Sebastian Breitenbach

Sebastian Breitenbach is a Research Professor and head of the EnMaR (Environmental Monitoring and Reconstruction) research group at Northumbria University. His work focuses on paleoclimatology, using carbonate chemistry and stable isotope geochemistry to reconstruct past environmental conditions and their impacts on human societies. He employs a multi-disciplinary approach, collaborating with experts across disciplines to address climate-human interaction and environmental change.

His research spans globally, with active projects in Germany, Siberia, India, New Zealand, and Belize. He is currently establishing clumped isotope thermometry in Northumbria's new stable isotope laboratory. Key research interests include geothermometry, geochronology, continental environmental change, and human adaptation to climate shifts.

Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding climate dynamics in diverse regions, such as Maya responses to droughts, Siberian vegetation changes, and the impact of the Toba volcanic eruption. His work integrates speleothem analysis with archaeological and environmental datasets to provide holistic insights into past climates and their societal implications.

• Education: PhD (2009)
• Grants: IsoPerm Project (Leverhulme Trust)
• Labs: EnMaR Group, Northumbria Stable Isotope Lab

Supervision includes PhD students Maria Box (Northern Mongolia) and Jade Margerum (Siberian climate dynamics).