This volume brings together six key papers by Heinz-Jürgen Brink, a geophysicist whose work spans basin evolution, mantle dynamics, hydrocarbon systems, and Earth-Moon interactions. The selected articles, published between 2005 and 2023, reflect a coherent and interdisciplinary approach to understanding sedimentary basins, particularly the North German Basin, within a global geodynamic framework.

Brink’s research challenges conventional models of basin formation by emphasizing the role of lower crustal metamorphism, mantle plumes, and even asteroid impacts. His work also integrates statistical and thermodynamic concepts—such as half-life analysis of hydrocarbon reserves and dicebased complexity modeling—to quantify geological uncertainty. This collection is intended for re-searchers and advanced students in geophysics, petroleum geology, and planetary geology.