Chris Satow

Dr Chris Satow is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Law and Social Sciences. His work bridges Earth systems science, volcanology, and Quaternary environmental change. He teaches core modules including Earth Systems, Oceans and the Marine Environment, and Atmosphere and Climate.

• BSc Geology and Physical Geography, University of Edinburgh
• MSc Quaternary Science, University of London (Royal Holloway, UCL, Queen Mary)
• PhD Quaternary Marine Tephrostratigraphy, Royal Holloway University of London

Chris Satow's research centers on the interactions between Earth's spheres, particularly the influence of sea level change on volcanic activity. He uses tephrostratigraphy—volcanic ash deposits—to correlate paleoclimate and archaeological records across the Mediterranean. His work on Santorini aims to test whether glacial-interglacial sea level fluctuations modulate eruptive frequency and style. He also investigates cryptotephra in marine sediments to refine the timing of climatic and ecological shifts.

His recent publications under review and in preparation focus on synchronizing marine climate records using ash layers, reconstructing Santorini's volcanic history, and reviewing Aegean Arc volcanism. These works emphasize precise geochronology, interdisciplinary integration, and implications for climate modeling and hazard assessment.

• Brookes Teaching Innovation Team Award (£5000)
• NERC Grant in Kind (£54k) for Ar:Ar dating
• Priming Funding (£6k) for Electron Microprobe analysis

Dr Satow leads pedagogic innovation through a student-staff collaborative project to develop a digital research techniques guide, mentoring undergraduates in research practice. He has secured external and internal grants supporting geochemical and geochronological analyses. His research collaborations include experts from Glasgow, Oxford, UCL, Leicester, Cardiff, and Kingston universities.

He is a member of the Human Origins and Palaeo Environments (HOPE) research group, contributing to projects on early human dispersals and environmental change.