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Dr David Buchs

Dr David Buchs

Senior Lecturer

Email
buchsd@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5313
Campuses
2.02, Main Building, 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.

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)

Publications

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Teaching

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

The main themes of my research include:

  • Volcano-sedimentary processes in general, including formation and alteration mechanisms.
  • Seamount formation and accretion (e.g., Pacific Ocean, Central America, Australia).
  • Tectonic evolution of volcanic arcs and forearc basins (e.g., Central America, Japan).
  • The geological record of accretionary complexes/orogens.

A substantial part of my on-going research is dedicated to improving our understanding of the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. To better address this issue I initiated in 2016 a collaborative project, GRIP or Geological Research on the Panama Isthmus (click here to open dedicated website in a new window).

My research activities include services for, or collaboration with, non-academic partners (e.g. Panama Canal Authority, Geological Survey of Colombia, GeoMôn Global UNESCO Geopark in the UK, and Natural Resources Wales). Don't hesitate to contact me if your are considering establishing collaborative links to develop research applications or require expertise in some of the themes addressed by my research (English, Spanish, or French welcome).

I am currently supervising following PhD projects:

  • Subduction initiation along the Caribbean oceanic plateau in Panama (Joanna Brims, 2016-present).
  • Magmatic evolution of Central Panama and formation of the Panama Isthmus (Jian Wang, 2016-present).
  • Origin of Precambrian accreted oceanic sequences in North Wales (Niall Groome, 2017-present).
  • Volcaniclastic foreland sedimentation in Switzerland and France to reconstruct past Alpine volcanism (Chenhang Lyu, 2018-present).

Supervision

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

Past projects

Previously supervised PhD projects:

  • Origin of Precambrian accreted oceanic sequences in North Wales (Niall Groome, 2017-2022).
  • Magmatic evolution of Central Panama and formation of the Panama Isthmus (Jian Wang, 2016-2021).
  • Subduction initiation along the Caribbean oceanic plateau in Panama (Joanna Brims, 2016-2021).