Prof Jason Kirby
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science
Email: J.R.Kirby@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 231 2410
Professor Jason Kirby is the Director of the School of Biological and Environmental Science and a Professor in Physical Geography.
My research Interests include:
Holocene sea-level changes and coastal evolution
Quaternary micropalaeontology (pollen, diatoms and foraminifera)
Sediments in coastal systems
Vegetation history, palaeoecology, and the use of fungal spores as indicators of herbivory
My research on reconstructing past environmental change includes:
Holocene sea-level change and coastal evolution.
My main aims are to investigate the causes and effects of sea-level changes on a variety of temporal and spatial scales, utilising intertidal sediment records. A particular focus is the use of saltmarsh records as a means to explore past relative sea-level changes in the last few thousand years. This involves the analysis of diatoms and foraminifera preserved in the sediment that can be quantitatively related to a former sea level. When combined with a good chronology (typically derived from radiocarbon analyses and other geochemical markers) a high-resolution sea-level record can be derived for the past few thousand years or so. I am also interested in longer-term relative sea-level records, and the influence of former ice sheets on sea-level rise and vertical land movement (induced by former ice and ocean loading on the Earth’s surface). I have also worked on coastal evolution and floodplain development using litho- and biostratigraphic techniques in back barrier coastal environments (e.g. Dungeness and Romney Marsh) and inner estuary perimarine settings (e.g. Humber estuary).
Vegetation history and palaeoecology.
My interests here broadly involve using pollen to investigate how groundwater level changes are expressed in vegetation successional pathways, and how these relate to sea-level changes. I have studied fen carr peat as a means to reconstruct Holocene vegetation history, non-analogue habitats and human impact. Recent projects have explored the efficacy of coprophilous fungi as an indicator of Quaternary landscape change, particularly relating to animals.
My research on contemporary coastal systems includes response of intertidal foreshores to waves, tides and storm events, and the management of sedimentation problems in ports and harbours, and the in situ bioremediation of contaminants.
Teaching:
I teach on Environmental Change and Coastal Management modules and contribute to other undergraduate modules in the area of physical geography and environmental science.
Degrees
1999, University of Hull, United Kingdom, PhD 'Holocene floodplain vegetation dynamics and sea-level change in the lower Aire valley, Yorkshire'
1994, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, BSc (Hons) Geography
Certifications
2016, Advance HE, United Kingdom, Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
Academic appointments
School Director, School of Biological & Environmental Science, Liverpool John Moores University, 2020 - present
Subject Head - Geography & Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences & Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2014 - 2020
Programme Leader - Geography, School of Natural Sciences & Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2007 - 2013
Lecturer, Biological & Earth Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 2004 - 2007
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, 2000 - 2002
Public engagement:
Other, KS3 school children, Carbon cycle workshop, Workshop facilitator, LJMU, Mini-Big Bang STEM Event. 2018
Research Grants Awarded:
Quaternary Research Association, Identifying grazing impacts on the palaeoecological record II, Helen Shaw, Grant value (£): 1,050, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2018
SEMASO, Marine bioremediation and carbon reduction using Active Nautical Depth, Grant value (£): 17,400, Duration of research project: 3 years. 2017
NERC, Meso-scale barrier estuary behaviour in response to sea-level rise, storms and sediment supply, Grant value (£): 6,150, Duration of research project: 3 years. 2017
Quaternary Research Association, Identifying grazing impacts on the palaeoecological record, Eline van Asperen, Grant value (£): 945, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2017
MOD/Landmarc Services, Geomorphological research strategy for Lydd Ranges, Dungeness, Kent., Grant value (£): 6,500, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2015
Natural England, Designing site specific mitigation measures for Dungeness SSSI, Grant value (£): 7,500, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2014
Rugby Portobello Trust, St Marys Bay Geomorphological Survey, Grant value (£): 9,400. 2013
NERC, Holocene palaeoclimate and vegetation history of north-west England, Professor Richard Chiverrell, Univeristy of Liverpool, Grant value (£): 4,640, Duration of research project: 3 years. 2012
Conference organisation:
Sea Level and Coastal Change QRA Research Group, Organiser, https://www.dur.ac.uk/geography/slacc/2017-liverpool/. 2017
Teaching qualification:
Senior Fellow Advance HE. 2016
Editorial boards:
Acta Adriatica, Editorial Board Member, http://jadran.izor.hr/acta/. 2016
External PGR examinations performed:
Durham University, MPhil, Late Glacial to Holocene relative sea-level change in Assynt, north west Scotland. 2015
Membership of professional bodies:
Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Geographical Society. 2012
Member, Quaternary Research Association.