Landesarchäologe Harald Meller (links) und Geologe Gregor Borg mit der Himmelsscheibe von Nebra
© Maike Glöckner
21.10.2019 in Featured

Gold fever

Researchers solve mystery surrounding the Nebra Sky Disk – with a precious metal playing a decisive role in more than just the famous Bronze Age discovery. Read more

Soil scientists travel to the remote Bale Mountains to conduct research.
© Indrik Myneur / CC 2.0 BY
13.10.2016 in Featured, Research, Science

Ice age in Ethiopia: refuge in the mountains?

Did the people in Ethiopia take refuge in the mountains during the last great ice age 16,000 years ago? An international team of soil scientists, archaeologists and biologists are conducting research on this as part of a new project entitled “The Mountain Exile Hypothesis”. To do this, soil scientists from Halle will be traveling to the remote Sanetti Plateau to examine the soil there and use modern biogeochemical methods to look for traces of mankind that are thousands of years old. Read more

Gully erosion is evidence of landscape destruction in the agricultural steppes of Southern Siberia
© Manfred Frühauf
27.02.2012 in Featured, Research, Science

Putting life back into the steppes

Of all places, Russia’s most important bread basket lies in the remote Western Siberian Steppe. The area is crucial for the government of this giant realm as it ensures harvests and safeguards the country from expensive imports. Yet the area is endangered. For decades the steppe’s soil has been destroyed by improper farming techniques and strong climate fluctuations. How and if it is possible to use the area more sustainably in the future while, at the same time, increasing yields is what Halle’s geo-ecologist, Professor Manfred Frühauf, is hoping to find out in the next five years as part of a joint research project. Read more