Matthias Leopold

Matthias Leopold is a Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Western Australia's School of Agriculture and Environment. His research focuses on soil geomorphology, critical zone science, and geoarchaeology, integrating geophysical methods and geochemical analyses to understand landscape evolution and soil functions. He leads the Avon River Critical Zone Observatory and collaborates internationally on projects such as the Murujuga Rock Art dating initiative and mine site rehabilitation with BHP.

Research Interests:
Soil-water interactions, subsurface modeling using geophysics (e.g., electrical resistivity tomography), chronostratigraphy via OSL/radiocarbon dating, and applications to agriculture, archaeology, and environmental management. His work bridges pedology and geoscience to address modern environmental challenges like soil degradation and climate resilience.

Grants & Projects:
- Australian Critical Zone Observatory Network (A$70k+, 2021-2023)
- Dating Murujuga Rock Art (A$3.46M, ARC Linkage)
- Cover systems for mine rehabilitation (BHP-funded, A$199k+)
- CRC Honey-Bee products: soil-nutrient studies (A$270k)
- Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (US NSF, $5M, 2007-2013)

Awards:
ANSTO grants for radiocarbon dating initiatives, including tufa formation analysis and Holocene environmental records.

Teaching & Leadership:
Coordinates BSc Environmental Science program and units like Land Capability Assessment (EART3338). Serves on T&L committees and Future Farm initiatives.

Labs/Teams:
Leadership in UWA's Institute of Agriculture, collaborations with ANSTO, CSIRO, and international universities on critical zone science and geoarchaeology.