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Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi started her academic journey with a BSc in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona, with an emphasis on Soil and Water science, followed by a MSc of Geology at the University of Kansas, USA. She completed her PhD in Earth Science at the University of Oxford, Oxford UK in 2012 before starting an Academic Position in Abu Dhabi, UAE where she is today.
Her main research interest is in exploring how the Earth adapted, recovered, and recorded major perturbations to the global carbon cycle and the time scales on which this happened.
Her research has emphasized the importance of understanding Southern Hemisphere records of climatic and environmental change in the Mesozoic and her PhD and MsC students continue to address this knowledge gap.
The Carnian Puvial Episode (CPE) - here we are exploring the latitudinal variability in the intensity and timing of this event (or series of events) using continental records from the Northern Hemisphere. We hope to shed light on how the intensity and the potential episodes within the event may have varied between latitudes, and examine the impact on global biogeochemical cycles.
Mid-Norian Manicouagan impact: Environmental responses and records of the impact. - Here we are exploring if the Manicouagan impact in North America triggered any major environmental or climatic responses, using continental records from Tasmania and the UK. The Manicouagan impact occurred around 214 Mya in the Norian, Late Triassic (1, 2). While the impact site itself has been relatively well studied, geochemical and sedimentological research that explores the potential global environmental and climatic repercussions of this impact are relatively limited (3).
Ramezani, J., S. A. Bowring, M. S. Pringle, F. D. Winslow, III, and E. T. Rasbury (2005). "The Manicouagan impact melt rock: a proposed standard for intercalibration of U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar isotopic systems". 15th V.M. Goldsmidt Conference Abstract Volume, p. A321.
Spray, John G.; Kelley, Simon P.; Rowley, David B. (1998). "Evidence for a late Triassic multiple impact event on Earth". Nature. 392 (6672): 171–173. Bibcode:1998Natur.392..171S. doi:10.1038/32397. S2CID 4413688
Rampino, M.R. and Caldeira, K., 2017. Correlation of the largest craters, stratigraphic impact signatures, and extinction events over the past 250 Myr. Geoscience Frontiers, 8(6), pp.1241-1245.
In addition to the above projects I am also actively involved in the following projects :
Please do not hesitate to e-mail me to discuss PhD opportunities
PhD opportunities in my group include the following projects:
Title: A World in Flux: Exploring the Polar record of Triassic Climate Change Keywords: Triassic, elemental geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, geochronology, biostratigraphy, biogeochemical cycling, climate change Research Theme: Earth History and Geobiology, Polar Research, Climate and Environmental Science, Geochemistry and Dynamics of Earth Primary Supervisor: Aisha Al Suwaidi Description: While most of the mid-latitudes in the Late Triassic were affected by intense oscillations between monsoonal systems and arid conditions, our understanding of conditions in the Polar and high-latitude regions is relatively limited. Using a combination of techniques, including geochemistry, geochronology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy, this project aims to explore how long-term climate change during the Triassic impacted weathering and, ultimately, biogeochemical cycling. Conditions during the Late Triassic mark a major transition in climatic conditions; this transition and intensification of both aridity and monsoonal conditions offer a unique perspective of conditions the planet is currently experiencing associated with Anthropogenically induced climate change. Additional data that improves our understanding of such major climate transitions is critical to improving climate change, predictive models. Methodology: Sedimentology & stratigraphy, stable isotopes, U/Pb geochronology, palynology, XRF, XRD, ICP-OES Training & Skills: Students working on this project will undertake core sampling in Svalbard, and will prepare and analyze samples in labs based in Abu Dhabi as well as abroad.
Title: The Bathonian–Callovian Boundary in the Arctic Record Keywords: Jurassic, elemental geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, geochronology, biostratigraphy, biogeochemical cycling, climate change Research Theme: Earth History and Geobiology, Polar Research, Climate and Environmental Science, Geochemistry and Dynamics of Earth Description: The Bathonian–Callovian boundary is one of the last remaining boundaries of the Jurassic Period to be defined. It marks a period of significant plate re-organisation, active volcanism, and uncertain climatic conditions. One of the challenges in defining the boundary is the lack of a good globally recognised marker of the boundary. Students working on ths project will be actively involved in integrating historical data relating to the boundary and generating new geochmical data from various global localities. The project combines geochronoloy and geochemistry with paleogeography to help improve our understanding of processes taking place during this stage of the Jurassic . Methodology: Sedimentology & stratigraphy, stable isotopes, U/Pb geochronology, palynology, XRF, XRD, ICP-OES Training & Skills: Students working on this project will undertake core sampling in Svalbard, and will prepare and analyze samples in labs based in Abu Dhabi as well as abroad.
