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David Buchs

Dr David Buchs

Senior Lecturer

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Email
BuchsD@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29208 75313
Campuses
Main Building, Room 2.02, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

I am a field geologist interested in volcano-sedimentary processes and the formation and evolution of submarine to subaerial volcanic systems.

My work uses a cross-disciplinary approach that combines field/core observations with high to low-T geochemistry, lithostratigraphy and sediment provenance analysis. Since 2017 I have also been increasingly working on weathering and alteration of volcanic products in collaboration with industrial partners.

See Research tab for more information.

Publication

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Adrannau llyfrau

Erthyglau

Research

The main themes of my research include:

  • Volcano-sedimentary processes, including alteration mechanisms.
  • Formation and geological evolution of subaqueous to subaerial volcanic systems (Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Japan Sea).
  • Tectonic evolution of convergent margins and the geological record of accretionary complexes/orogens (Central and South America, Europe, Australia, Middle East).

A substantial part of my research is dedicated to improving our understanding of the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. As part of this activity, I lead the Geological Research on the Isthmus of Panama (GRIP) project: open GRIP website.

My research is used on a regular basis to help address issues in the industry and non-academic organisations (e.g., Panama Canal Authority, Geological Survey of Colombia, UNESCO Geoparks in the UK, and Natural Resources Wales). Don't hesitate to contact me if you require expertise in some of the themes addressed by my research (English, Spanish, or French welcome).

Teaching

  • Clastic sedimentology
  • Geological mapping and field skills
  • Alpine orogeny
  • Field volcanology (consultant activity)
  • Igneous geochemistry (consultant activity)

Biography

  • Senior Lecturer in Geology – School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University (2019-present)
  • Research Associate – Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama (2018-present)
  • Lecturer in Geology – School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University (2013-2019)
  • Postdoctoral Researcher – Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR), Germany (2011-2013)
  • Postdoctoral Researcher – Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University (2009-2011)
  • Assistant Curator, Museum of Natural History, Neuchâtel, Switzerland (2008-2009)
  • PhD in Geosciences – University of Lausanne, Switzerland (2008)
  • Assistant Curator, Museum of Geology, Lausanne, Switzerland (2004)
  • MSc in Earth Sciences – University of Lausanne, Switzerland (2003)
  • Diploma in Geology – University of Lausanne, Switzerland (2001)

Supervisions

I am open for supervision in following fields:

  • Field-based tectono-magmatic studies, including the use of volcaniclastic deposits.
  • Volcano-sedimentary processes during the formation of volcanic islands and ancient volanic systems.
  • Alteration and weathering of volcanic materials.
  • Geoheritage characterisation and management.

I am currently supervising following PhD project:

  • Volcaniclastic foreland sedimentation in Switzerland and France to reconstruct past Alpine volcanism (Chenhang Lyu, 2018-present).

Current supervision

Chenhang Lyu

Chenhang Lyu

Research student