Peter P. Flaig

Peter P. Flaig is a Research Associate Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology's State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery (STARR) program within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. He also serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Geology. His expertise spans clastic sedimentology, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and high-latitude depositional systems, with specialized knowledge in dinosaur-bearing strata and advanced imaging techniques for geological analysis.

Dr. Flaig's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Geology (2010) from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks
• M.S. in Geology (2005) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• B.S. in Geology with a Geography Minor (2002) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

His research encompasses multiple dimensions of sedimentology and paleoenvironmental interpretation. Dr. Flaig has developed significant expertise in fluvial sedimentology, examining ancient river systems and their deposits to reconstruct past hydrological conditions. His work on paleoenvironmental reconstruction spans continental, deltaic, shoreface, and shallow-marine systems, providing holistic interpretations of ancient environments. A distinctive aspect of his research focuses on high-latitude clastic depositional sequences, particularly from Arctic regions, which offers critical insights into Earth's climate history during greenhouse periods. His investigations of dinosaur-bearing clastic successions connect sedimentological evidence with paleontological findings to understand extinction events and ecosystem dynamics. Dr. Flaig's innovative use of high-resolution imaging techniques, including photography and LiDAR, has advanced field methodologies in geology. His work in paleopedology (the study of ancient soils) and expertise in remote logistics demonstrate his comprehensive approach to geological research in challenging environments.

Dr. Flaig's publication record reveals consistent contributions across sedimentology, paleoenvironmental science, and Arctic geology. His recent work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration, combining sedimentological analysis with paleontological, climatological, and geochemical approaches. Many publications focus on Cretaceous systems, particularly in Arctic Alaska, providing valuable data about ancient greenhouse climates. His research typically involves extensive field work in remote locations followed by sophisticated laboratory analysis, reflecting both logistical expertise and analytical rigor. The collaborative nature of his work is evident in diverse author lists spanning multiple institutions.

Dr. Flaig has actively mentored students and early-career researchers through his academic positions. His extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of research funding, particularly for complex field operations in remote Arctic locations. His dual affiliation with UT Austin and University of Alaska Fairbanks indicates strong collaborative networks across institutions and geographical boundaries.

As part of the Bureau of Economic Geology and the STARR program at UT Austin, Dr. Flaig contributes to a research ecosystem focused on both fundamental geological understanding and practical applications in resource recovery and environmental management. His affiliation with the Quantitative Clastics Laboratory suggests involvement in advanced analytical techniques for sedimentary systems, bridging traditional field geology with modern quantitative methods.