Matt Tomkins

Matt Tomkins is a Senior Tutor in GIS within the Quaternary Environments and Geoarchaeology group at the University of Manchester. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography (2019) and has a strong academic background, including a B.Sc. (2015) and M.Sc. in Environmental Science (2016). His research focuses on Quaternary science, particularly the roles of glaciers, rivers, and landslides in shaping mountain landscapes. He employs quantitative topographic analysis and cosmogenic dating techniques like 10Be and Schmidt Hammer exposure dating (SHED). Notable fieldwork spans the Pyrenees, British Isles, Montenegro, Iceland, and the Transantarctic Mountains. He co-leads the Cryosphere Research group at Manchester, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on glacial processes.

Education:

• Ph.D. Physical Geography, University of Manchester (2019)
• M.Sc. Environmental Science, Lancaster University (2016)
• B.Sc. Geography, University of Manchester (2015)

Research Interests: Combines field-based geomorphological analysis with chronological methods to understand glacial dynamics, landscape evolution, and paleoenvironmental changes. Specializes in cirque morphology, glacial retreat patterns, and the impact of permafrost degradation on rock-slope failures. Active in methodological advancements such as SHED calibration and probabilistic age interpretation via P-CAAT software.

Key Contributions: Over 22 peer-reviewed publications, including influential work on Pyrenean glacial chronology and Transantarctic Mountain cirque analysis. His research bridges climatic and tectonic influences on mountain landscapes, emphasizing quantitative tools for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.