Arnoud Boom

Arnoud Boom is an Associate Professor in Biogeochemistry at the University of Leicester, where he directs the Leicester Environmental Stable Isotope Laboratory. His research focuses on reconstructing past climates in tropical regions, particularly through the analysis of tree rings, corals, and peatlands. Key areas of study include hydroclimate variability in the Amazon, carbon dynamics in tropical peatlands, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

He specializes in stable isotope analysis to trace environmental changes, such as deforestation patterns in Borneo and peatland development in the Congo Basin. Recent work emphasizes understanding contemporary climate trends through multi-proxy records, including coral geochemistry and varved lake sediments. His contributions to Anthropocene stratigraphy include studies on potential Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs).

Boom’s research integrates biogeochemical processes with paleoenvironmental reconstruction, addressing critical issues like tropical forest resilience and greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands. His methodologies span fieldwork, lab-based isotopic analysis, and interdisciplinary collaborations to address climate change impacts in sensitive ecosystems.