Team > Prof. Oliver Sass

Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Chair of Geomorphology

In my geomorphological research I deal with weathering processes on rock faces (trigger mechanisms and quantification of rockfall) as well as on architectural monuments. I am particularly interested in the role of rock moisture and its measurement. My second focus is the quantification of erosion, sediment transport and deposition in small catchments and the associated sediment balances. In addition, I am interested in human-environment relationships (e.g. forest fires, natural hazards, water use) and try to explore the possible cooperations with neighbouring sciences.

Five exemplary publications:

• Rascher, E., Rindler, R., Sass, O. & Habersack, H. (2018): Impacts of gravel mining and renaturation measures on the sediment flux and budget in an alpine catchment (Johnsbach Valley, Austria). Geomorphology 318: 404-420.
• Rode, M., Schnepfleitner, H. & Sass, O. (2016): Simulation of moisture content in alpine rock walls during freeze-thaw events. Earth surface processes and landforms 41: 1937–1950, DOI: 10.1002/esp.3961
• Sass, O., Heel, M., Leistner, I., Stöger, F., Wetzel, K.-F. & Friedmann, A. (2012): Disturbance, geomorphic processes and regeneration of wildfire slopes in North Tyrol. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 37 (8): 883–889.
• Sass, O. & Viles, H.A. (2010): Wetting and drying of masonry walls:  2D-resistivity monitoring of driving rain experiments on historic stonework in Oxford, UK. Journal of Applied Geophysics 70: 72-83.
• Sass, O. (2007): Bedrock detection and talus thickness assessment in the European Alps using geophysical methods. Journal of Applied Geophysics 62: 254-269.

Short CV:

• Since 12/2018: Professorship for Geomorphology, University of Bayreuth
• 10/2009 – 11/2018: Professorship for Physical Geography, University of Graz
• 02/2008 – 09/2009: Lise-Meitner Stipend, Institute of Geography, Innsbruck
• 02/2007 – 01/2008: Scientific assistant (Postdoc), Institute of Geography, University of Cologne
• 07/2007: Habilitation (Physical Geography); thesis: "Thickness and Structure of Alpine Slope Sediments Derived from Geophysical Investigations"
• 02/2005 – 05/2005: British Royal Society stipend: School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford
• 05/2000 – 12/2006:  Research assistant (Postdoc), Institute of Geography, University of Augsburg
• Aug. 1998 - Apr. 2000:  Extramural employment: expert on industrial waste deposits, Sakosta Euro Consult (Munich)
• 07/1998: Graduation (Dr. rer. nat.); PhD thesis: "Die Steuerung von Steinschlagmenge und -verteilung durch Mikroklima, Gesteinsfeuchte und Gesteinseigenschaften im westlichen Karwendelgebirge"
• 03/1995 – 02/1998: Praedoc assistant at the Institute of Geography, LMU Munich
  

Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Chair of Geomorphology

• Weathering and rockfall on alpine rockwalls
  
• Weathering, rock moisture and salt distribution on cultural heritage sites
  
• Alpine sediment budgets
  
• Man-environment-interaction
  

Projects:

• „Rock traffic lights“ Saxonian Switzerland – Moisture distribution on sandstone massifs (starting 2019)
  
• RunSed-CC - Modelling future runoff and sediment transport in alpine torrents (Climate and Energy Funds Austria, 2017 – 2019)
  
• TEMOS – Temperature, moisture and salt distribution and their role in the decay of the Uplistsikhe cave settlement, Georgia (2017 – 2020, PhD project)
  
• Drivers of land use change and water pressure in the Tafilalt oasis, Morocco (2016 – 2019, PhD project)
  
• Economic and Ethical Consequences of natural Hazards in Alpine Valleys (EE-Con) (Austrian Academy of Sciences, 2015 – 2018)
  

Completed Projects (in selection)

• Rocking Alps – Rockfall and Weathering in the Eastern Alps (2012 – 2015, FWF)
  
• Sedyn-X – Interdisciplinary sediment flux research in the Johnsbach valley, Styria (2013 – 2016, FWF)
• ClimCatch – Impact of climate change on the sediment yield of alpine catchments (2012 – 2015, Climate and Energy Funds Austria)
  

Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Chair of Geomorphology

Publications

Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Chair of Geomorphology

Prof. Oliver Sass

Room: 139, GEO II

Phone: +49 921 552265
E-mail: oliver.sass@uni-bayreuth.de

Consultation: by appointment