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Sebastian Gibson BSc MSc
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Cambridge Quaternary |
Biography
Sebastian is a 1st Year PhD student researching the Pleistocene history of glacial deposits in the Birmingham region under the supervision of Professor Phil Gibbard, Dr Steve Boreham and Dr Philip Hughes (University of Manchester). Sebastian read a BSc in Geography between 2003-2006 at the University of Exeter following onto a MSc in Quaternary Science between 2007-2008 at Royal Holloway and UCL. Sebastian primary interest is glacial sedimentology and geochronology. These skills are hoped to raise and address key questions surrounding the highly dynamic sedimentological records of the Birmingham region.
Current Research
The Pleistocene History of the Birmingham District project aims to re-evaluate its position within British glacial stratigraphy. Birmingham's lowland glacial middle Pleistocene deposits provide a wealth of sediment, stratigraphic and geochronological data. Consensus is currently difficult to find on the relationships between the middle Pleistocene sequences. As up to three glaciations are found in the district, the project can address questions surrounding the timings and dynamics of Pleistocene lowland glaciation in the British isles. Recent research has re-evaluated the lowland glacial events of East Anglia, suggesting earlier deposition, questioning that of the Birmingham district which has established sedimentological relationships with East Anglia. The position of glacial (and associated) sediments in Birmingham needs to be re-evaluated to establish firmly the context and timing of these sequences. Borehole information provides entire urban area sedimentological information and will be collated and assessed to determine the Pleistocene glacial sequencing across the district. This evidence is to be supplemented by visiting several important sites (Quinton, Nechells, Frog Hill, Waverly Wood, Wolston, Brandon etc) and establishing new sites as they become available.
Education and Previous Research
• MSc Royal Holloway and New Bedford College and University College, London (UCL), University of London (2008).
Dissertation: An OSL Chronology for the Glaciogenic Sediment on the Gower Peninsula, Wales. I re-evaluated the glacial sedimentology of Hunts Bay and Rotherslade, Gower Peninsula, Wales and applied OSL dating to the key sediment switches. Interpretations held Rotherslade sediments as glacial and Hunts Bay as periglacial, where both sites sedimentology overlayed a raised beach, correlated to MIS 5e, suggesting the glacial sediments were MIS 2. My dissertation controversially presented dates of deposition over two glaciation (MIS 6 & MIS 2),
• BSc University of Exeter (2006).
Dissertation: An Examination of the Punchbowl, Exmoor: a Niviation Hollow or a Glacial Cirque. I re-evaluated two ridge features, previously interpreted as glacial deposits. I found no evidence to support this, instead I reinterpreted the ridges as protalus ramparts. The Punchbowl was interpreted as a niviation hollow, exploiting a geological fault.
Memberships
Sidney Sussex College
Quaternary Research Association