Simon Blockley

Simon Blockley is a Professor and Head of the Department of Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on Quaternary science, particularly tephrochronology, geochronology, and palaeoclimate studies. He leads projects examining sediment records, volcanic eruptions, and their climatic impacts, with collaborations in regions like the Armenian Highlands, East Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Key research areas include reconstructing Holocene climate evolution, correlating tephra layers across continents, and dating archaeological sites. His work contributes to understanding human-environment interactions during prehistoric periods, such as hominin occupations in the Armenian Highlands during MIS 3. Blockley has organized workshops on tephra correlation methodologies and participates in networks like Tephra in Quaternary Science.

Recent projects include the Star Carr chronology study, chemical correlation of tephra in Israeli archaeological sites, and analysis of varved lake sediments in Chad. His research integrates multidisciplinary approaches, combining geological, archaeological, and climatological data to address broader questions about human migration and environmental change.