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Overview

Professor David J.A. Evans

Professor


Affiliations
AffiliationRoom numberTelephone
Professor in the Department of Geography220+44 (0) 191 33 41886
Professor , Sea Level, Ice and Climate220+44 (0) 191 33 41886

Biography

  • BA (Hons), St. David's University College, University of Wales, Lampeter, 1982
  • MSc, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, 1984. Glacial Geomorphology and Chronology in the Selamiut Range/Nachvak Fjord Area, Torngat Mountains, Northern Labrador, Canada
  • PhD, University of Alberta, Canada, 1988. Late Quaternary History of Phillips Inlet and the Wootton Peninsula, North West Ellesmere Island, Canadian High Arctic
  • Busk Medal (Royal Geographical Society), 2017, for excellence and originality in the study of glacial landscapes and processes and empowering the next generation

I am a glacial geomorphologist and my research focuses on three themes which lie at the interface of glacial geology and Quaternary science, concentrating specifically on palaeoglaciology or the reconstruction of former glaciers and ice sheets through time:

Glacial Landsystems

My glacial geomorphological research develops conceptual landsystems models for assessments of glacial process-form relationships, concentrating primarily on modern analogues from a variety of glacierized catchments, ranging from the arid high arctic to hyper-humid, mid latitude mountains. Around the North Atlantic this has included photogrammetric survey and mapping of glacier snouts and the initiation of long term process-form monitoring projects. I employ glacial landsystems models in palaeoglaciological reconstructions at the SW margin of the former Laurentide Ice Sheet in western Canada, mountain glaciations in Norway, South Georgia, Iceland New Zealand and Britain, the Innuitian Ice Sheet in the Canadian arctic and the British and Irish Ice Sheet, the latter being reported through the BRITICE-CHRONO GIS database and the Glacial Map of Britain. More recently I have been collaborating with the Engineering Geology group of the Geological Society in assembling technical guides for engineering investigations in glaciated and periglaciated terrains.

Selection of recent key publications:

  • Evans D.J.A. (2017) Conceptual ground models: British and Irish case studies. In, Griffiths, J.S. & Martin, C.J. (eds.) Engineering Geology and Geomorphology of Glaciated and Periglaciated Terrains. Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publication 28, 369-500
  • Evans D.J.A. (2013) The glacial and periglacial research - Geomorphology and Retreating Glaciers. In, Shroder J. (ed. in chief), Giardino R. & Harbor J. (eds.), Treatise on Geomorphology. Academic Press, San Diego. Volume 8, Glacial and Periglacial Geomorphology, 460-478
  • Benn D.I. & Evans D.J.A. (2010) Glaciers and Glaciation. Second edition. Hodder Education, London: 802pp
  • Evans D.J.A. (ed.) (2003) Glacial Landsystems. Arnold, London: 535p

Glacial Sedimentology

My research on glacial sedimentary environments focuses on ice-marginal settings, especially in the understanding of the relationships between subglacial till genesis and glacier dynamics. This includes the development of a genetically framed classification scheme for tills and glacitectonites, which has reconciled process data with geological criteria and has elucidated the concept of a temporal and spatial mosaic of till formation. I have further linked subglacial process-form relationships to models of landform development at modern glacier margins through a combined macro- and micro-scale approach to glacial sedimentology.

Selection of recent key publications:

  • Evans D.J.A. (2018) Till: A Glacial Process Sedimentology. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester: 390p
  • Evans D.J.A. & Benn D.I. (eds.) (2004) A practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Arnold, London: 266p
  • Evans, D.J.A., Roberts, D.H., Hiemstra, J.F., Nye, K.M., Wright, H. & Steer, A. (2018) Submarginal debris transport and till formation in active temperate glacier systems: the southeast Iceland type locality. Quaternary Science Reviews 195, 72-108

Quaternary Palaeoenvironments of Glaciated Basins (Palaeoglaciology)

I contribute to reconstructions of former glacier ice cover in various locations around the Earth, using my expertise in palaeoglaciology and glacial sedimentology. This includes histories of glaciation and associated relative sea level change in the Canadian High Arctic and Arctic mainland, Svalbard, Arctic Norway, Iceland and South Georgia. On longer timescales this includes also the detailed records of the onset of Quaternary glaciation in western Canada based upon the evolution of preglacial valley systems and their glacigenic infills.

Selection of recent key publications:

  • Evans D.J.A. (2018) Glaciation - A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press
  • Clark C.D., Ely J.C., Greenwood S.L., Hughes A.L.C., Meehan R., Barr I.D., Bateman M.D., Bradwell T., Doole J., Evans D.J.A., Jordan C.J., Monteys X., Pellicer X.M. & Sheehy M. (2018) BRITICE Glacial Map, version 2: a map and GIS database of glacial landforms of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet. Boreas 47, 11-27
  • Evans D.J.A. (2016) Landscapes at the periphery of glacierization - retrospect and prospect. Scottish Geographical Journal 132, 140-163
Vatnajökull National Park (Southern Region): Guide to a Glacial Landscape Legacy

Professor David J.A. Evans. Reykjavík: Vatnajökull National Park, 2016. ISBN 978-9935-9343-0-7

"Professor Evans has not only produced that 'more than normal' textbook, he has also provided a magnificent array of maps, diagrams, tabulated data, and photographs, mostly in colour. Many of the full-page colour photographs stand independently as breathtaking works of art that I long to have on my living room walls. His written expression is excellent and parallels the outstanding exposition of his unsurpassed scientific competence".

(Jack Ives, Arctic 70(2): 220).

Iceland Maps

Research interests

  • palaeoglaciology and landsystems
  • Quaternary palaeoenvironments

Research Projects

  • BRITICE‐CHRONO: Constraining Rates and Style of Marine‐Influenced Ice Sheet Decay
  • Glacial and climate history of South Georgia, sub-Antarctic
  • Glaciated North Atlantic Margins (GLANAM)

Related Links

Awarded Grants

  • 2013: Reconstruction of the Post 'Little Ice Age' Geomorphological Processes in Glacial Environments - Sedimentological and Morphological Record of Glacial Landsystems' Reactions to Environmental Changes(£143122.71 from European Commission)
  • 2012: BRITICE-CHRONO: Constraining Rates and Style of marine influenced ice sheet decay (£369,925 from NERC - Natural Environment Research Council)
  • 2007: THE TIMING OF GLACIAL ADVANCES(£3450.00 from The Royal Society)
  • 2007: XVII INQUA(£1220.00 from The Royal Society)
  • 1999: AMS DATING OF SAMPLE WAINWAY CHANNEL(£400.00 from Romney Marsh Research Trust)

Publications

Authored book

  • O Cofaigh, C. & Evans, D.J.A. (2019). Late Quaternary Stratigraphy and Glacial History of Southern Ireland - INQUA Field Guide. Irish Quaternary Association.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2018). Till - A glacial process sedimentology. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2018). Glaciation - A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
  • Benn, D.I. & Evans D.J.A. (2010). Glaciers and Glaciation. London: Hodder Education.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Rose, J. (2003). Classic Landforms of the Loch Lomond Area. Geographical Association.

Chapter in book

  • Evans, D.J.A. & Evans, I.S. (2022). Glacial Processes and Landforms. In The History of the Study of Landforms or the Development of Geomorphology. Volume 5: Geomorphology in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century. Burt, T.P., Goudie, A.S. & Viles, H.A. Geological Society. 58: 333 - 377.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2021). Geomorphology and glacial legacy. In The Natural History of Upper Weardale. Gater, S. Durham Wildlife Trust. 75-106.
  • Evans, David J. A. (2021). Loch Lomond, Menteith and the Forth Valley. In Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland. Springer Nature. 407-424.
  • Evans, David J. A. (2021). Glacifluvial and Glacilacustrine Landforms of the Midland Valley. In Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland. 425-437.
  • Chandler, Benjamin M.P. & Evans, David J.A. (2021). Glacial Processes and Sediments. In Encyclopedia of Geology. 830-856.
  • Evans, David J. A. (2021). The Midland Valley: Ice-Moulded Lowlands. In Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland. 439-452.
  • Hansom, James D. & Evans, David J. A. (2021). The Solway Lowlands and Coast. In Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland. 467-478.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2020). Exploration science on the shore of the Arctic Ocean: a personal experience. In Curious about Nature - A Passion for Fieldwork. Burt, T.P. & Thompson, D. Cambridge University Press. 195-198.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2020). Lake District. In Landscapes and Landforms of England and Wales. Goudie, A. & Migon, P. Springer Nature. 483-513.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2020). Bodmin Moor. In Landscapes and Landforms of England and Wales. Goudie, A. & Migon, P. Springer Nature. 257-268.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2018). Geomorphology and Quaternary glacial legacy. In The Natural History of Upper Teesdale. Gater, S. Durham Wildlife Trust. 59-87.
  • England, J.H., Evans, D.J.A. & Lakeman, T.R. (2017). Holocene history of Arctic ice shelves. In Arctic Ice Shelves and Ice Islands. Springer. 185-205.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2013). Geomorphology and Retreating Glaciers. In Treatise on Geomorphology. Shroder, J. Giardino, R. & Harbor, J. 8: 460-478.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2012). The Late Quaternary glaciation of northern Canada. In Changing Cold Environments. French, H. & Slaymaker, O. Wiley-Blackwell. 26-47.
  • Carr, S. J., Coleman, C. G. & Evans, D. J. A. (2007). Glacier reconstruction and energy balance modelling of scarp-foot landforms at the Mynydd Du (Black Mountain). In Quaternary of the Brecon Beacons, Field Guide. Carr, S. J., Coleman, C. G., Humpage, A. J. & Shakesby, R. A. London: Quaternary Research Association.
  • Carr, S. J., Coleman, C. G., Evans, D. J. A., Porter, E. M. & Rea, B. R. (2007). An alternative interpretation of Craig-y-Fro based on mass balance and radiation modelling. In Quaternary of the Brecon Beacons, Field Guide. Carr, S. J., Coleman, C. G., Humpage, A. J. & Shakesby, R. A. London: Quaternary Research Association.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Glacial erratics and till dispersal indicators. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 975-978.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Tills. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 959-975.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Glacial landsystems. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 808-818.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Glacitectonic structures and landforms. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 831-838.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Moraine forms and genesis. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 772-784.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2007). Glacial Landforms. In Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science. Elias, S.A. Oxford: Elsevier. 757-772.
  • Scourse, J. D., Evans, D. J. A., Hiemstra, J. F., McCarrol, D., Rhodes, E. J. & Furze, M. F. A. (2006). Pleistocene stratigraphy, geomorphology and chronology. In The Isles of Scilly, Field Guide. Scourse, J.D. London: Quaternary Research Association. 13-22.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2006). Glacial Landsystems. In Glacier Science and Environmental Change. Knight, P.G. London: Blackwell. 83-88.
  • Benn, D. I. & Evans, D. J. A. (2006). Subglacial megafloods: outrageous hypothesis or just outrageous? In Glacier Science and Environmental Change. Knight, P.G. London: Blackwell. 42-46.
  • Clark, C. D., Greenwood, S. L. & Evans, D. J. A. (2006). Palaeoglaciology of the last British-Irish ice sheet: challenges and some recent developments. In Glacier Science and Environmental Change. Knight, P.G. London: Blackwell. 248-264.
  • Scourse, J. D., Hiemstra, J. F. & Evans, D J. A. (2006). The glacial landscape of NE St Martin's and White Island. In The Isles of Scilly, Field Guide. Scourse, J.D. London: Quaternary Research Association. 102-103.
  • Evans, D.J.A., Scourse, J.D., Hiemstra, J.F., Rhodes, E.J., McCarroll, D. & Furze, M.F.A. (2006). Bread and Cheese Cove. In The Isles of Scilly, Field Guide. Scourse, J.D. London: Quaternary Research Association. 111-122.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2005). The Glacier-marginal landsystems of Iceland. In Iceland - Modern Processes and Past Environments. Caseldine, C. J., Russell, A. J., Hardardottir, J. & Knudsen, O. Amsterdam: Elsevier. 93-126.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2004). Eskers. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 579.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Moraines. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 1320-1321.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Glacial Geomorphology. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 739-741.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. (2004). Facies description and the logging of sedimentary exposures. In A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. Arnold. 11-51.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Fjords. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 641-642.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Nunatak. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routeldge. 1571-1518.
  • Evans.D.J.A. (2004). Ice sheets. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2004). Glacial Deposition. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 734-735.
  • Evans.D.J.A. (2004). Glaciers. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Kames. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 1057.
  • Benn, D. I. & Evans, D. J. A. (2004). Introduction and rationale. In A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. Arnold. 1-10.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2004). Glacial erosion. In Encyclopedia of the Arctic. Nuttall, M. London: Routledge. 735-738.
  • Benn, D. I., Evans, D. J. A., Phillips, E. R., Hiemstra, J. F., Walden, J. & Hoey, T. B. (2004). The research project - a case study of Quaternary glacial sediments. In A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. Arnold. 209-234.
  • Hiemstra, J. F., Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. (2003). Drumbeg: zooming in on Unit III (an alternative scenario for deformation phase D2). In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 104-110.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Rose, J. (2003). Late Quaternary Stratigraphy of the Western Highland Boundary. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 21-29.
  • Rea, B. R. & Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Plateau icefield landsystems. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 407-431.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Hansom, J. D. (2003). The Whangie and Paraglacial landslides of the Campsie Fells. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 76-80.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2003). Bergschrund. In Encyclopedia of Geomorphology. Goudie, A.S. London: Routledge.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Bedrock geology and physiography of the Western Highland Boundary. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 2-4.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Introduction to glacial landsystems. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 1-11.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Rea, B. R. (2003). Surging glacier landsystem. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 259-288.
  • Ó Cofaigh, C., Evans, D. J. A. & England, J. (2003). Ice-marginal terrestrial landsystems: sub-polar glacier margins of the Canadian and Greenland high arctic. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 44-64.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2003). Ice-stagnation topography. In Encyclopedia of Geomorphology. Goudie, A.S. London: Routledge. 556-557.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Ice marginal terrestrial landsystems: active temperate glacier margins. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 12-43.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2003). Esker. In Encyclopedia of Geomorphology. Goudie, A.S. London: Routledge. 340-341.
  • Evans, D. J. A., Wilson, S. B. & Rose, J. (2003). Glacial geomorphology of the Western Highland Boundary. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 5-20.
  • Phillips, E. R., Auton, C. A., Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. (2003). Drumbeg: glacial sedimentology and tectonostratigraphy. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 88-103.
  • Wilson, S. B. & Evans, D. J. A. (2003). The Menteith and Buchlyvie moraines. In The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary - Field Guide. Evans, D. J. A. Quaternary Research Association. 150-153.
  • Dyke, A. S. & Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Ice-marginal terrestrial landsystems: northern Laurentide and Innuitian ice sheet margins. In Glacial Landsystems. Evans, D. J. A. Hodder Arnold. 143-165.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2003). Surging glacier. In Encyclopeida of Geomorphology. Goudie, S.A. London: Routledge. 1028-1029.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2003). Fjord. In Encyclopeida of Geomorphology. Goudie, A.S. London: Routeldge. 374-376.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Dimlington (TA 390 220). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 139-144.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Speeton (TA 146 759). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 65-71.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Glacial Geology and Geomorphology. In Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology. Meyers, R. A. Academic Press. 6: 719-751.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Sewerby (TA 198 683). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 71-77.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Kelsey Hill (TA 239 266). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 77-81.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Castlethorpe (SE 978 077). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 589-583.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2002). Site Report: Gransmoor (TA 113 597). In Quaternary of Northern England. Huddart, D. & Glasser, N. F. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 257-264.
  • Thomson, S. A. & Evans, D. J. A. (2001). Site Report: Gembling (TA 120 580). In The Quaternary of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire: Field Guide. Bateman, M. D., Buckland, P. C., Frederick, C. D. & Whitehouse, N. J. Quaternary Research Association. 73-81.
  • Evans, D. J. A., Thomson, S. A. & Clark, C. D. (2001). Introduction to the Late Quaternary of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire: The Glacial History of East Yorkshire. In The Quaternary of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire: Field Guide. Bateman, M. D., Buckland, P. C., Frederick, C. D. & Whitehouse, N. J. Quaternary Research Association. 1-12.

Edited book

  • Evans, D.J.A. & Benn, D.I. (2021). A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Quaternary Research Association.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2018). Glacial Landsystems of Southeast Iceland: Quaternary Applications - Field Guide. QRA Field Guides. Quaternary Research Association.
  • Evans, D.J.A. (2017). The Quaternary Landscape History of Teesdale and the North Pennines - Field Guide. QRA Field Guides. Quaternary Research Association.
  • McDougall, D.A. & Evans, D.J.A. (2015). The Quaternary of the Lake District - Field Guide. QRA Field Guides. Quaternary Research Association.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Benn, D. I. (2004). A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. Arnold.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2004). Geomorphology: Critical Concepts in Geography - Volume IV, Glacial Geomorphology. London: Routledge.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2003). The Quaternary of the Western Highland Boundary: Field Guide. Quaternary Research Association.
  • Evans, D. J. A. (2003). Glacial Landsystems. Hodder Arnold.

Journal Article

Other (Digital/Visual Media)

  • Evans, D. J. A., Twigg, D. R., Rea, B. R. & Shand, M. (2007). Bruarjokull: surficial geology and geomorphology of the surging glacier landsystem. 1:30,000 scale map poster. Universities of Glasgow, Durham, Loughborough and Aberdeen.
  • Evans, D. J. A., Twigg, D. R. & Rea, B. R. (2006). Surging glacier landsystem of Tungnaárjökull, Iceland. 1:25,000 scale map poster.
  • Evans, D. J. A. & Twigg, D. R. (2004). Thórisjökull: Surficial Geology and Geomorphology of a Plateau Icefield. 1:25,000 scale map poster.

Supervision students