Ulrich Kelka

Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Geology and Fracture Mechanics

I am a geoscientist who believes that complex problems in earth sciences are best approached in a multi-disciplinary team.

My research interests are fluid-rock interactions, particularly in relation to mineral systems. A better understanding of the interactions between host-rock and migrating fluids will allow for enhanced predictions of fluid flow, reservoir properties and resource extraction.

Previously, my research focused on replacement reactions in ore-deposits. The general approach was to integrate analytical findings into the development of numerical and mathematical models. My scientific expertise that also includes applied geophysics, hydrogeology and tectonophysics helped me to successfully tackle this problem.

Within Deep Earth Imaging, I am developing a stochastic fault network model that will form the basis for simulations on flow and transport. The results will contribute to the data assimilation and value of information research program.

Technical skills

  • Experience in geological fieldwork
  • Knowledge of various analytical methods for structural and chemical characterization
  • Numerical model development
  • Programming in C/C++, Matlab, Mathematica
  • Geographical Information Systems

 

Professional experience

July 2018 – present
Postdoctoral fellow: CSIRO Deep Earth Imaging Future Science Platform

2013 – 2016
Marie Curie Early Stage Research Fellow, University of Glasgow

2008 – 2012
Student Assistant: State office for geology and mining, Mainz, Germany

2011
Student Assistant: Geophysical research group, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz

 

Education

PhD (Geoscience) University of Glasgow (2017)

Diploma Geology/Palaeontology Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (2013)

 

Selected publications

BEAUDOIN N, HAMILTON A, KOEHN D, SHIPTON S, and KELKA U (2018) Reaction-induced porosity fingering: replacement dynamic and porosity evolution in the KBr-KCl system. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 232, p. 163 – 180. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2018.04.026

KELKA. U., VEVEAKIS, M., BEAUDOIN, N., and KOEHN, D. Zebra rocks: compaction waves create ore deposits; Scientific Reports 7, 14260, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-14541-3

KELKA U, VEVEAKIS M, BEAUDOIN N, POULET T, KOEHN D, REGENAUER-LIEB, K, CHUNG P, and BERNDT J. (2016) A generic model of pattern formation in Mississippi Valley-Type deposits based on analytical findings. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 18, EGU2016-13847-2

KELKA U, VEVEAKIS M, BEAUDOIN N, POULET T, KOEHN D, and REGENAUER-LIEB, K (2016) Compaction instabilities described by cnoidal waves in ore-hosting dolomites. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 18, EGU2016-13497-1

KELKA U, KOEHN, D, and BEAUDOIN, N. (2015) Zebra pattern in rocks as a function of grain growth affected by second-phase particles. Frontiers in Physics Vol. 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2015.00074

KELKA U, and KOEHN D (2015) Pattern Formation in Mississippi Valley-Type Deposits. FlowTrans2015: International Conference on Flow in Transforming Porous Media

BEAUDOIN N, KOEHN U, and KELKA U (2015) Mineral replacement front propagation in deformed rocks. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 17, EGU2015-3812

KELKA U, and KOEHN D (2015) Pattern Formation in Mississippi Valley-Type Deposits. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 17, EGU2015-1420

KELKA U, and KOEHN D (2014) On the origin of zebra textures in Mississippi Valley-Type Pb-Zn Deposits with a special emphasis on the San Vicente Mine, Peru. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 16, EGU2014-5307-1

KRUMBHOLZ M, BOCK M, BURCHARDT S, KELKA, U, and VOLLBRECHT A. A critical discussion of the Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) method for the determination of crustal stress directions; Solid Earth Vol. 3, Issue Göttingen: Copernicus Publ., p. 401 – 414, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-401-2012

KELKA U, and BOCK M (2012) Eignung elektromagnetischer Messungen zur Bestimmung tektonischer Spannungsrichtungen. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft Bd. 72. Hamburg. S. 99. ISBN / ISSN: 0344-7251

BOCK M, WAGNER C, and KELKA U (2011) Messung geogener und anthropogener elektromagnetischer Strahlung zur Erkundung von tektonischen Störungen. Deutsche Geophysikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.). Tagungsband der 71. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft : 21. – 24. Februar 2011 in Köln. S. 43