Shaelyn Townend

Biography

I am a PGR based in Geography at the University of Leeds working with: Jonathan Carrivick, Anna Hogg, Chris Stringer, and Daniel Nývlt, investigating Proglacial landscape evolution across the Antarctic Peninsula in a warming climate. I previously completed my Masters/Undergraduate in Geology and Geography at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. I’ve demonstrated and assisted a geology workshop for the Children’s University Campus Experience program and worked alongside the Science Outreach Programs in Christchurch, New Zealand. Along with demonstrating and organising field work for the Frontiers Abroad program for the last 4 years. I love the outdoors and it’s where you’ll likely find me if I’m not in my office or out on field work.

Qualifications

  • 2022-2024: Masters in Geology from the University of Canterbury (Understanding the ancient glacial history of
  • the Rakaia and Malvern Hills, Canterbury)
  • 2019-2021: BSc in Geology and Geography from the University of Canterbury

Links

Research Interests

Geomorphology, Quaternary science, glaciology, cosmogenic dating, geology, and sedimentology

Teaching Interests

Field Skills/Mapping, Geomorphic processes, Hazards

PhD: Proglacial landscape evolution across the Antarctic Peninsula in a warming climate

Little is known about the rates and primary drivers of landscape evolution on the Antarctic Peninsula. Sediment flux and meltwater flux are controlled by glacial evolution, which affects nutrients, light, food webs, and mineral exports to the Southern Ocean. Understanding theses processes/drivers and the effect glacial retreat is having on them is important for identifying the effect on our South Ocean. I’ll be studying the change in sedimentation as glaciers transition from marine terminating to land termination (Coring), the change in nutrient and sediment supply (Water samples) and the evolution of the proglacial landscape (Mapping and ground truthing).