Markus Egli

Markus Egli is a Professor in Soil Science and Geochronology at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Zurich. He has been affiliated with the university since 1998 and heads the geochronology laboratory. He also holds guest and teaching positions at the University of Palermo and the University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil. His research spans alpine and Mediterranean environments with a focus on landscape dynamics, soil formation, and geochronological methods.

• Ph.D., University of Zurich (1995)
• Habilitation (Venia Legendi), University of Zurich (2003)
• Post-Doc, Research Institute for Soil Study and Conservation, Florence (2000–2002)
• Research stays at Macaulay Institute (Scotland), University of Michigan (USA), Northern Iowa University (USA), and St. Petersburg State University (Russia)

His research interests include landscape dynamics, chemical weathering, soil formation, clay mineralogy, and carbon sequestration in alpine and Mediterranean environments. He employs numerical dating methods (e.g., 10Be, 14C) and fallout radionuclides (e.g., 137Cs, 239+240Pu) to reconstruct long-term erosion rates, soil development, and paleoenvironmental changes. His work integrates field studies with geochemical and mineralogical analyses.

The most recent publications highlight trends in soil erosion and redistribution, landscape evolution in mountain regions, clay mineral formation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction using geochemical tracers. His research spans Europe, South America, and Asia, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches in geomorphology, soil science, and Quaternary geology.

• Editor, CATENA (since 2014)
• Editorial Board, Geoderma
• Editorial Board, BGS-Bulletin
• Guest Editor, Radiocarbon, Geografiska Annaler, Journal of Soils and Sediments

Markus Egli has supervised numerous research projects, including the multidisciplinary GISALP project on high-mountain environments. He has collaborated with researchers across Europe and North America and has contributed to understanding soil-landscape interactions, fire history, and human impact on soil systems. His editorial and collaborative roles underscore his leadership in the soil science and geochronology communities. He leads the geochronology laboratory at the University of Zurich and continues to mentor students and early-career scientists.