Kaustubh Thirumalai

Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences, College of Science

My research focuses on Earth's climate variability, paleoclimatology, and paleoceanography. I am interested in learning about the causes and mechanisms of past fluctuations in the ocean and atmosphere, and how such information can help us anticipate future changes. To do so, I use a combination of observations, geochemical measurements, and climate models to identify and investigate important processes at play in the Earth-climate system. Primarily, my work involves stable isotopic and trace metal geochemistry of carbonate archives (e.g. corals, foraminifera, snails, stalagmites) as well as the analysis of climate simulations. I am also interested in extreme climate events and hazards (earthquakes, flooding, heatwaves, sea-level changes), and how the geological record can help inform future projections.

Degree(s)

  • Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2016