Ms Heather Stewart

2015 – ongoing : PhD Research Student (part-time) at University of Stirling

2001 – ongoing : Marine Geologist, British Geological Survey

2000 –2001 : Marine Geologist with Caledonian Geotech

1997 –2001 : BSc (Hons), University of Glasgow, Geology and Applied Geology

The overarching aim of my research is to study the impact of glacial/interglacial cycles and ice streaming on the Quaternary landforms and sediments in the western North Sea Basin. Improved understanding of these marine sediments and their geomorphology will inform the distribution of sea-bed habitats, geohazards, resources, site selection for offshore renewables, and climate change.

An improved understanding of the past cycles of glaciation, timing and extent, has far reaching implications for better understanding global climate change and ice-sheet behaviour.

Another key aspect of this work is examining the potential effect of ice-sheet glaciation and deglaciation on the geomechanical properties of the shallow geosphere (especially Pleistocene sediments). This is particularly important in the North Sea Basin where relatively little is known about the ice-sheet scenarios that have affected this basin.

My supervisory team comprise: Dr Tom Bradwell (University of Stirling) Dr Margaret Stewart (British Geological Survey) Prof. Colm Ó Cofaigh (Durham University)