velagala
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Oliver Heidbach
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute for Applied Geosciences, Technische Universität Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Moritz Ziegler
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Professorship of Geothermal Technologies, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
Karsten Reiter
Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Mojtaba Rajabi
School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia
Andreas Henk
Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Silvio B. Giger
National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste, 5430 Wettingen, Switzerland
Tobias Hergert
Institute of Applied Geosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Steffen Ahlers and Andreas Henk
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 585–596, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-585-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-585-2026, 2026
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The paper presents a 3D geological underground model of Germany and some neighboring countries, combining 27 individual models. The model contains 146 units and is provided as a point dataset with a resolution of 1x1 km². This enables the creation of, e.g., 3D finite element models in a very short amount of time. A comprehensive supplement and 157 figures documents the results and assumptions.
Antonio Olaiz, José A. Álvarez Gómez, Gerardo de Vicente, Alfonso Muñoz-Martín, Juan V. Cantavella, Susana Custódio, Dina Vales, and Oliver Heidbach
Solid Earth, 16, 947–1024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-947-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-947-2025, 2025
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Understanding the stress and strain conditions in the Earth's crust is crucial for various activities, such as oil and gas exploration and assessing seismic hazards. In this article, we have updated the database of moment tensor focal mechanisms for Greater Iberia. We conducted kinematic and dynamic analyses on the selected populations, determining the average focal mechanism, strain and stress orientations, and tectonic regime. The orientation for horizontal compression is primarily N154° E.
Denise Degen, Moritz Ziegler, Oliver Heidbach, Andreas Henk, Karsten Reiter, and Florian Wellmann
Solid Earth, 16, 477–502, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-477-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-477-2025, 2025
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Obtaining reliable estimates of the subsurface state distributions is essential to determine the location of, e.g., potential nuclear waste disposal sites. However, providing these is challenging since it requires solving the problem numerous times, yielding high computational cost. To overcome this, we use a physics-based machine learning method to construct surrogate models. We demonstrate how it produces physics-preserving predictions, which differentiates it from purely data-driven approaches.
Sarah Diekmeier, Karsten Reiter, Andreas Henk, and Colin Friebe
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-489, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-489, 2025
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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The study explores the potential for storing carbon-rich products in Germany to support climate goals. Using geological data, we identified old mining sites suitable for storing products like graphite and oxalate from negative emissions technologies. Results show significant storage potential, both above and below ground, offering a sustainable solution. By reusing existing mining areas, Germany can advance towards carbon neutrality, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Moritz O. Ziegler, Robin Seithel, Thomas Niederhuber, Oliver Heidbach, Thomas Kohl, Birgit Müller, Mojtaba Rajabi, Karsten Reiter, and Luisa Röckel
Solid Earth, 15, 1047–1063, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1047-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1047-2024, 2024
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The rotation of the principal stress axes in a fault structure because of a rock stiffness contrast has been investigated for the impact of the ratio of principal stresses, the angle between principal stress axes and fault strike, and the ratio of the rock stiffness contrast. A generic 2D geomechanical model is employed for the systematic investigation of the parameter space.
Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, and Moritz O. Ziegler
Solid Earth, 15, 305–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-305-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-305-2024, 2024
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It is generally assumed that faults have an influence on the stress state of the Earth’s crust. It is questionable whether this influence is still present far away from a fault. Simple numerical models were used to investigate the extent of the influence of faults on the stress state. Several models with different fault representations were investigated. The stress fluctuations further away from the fault (> 1 km) are very small.
Oliver Heidbach, Karsten Reiter, Moritz O. Ziegler, and Birgit Müller
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 185–185, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-185-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-185-2023, 2023
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When stresses yield a critical value, rock breaks and generate pathways for fluid migration. Thus, the contemporary undisturbed stress state is a key parameter for assessing the stability of deep geological repositories. In this workshop you can ask everything you always wanted to know about stress (but were afraid to ask), and this is divided into three parts. 1) How do we formally describe the stress field? 2) How do we to actually measure stress? 3) How do we go from points to 3D description?
Moritz O. Ziegler, Oliver Heidbach, and Mojtaba Rajabi
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 79–80, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-79-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-79-2023, 2023
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The subsurface is subject to constant stress. With increasing depth, more rock overlies an area, thereby increasing the stress. There is also constant stress from the sides. Knowledge of this stress is fundamental to build lasting and safe underground structures. Very few data on the stress state are available; thus, computer models are used to predict this parameter. We present a method to improve the quality of the computer models, even if no direct data on the stress state are available.
Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, Moritz Ziegler, Silvio Giger, Rodney Garrard, and Jean Desroches
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 71–72, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-71-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-71-2023, 2023
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Numerical methods can be used to estimate the stress state in the Earth’s upper crust. Measured stress data are needed for model calibration. High-quality stress data are available for the calibration of models for possible radioactive waste repositories in Switzerland. A best-fit model predicts the stress state for each point within the model volume. In this study, variable rock properties are used to predict the potential stress variations due to inhomogeneous rock properties.
Luisa Röckel, Steffen Ahlers, Sophia Morawietz, Birgit Müller, Tobias Hergert, Karsten Reiter, Andreas Henk, Moritz Ziegler, Oliver Heidbach, and Frank Schilling
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 73–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-73-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-73-2023, 2023
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Stress data predicted by a geomechanical–numerical model are mapped onto 3D fault geometries. Then the slip tendency of these faults is calculated as a measure of their reactivation potential. Characteristics of the faults and the state of stress are identified that lead to a high fault reactivation potential. An overall high reactivation potential is observed in the Upper Rhine Graben area, whereas the reactivation potential is quite low in the Molasse Basin.
Tobias Hergert, Steffen Ahlers, Luisa Röckel, Sophia Morawietz, Karsten Reiter, Moritz Ziegler, Birgit Müller, Oliver Heidbach, Frank Schilling, and Andreas Henk
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 65–65, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-65-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-65-2023, 2023
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In numerical geomechanical models, an initial stress state is established before displacement boundary conditions are applied in order to match calibration data. We present generic models to show that the choice of initial stress and boundary conditions affects the final state of stress in areas of the model domain where no stress data for calibration are available. These deviations are largest in the vicinity of lithological interfaces, and they can be reduced if more stress data exist.
Steffen Ahlers, Karsten Reiter, Tobias Hergert, Andreas Henk, Luisa Röckel, Sophia Morawietz, Oliver Heidbach, Moritz Ziegler, and Birgit Müller
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 59–59, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-59-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-59-2023, 2023
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The recent crustal stress state is a crucial parameter in the search for a high-level nuclear waste repository. We present results of a 3D geomechanical numerical model that improves the state of knowledge by providing a continuum-mechanics-based prediction of the recent crustal stress field in Germany. The model results can be used, for example, for the calculation of fracture potential, for slip tendency analyses or as boundary conditions for smaller local models.
Michal Kruszewski, Alessandro Verdecchia, Oliver Heidbach, Rebecca M. Harrington, and David Healy
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1889, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1889, 2023
Preprint archived
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In this study, we investigate the evolution of fault reactivation potential in the greater Ruhr region (Germany) in respect to a future utilization of deep geothermal resources. We use analytical and numerical approaches to understand the initial stress conditions on faults as well as their evolution in space and time during geothermal fluid production. Using results from our analyses, we can localize areas more favorable for geothermal energy use based on fault reactivation potential.
Michal Kruszewski, Gerd Klee, Thomas Niederhuber, and Oliver Heidbach
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 5367–5385, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5367-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5367-2022, 2022
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The authors assemble an in situ stress magnitude and orientation database based on 429 hydrofracturing tests that were carried out in six coal mines and two coal bed methane boreholes between 1986 and 1995 within the greater Ruhr region (Germany). Our study summarises the results of the extensive in situ stress test campaign and assigns quality to each data record using the established quality ranking schemes of the World Stress Map project.
Luisa Röckel, Steffen Ahlers, Birgit Müller, Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, Andreas Henk, Tobias Hergert, and Frank Schilling
Solid Earth, 13, 1087–1105, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1087-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1087-2022, 2022
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Reactivation of tectonic faults can lead to earthquakes and jeopardize underground operations. The reactivation potential is linked to fault properties and the tectonic stress field. We create 3D geometries for major faults in Germany and use stress data from a 3D geomechanical–numerical model to calculate their reactivation potential and compare it to seismic events. The reactivation potential in general is highest for NNE–SSW- and NW–SE-striking faults and strongly depends on the fault dip.
Moritz Ziegler and Oliver Heidbach
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 187–188, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-187-2021, 2021
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The Earth's crust is subject to constant stress which is manifested by earthquakes at plate boundaries. This stress is not only at plate boundaries but everywhere in the crust. A profound knowledge of the magnitude and orientation of the stress is important to select and build a safe deep geological repository for nuclear waste. We demonstrate how to build computer models of the stress state and show how to deal with the associated uncertainties.
Luisa Röckel, Steffen Ahlers, Sophia Morawietz, Birgit Müller, Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, Andreas Henk, Tobias Hergert, and Frank Schilling
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 77–78, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-77-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-77-2021, 2021
Karsten Reiter, Steffen Ahlers, Sophia Morawietz, Luisa Röckel, Tobias Hergert, Andreas Henk, Birgit Müller, and Oliver Heidbach
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 75–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-75-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-75-2021, 2021
Steffen Ahlers, Andreas Henk, Tobias Hergert, Karsten Reiter, Birgit Müller, Luisa Röckel, Oliver Heidbach, Sophia Morawietz, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, and Denis Anikiev
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 163–164, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-163-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-163-2021, 2021
Sophia Morawietz, Moritz Ziegler, Karsten Reiter, and the SpannEnD Project Team
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 71–72, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-71-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-71-2021, 2021
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Knowledge of the crustal stress state is important for the assessment of subsurface stability. In particular, stress magnitudes are essential for the calibration of geomechanical models that estimate a continuous description of the 3-D stress field from pointwise and incomplete stress data. We present the first comprehensive and open-access stress magnitude database for Germany, consisting of 568 data records. We introduce a quality ranking scheme for stress magnitude data for the first time.
Steffen Ahlers, Andreas Henk, Tobias Hergert, Karsten Reiter, Birgit Müller, Luisa Röckel, Oliver Heidbach, Sophia Morawietz, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, and Denis Anikiev
Solid Earth, 12, 1777–1799, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1777-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1777-2021, 2021
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Knowledge about the stress state in the upper crust is of great importance for many economic and scientific questions. However, our knowledge in Germany is limited since available datasets only provide pointwise, incomplete and heterogeneous information. We present the first 3D geomechanical model that provides a continuous description of the contemporary crustal stress state for Germany. The model is calibrated by the orientation of the maximum horizontal stress and stress magnitudes.
Karsten Reiter
Solid Earth, 12, 1287–1307, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1287-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1287-2021, 2021
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The influence and interaction of elastic material properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio), density and low-friction faults on the resulting far-field stress pattern in the Earth's crust is tested with generic models. A Young's modulus contrast can lead to a significant stress rotation. Discontinuities with low friction in homogeneous models change the stress pattern only slightly, away from the fault. In addition, active discontinuities are able to compensate stress rotation.
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Short summary
We assess the fault impact on the stress field in northern Switzerland using 3D geomechanical models, calibrated with stress data. We see that faults affect the stresses only locally, with negligible impact beyond 1 km, suggesting that faults may not be necessary in reservoir-scale models predicting stresses of undisturbed rock volumes, such as for a geological repository. Omitting them can substantially reduce model set-up time and computational cost without compromising prediction reliability.
We assess the fault impact on the stress field in northern Switzerland using 3D geomechanical...
