Research Stories
Climate catastrophe breakthrough news
In a research project led by Chloe Walker-Trivett (CSM), and including Sev Kender (also CSM), fresh light has been shone on the causes of ‘Oceanic Anoxic Event 2’, which saw severe global warming and ocean acidification across the Earth around 94 million years ago. Here is a news piece from the group: Scientists make breakthrough in causes behind one of the most significant climate catastrophes.
Icebergs once drifted off Britain's coast
A paper published in Nature involving Professor James Scourse has attracted a lot of media attention, including BBC, Guardian, and New Scientist coverage.
- Kirkham, J. D., Hogan, K. A., Larter, R. D., Arnold, N. S., Self, E., Games, K., Ely, J. C., Clark, C. D. Scourse, J. D., Shackleton, C., Arndt, J. E., Hillenbrand, C., Huuse, M., Stewart, M. A. Ottesen, D. & Dowdeswell, J. A. 2025. Change in iceberg calving behavior preceded North Sea ice shelf disintegration during the last deglaciation. Nature Communications, 16: 3184. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58304-5.
What ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level
Dr Edward Gasson, Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, had an article in The Conversation about what ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level: click here to read the article. It was also part of a podcast series that was broadcast on BBC local radio, the podcast is on BBC Sounds here.
Panel image credit: Anthony Powell. Window image credit: Ana Tovey.
Shifting Seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems
A thematic Royal Society journal issue reveals the long and complex history of human interaction with the ocean, and challenges our understanding of the seas across thousands of years. The collection of papers includes many from our Seachange project, and was co-edited by our Head of Department, Professor James Scourse.
The 16 papers span archaeology, marine historical ecology, marine biology, ancient DNA, stable isotope analysis, Indigenous knowledge systems, and environmental history, collectively documenting thousands of years of marine change.
'This work enables us to see beyond today’s shattered oceans, beyond to the past where we can now fully appreciate just how rich and diverse our past oceans were, and beyond to a future in which we can envisage changed ecosystems that restore some of that lost biodiversity.' (Professor Scourse)
'This research shows that many of today’s challenges – overfishing, habitat loss, biodiversity decline – have deep historical roots. It also offers an inspiring picture of rich and resilient past oceans, reminding us of what recovery could look like if we act now.' (Dr Holman, University of Copenhagen)
Full details here: ‘Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems'
Image credit: Jacek Matysiak; Instagram: @big.hippo.art
