Doug Burbank

Doug Burbank is Professor Emeritus of Earth Science at UC Santa Barbara, specializing in tectonic geomorphology and landscape evolution. His research examines interactions between tectonics, erosion, and climate in mountain ranges worldwide, including the Himalaya, Andes, Tien Shan, and New Zealand Alps. Burbank established the Rochester Theory Center at the University of Rochester and directed UCSB's Institute for Crustal Studies.

Research spans: tectonic controls on landscape development, paleo-erosion rate quantification, knickpoint analysis, fracture density mapping, and fluvial system response to climate change. Field studies employ cutting-edge techniques including digital topography analysis, cosmogenic nuclide dating, and magnetostratigraphy.

Honors include National Academy of Sciences membership, AGU and GSA fellowships, and multiple distinguished lectureships. Authored the authoritative textbook 'Tectonic Geomorphology' now in its second edition.