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Randall Schaetzl
Professor of Geography 517-353-7726 email: soils@msu.edu |
My research interests center soils and geomorphology,
in a broad sense. Specifically, my work revolves around several research
streams:
(1) explaining the spatial variability in soils and surficial sediments
(at all scales), primarily where they relate to glacial sedimentologic processes,
and/or have been altered by pedogenesis,
(2) using spatial patterns
of climate to explain regional-, meso- and micro-scale variability in soils and pedogenic
processes,
(3) characteristics and patterns of loess in the
upper Midwest, and how these patterns can better explain post-glacial
environments,
(4) understanding the nuances of soil genesis,
particularly podzolization and lessivage,
(5) glacial geomorphology, with emphasis on the upper midwest
and how patterns of glacial sediments can be better understood and interpreted
by using soils data,
(6) soil
temperatures and how they are affected by (linked to) atmospheric change,
and how they in turn affect near-surface processes,
(7) soils and how
they relate to plants and plant geography.
In sum, I study the spatial interactions and process
linkages among soil/surficial physical systems (including eolian systems) and (i) geomorphology, (ii)
climate and hydrology, and/or (iii) biota. I work on research topics
related to soil gemorphology and geography, pedogenic processes, soil genesis
and soil water, and plant geography. Much of my past work has centered
on the processes of podzolization and lessivage (clay translocation). Currently,
I am most involved in mapping and explaining loess deposits in Wisconsin and
Michigan. My research necessitates
an understanding of the sedimentary environments (glacial, lacustrine, eolian,
etc.) that have formed the soil parent materials. Opportunities exist for
funded research assistantships in these areas of research. Contact
me for more details.
I work mainly in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
I am a member of the Quaternary
Landscapes Research Group at MSU.
Visit us at:
http://www.geo.msu.edu/qlrg/
Publications
Posters presented at recent
professional meetings
Recent grants
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