School of Geographical and Earth Sciences

Dr Alan Owen

Alan Owen
  • Reader (School of Geographical and Earth Sciences)
  • Senate Assessor (Senate Office)

telephone: 01413305461
email: Alan.Owen@glasgow.ac.uk


My wide research expertise encompasses palaeontology (from alpha taxonomy to biodiversity change), palaeobiogeography, Caledonide terrane evolution, sedimentary geochemistry and stratigraphy. This has enabled me to address a wide spectrum of palaeobiological and geological problems and has resulted in 112 published papers and books. I am the longest serving voting member of the International Subcommission on the Ordovician System, an editor of the international journal Lethaia and a recent member of the NERC Peer Review College.

Ordovician-Silurian Biodiversity change

I was one of the leaders of International Geoscience Programme Project No. 503 ‘Ordovician Palaeogeography & Palaeoclimate’ (2004-2009) (http://sarv.gi.ee/igcp503/) which involved over 260 scientists in 35 countries and sought to understand the environmental factors that promoted the Ordovician biodiversification, the end-Ordovician mass extinction and the early Silurian radiation. I was also the Geological Society National Correspondent on IGCP 503. The project was graded Excellent by the IGCP Board in February 2010. In addition to my own research contributions to the project, I organised one of the annual meetings and edited Special Issues of the international journals Lethaia and (with Thomas Servais) Palaeo3 comprising papers arising from the project.
My continuing work includes:
· Regional biodiversity change at the clade and community level and its implications for understanding the global patterns.
· The significance of Ordovician deep water and island faunas to understanding biogeographical and evolutionary patterns. Collaborators: Profs David Harper (University of Copenhagen) & David Bruton (University of Oslo), Dr Mike Romano (University of Sheffield).

Ordovician Biogeography and Caledonide Terrane Evolution

This work provides vital constraints on the recognition and plate tectonic histories of terranes in and around the Iapetus Ocean and on the faults presently bounding them. · Composition, ecology and diversity of faunas in the Girvan area, Midland Valley terrane. Collaborators; Dr Sarah Stewart (National Museums of Scotland) and Ms Kathy Keefe (SUERC). · Biogeography, palaeoecology and taxonomy of faunas from the Leinster terrane and the complex mosaic of terranes in the Iapetus suture zone. Principal collaborators: Drs Mike Romano (University of Sheffield) and Matthew Parkes (National Museum of Ireland), Prof. Dave Harper (University of Copenhagen). · Chert geochemistry and fingerprinting of the Highland Border Complex. Collaborators: Drs Howard Armstrong (University of Durham) and Geoff Tanner (University of Glasgow).

Trilobite Taxonomy, Biology and Evolution

In addition to the systematic palaeontology associated with biodiversity, biogeographical and stratigraphical programmes noted above, I am currently engaged in the following projects on trilobites: · Structure, chemistry, function and biomineralisation of calcite lenses in the eyes of trilobites and other invertebrates. Collaborators Dr Martin Lee & and Miss Clare Torney (Univ. of Glasgow), Prof. Robert Martin (University of Strathclyde). · Taxonomy and evolution of the Trinucleidae and Encrinuridae including work for the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology. Collaborators; Drs Keith Ingham and Alison Bowdler-Hicks. · Ontogeny and development of Calyptaulax. Collaborators: Prof. Euan Clarkson and Ms Claire Brenner (formerly University of Edinburgh). · The biological significance of trilobite abnormalities, injuries and diseases.

Carboniferous palaeoecology – numerical ("statistical") discrimination of faunal associations; biodiversity patterns.

Collaborators Dr Maxine Akhurst and Mr Mark Dean (BGS). Dr Alison Bowdler-Hicks, Dr Alistair McGowan, Mr Craig Dooris.

Jump to: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Number of items: 25.

2011

Harper, D.A.T., Li, J., Munnecke, A., Owen, A.W. , Servais, T., and Sheehan, P.M. (2011) Concluding IGCP 503: towards a holistic view of ordovician and silurian earth systems. Episodes, 34 (1). pp. 32-38. ISSN 0705-3797

Owen, A.W., and Romano, M. (2011) Deep shelf trilobite biofacies from the upper Katian (Upper Ordovician) of the Grangegeeth Terrane, eastern Ireland. Geological Journal, 46 (5). pp. 416-426. ISSN 0072-1050 (doi:10.1002/gj.1280)

2010

Dean, M.T., Owen, A. , Bowdler-Hicks, A., and Akhurst, M.C. (2010) Trophic structure and spatial distribution of macrofaunas in the Hurlet and Index limestones (Carboniferous: upper Viséan and lower Serpukhovian) of Ayrshire, Scotland. Scottish Journal of Geology, 46 (2). pp. 169-180. ISSN 0036-9276 (doi:10.1144/0036-9276/01-417)

Servais, T, and Owen, A. (2010) Early Palaeozoic Palaeoenvironments and the ‘explosion’ of diversity in marine species, genera and families. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 29 (3-4). pp. 95-98. ISSN 0031-0182 (doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2010.05.044)

Servais, T., Owen, A. , Harper, D.A.T., Kroeger, B., and Munnecke, A. (2010) The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE): the palaeoecological dimension. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 294 (3-4). pp. 99-119. ISSN 0031-0182 (doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2010.05.031)

Dean, M.T., Owen, A. , Bowdler-Hicks, A., and Akhurst, M. (2010) Discriminating faunal assemblages and their palaeoecology based on museum collections: the Carboniferous Hurlet and Index limestones of western Scotland, UK. Scottish Journal of Geology, 46 (1). pp. 45-57. ISSN 0036-9276

2009

Armstrong, H.A., Baldini, J., Challands, T.J., Gröcke, D.R., and Owen, A.W. (2009) Response of the inter-tropical convergence zone to Southern Hemisphere cooling during upper ordovician glaciation. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 284 (3-4). pp. 227-236. ISSN 0031-0182 (doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2009.10.001)

Servais, T., Harper, D.A.T., Munnecke, A., Owen, A.W. , and Sheehan, P.M. (2009) Understanding the great ordovician biodiversification event (GOBE): influences of paleogeography, paleoclimate, or paleoecology. GSA Today, 19 (4). pp. 4-10. ISSN 1052-5173 (doi:10.1130/GSATG37A.1)

Challands, T.J., Armstrong, H.A., Maloney, D.P., Davies, J.R., Wilson, D., and Owen, A.W. (2009) Organic-carbon deposition and coastal upwelling at mid-latitude during the Upper Ordovician (Late Katian): a case study from the Welsh Basin, UK. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 273 (3-4). pp. 395-410. ISSN 0031-0182 (doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2008.10.004)

Harper, D.A.T., Owen, A.W. , and Bruton, D.L. (2009) Ordovician life around the Celtic fringes: diversifications, extinctions and migrations of brachiopod and trilobite faunas at middle latitudes. Geological Society Special Publication, 325 . pp. 157-170. ISSN 0305-8719 (doi:10.1144/SP325.8)

2008

Owen, A.W., Harper, D.A.T., and Heath, R.A. (2008) A route to recovery: the early Silurian shallow-water shelly fauna in the northern Oslo basin. Lethaia, 41 (2). pp. 173-184. ISSN 0024-1164 (doi:10.1111/j.1502-3931.2008.00109.x)

Stewart, S.E., and Owen, A.W. (2008) Probing the deep shelf: a Lagerstätte from the upper ordovician of Girvan, southwestern Scotland. Lethaia, 41 (2). pp. 139-146. ISSN 0024-1164 (doi:10.1111/j.1502-3931.2008.00117.x)

Owen, A.W., and Bruton, D.L. (2008) The environmental significance and fate of the trilobite fauna of the Pyle Mountain Argillite (upper ordovician), Maine. In: Rábano, I., Gozalo Gutiérrez, R. and García-Bellido, D. (eds.) Advances in Trilobite Research. Series: Publicaciones del Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. Serie Cuadernos del Museo Geominero (9). Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, Madrid, Spain, pp. 283-287. ISBN 9788478407590

Torney, C., Lee, M.R. , and Owen, A.W. (2008) Peering into the eyes of trilobites using EBSD. In: Rollett, A.D. (ed.) Materials processing and texture : a collection of papers presented at the 15th International Conference on Textures of Materials (ICOTOM 15) June 1-6, 2008, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hoboken. ISBN 9780470408346

Torney, C., Lee, M.R., and Owen, A.W. (2008) An electron backscatter diffraction study of geesops: a broader view of trilobite vision? In: Fourth International Trilobite Conference, 16 - 24th June 2008, Toledo, Spain.

2007

Lee, MR, Torney, C, and Owen, AW (2007) Magnesium-rich intralensar structures in schizochroal trilobite eyes. Palaeontology, 50 . pp. 1031-1037. (doi:10.1111/j.1475-4983.2007.00710.x)

Owen, A (2007) The last hurray for the Trinucleidae (Trilobita). Acta Palaeontologica Sinica, 46 (supp). pp. 364-369.

Owen, AW (2007) Trilobite diversity in Avalonia prior to the end Ordovician extinction - the peak before the trough. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 245 . pp. 264-271. ISSN 0031-0182 (doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2006.02.024)

2003

Owen, AW, and McCormick, T (2003) Ordovician trilobite biodiversity change in the Anglo-Welsh sector of Avalonia: A comparison of regional and global patterns. Trilobites and their Relatives . pp. 271-280.

2002

Armstrong, HA, and Owen, AW (2002) Euconodont paleobiogeography and the closure of the Iapetus Ocean. Geology, 30 . pp. 1091-1094.

Bowdler-Hicks, A, Ingham, JK, and Owen, AW (2002) The taxonomy and stratigraphical significance of the Anglo-Welsh Cryptolithinae (Trinucleidae, Trilobita). Palaeontology, 45 . pp. 1075-1105.

Owen, A (2002) Euconodont diversity changes in a cooling and closing Iapetus Ocean. Geological Society Special Publication, 194 . pp. 85-98.

2001

Armstrong, H., and Owen, A. (2001) Terrane evolution of the paratectonic Caledonides of northern Britain. Journal of the Geological Society, 158 . pp. 475-486. ISSN 0016-7649

Armstrong, H.A., and Owen, A.W. (2001) Terrane evolution of the paratectonic Caledonides of northern Britain. Journal of the Geological Society, 158 (3). pp. 475-486. ISSN 0016-7649 (doi:10.1144/jgs.158.3.475)

McCormick, T, and Owen, AW (2001) Assessing trilobite biodiversity change in the Ordovician of the British Isles. Geological Journal, 36 . pp. 279-290.

This list was generated on Sat May 26 16:58:26 2012 BST.

Owen, A. W. 2008. Biodiversity in the Chaetetes-Band: statistical discrimination £5,375 (British Geological Survey University Funding Initiative).

Owen, A. W. 2008. Biodiversity in the Chaetetes-Band: statistical discrimination £5,375 (British Geological Survey University Funding Initiative).

Owen, A. and Lee, M. 2007-2010. Mineral eyes - lessons from the natural world, £63,000 (The Leverhulme Trust). Co-investigator: Professor Robert Martin (Physics, University of Strathclyde)

Owen, A. W. 2004. Carboniferous palaeontology: statistical discrimination - extension, £2,023 (British Geological Survey).

Owen, A. W. 2003-2004. Carboniferous palaeontology: statistical discrimination £1,767 (British Geological Survey).

Owen, A. W. 2003. The composition and significance of a recovery fauna following the End Ordovician mass extinction £2,260 (EU/COBICE [Copenhagen Biosystematics Centre]).

Owen, A. W. 1998-2001. Biodiversity Change in the Ordovician of the British Isles £107,806 (NERC GR3/11834).

Owen, A. W. 1997-1999. Biostratigraphy, provinciality and geothermometry of limestone clasts in conglomerates from the Midland Valley, Scotland £13,952 (NERC GR9/2834). Co-Investigator: H. A. Armstrong (University of Durham).

Owen, A. and Lee, M. 2007-2010. Mineral eyes - lessons from the natural world, £63,000 (The Leverhulme Trust). Co-investigator: Professor Robert Martin (Physics, University of Strathclyde)

Owen, A. W. 2004. Carboniferous palaeontology: statistical discrimination - extension, £2,023 (British Geological Survey).

Clare Torney (PhD candidate)

During my career I have given courses in a wide range of subjects from crystallography and mineralogy to structural geology and global tectonics although the main core of my teaching has always been in palaeontology and stratigraphy.

My current teaching comprises:

Level 1
  • Life on Earth and parts of the Earth History course.

Level 2
  • Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy.
  • Leader of the day course on Ardmore Point and associated tutorials.

Level 3
  • Stratigraphy and associated day course at Stonehaven.
  • Day field class at Rosneath
  • Oban field course.
  • Coordinator of Second Semester student seminars.

Level 4
  • Organiser and co-leader of the residential field course in the Cleveland Basin
  • Day petroleum geology field class at St Monance.
  • Major Earth Processes - sessions on mass extinctions.
  • Mapping dissertation seminar assessor.



I am a Senate Assessor on the University Court and the External Examiner on the BSc Geology degree at the University of Cardiff.