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See more field and lab photos
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We study how modern and ancient sedimentary environments evolve(d) in response to external forces such as climate, tectonics, sea level change, and human impacts.
Our research includes 3 themes: 1. Relationships between tectonics (mountain building) and sedimentary basin evolution 2. Sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental conditions of deep-water (ocean) depositional environments 3. Siliciclastic sediment routing from 'source-to-sink' (mountains to oceans) If you are interested in working with us or learning more, you can reach Matt at: malkowski at jsg dot utexas dot edu |
Highlights from our lab:
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Sustainable Sand: Finding the delicate balance between 'seds and society'
We were recently awarded funding by the California State Coastal Conservancy to investigate the sustainability of sand mining in San Francisco Bay by 'fingerprinting' the sediment that moves around the region. Sand as a resource is in high demand because it is used as aggregate for new roads and buildings. It is also important for maintaining ecosystems and replenishing beaches, especially as sea level rises. Is the San Francisco Bay sediment routing system "in-balance"? How much sand can be sustainably extracted? This is a collaborative project with the U.S. Geological Survey. The research team includes Malkowski, post-doctoral scholar Dr. Zach Sickmann, Prof. David Mohrig, and Dr. Bruce Jaffe (USGS). |
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"Needles in a Haystack"
My colleague Glenn Sharman and I published this fun study on how often a sand(stone) deposit records its own depositional age through detrital zircon geochronology. Some sand deposits are better than others at revealing their age... what controls this? |
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Check out our recent work in the American Journal of Science on how sand and mud from the same rivers reveal different clues about their sources in California.
Sometimes looking into the mud provides more clarity! |
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PhD candidate Steve Dobbs and co-authors published this recent study in Geology exploring the geomorphic differences between submarine and subaerial drainages.
Submarine canyons look just like terrestrial canyons, but they're underwater... Do these different environments impact their morphology? How? Learn more about this study and its implications here: |
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2019 - Summer of Seds:Congrats to Mariah and Anthony on successfully completing their SURGE projects and wrapping up an exciting summer of research with the Sedimentary Research Group!
Stanford's SURGE (Stanford University Research in Geosciences and Engineering) program is for undergraduates at a U.S. university or college who, by reason of their culture, class, race, ethnicity, background, and life experiences, would add diversity to our Stanford Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences research community. You can learn more here. See more "Summer of Seds" pictures. |
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