Randall Schaetzl

Dr. Randall Schaetzl serves as a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at MSU and with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. His career has focused on soils, geomorphology, and Quaternary processes, particularly in the Great Lakes region.

• Michigan State University
• Department of Earth and Environmental Science (MSU)
• Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

Dr. Schaetzl's research spans four decades and integrates pedogenesis, glacial geology, and eolian sediment dynamics. He emphasizes fieldwork and GIS applications, producing innovative spatial analyses of loess deposits, glacial retreat patterns, and soil-landform relationships. His work on podzolization and lessivage has redefined understanding of clay translocation processes.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on loess deposition mechanisms, glacial lake dynamics, and climate-soil interactions. Key trends include:

• Integration of luminescence dating with geomorphological analysis
• Quantitative GIS-based mapping of surficial deposits
• Interdisciplinary studies linking soils with archaeological features
• Focus on Holocene and Late Pleistocene landscapes
• Collaborative research across North America and Europe

Scientific recognition includes Fellowships in both the Geological Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, as well as membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He has mentored numerous graduate students and directed funded research projects examining soil dynamics in glaciated landscapes.

His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses like Seminar in Physical Geography (GEO 871) and Soil Geomorphology Field Study (GEO 408), the latter involving intensive field work across Michigan's diverse glacial terrains. The Quaternary Landscapes Research Group at MSU benefits from his leadership and methodological expertise.