Dr Amanda Owen

  • Senior Lecturer (School of Geographical & Earth Sciences)

telephone: 01413 305491
email: Amanda.Owen@glasgow.ac.uk

Room 505C, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, Molema Building, University of Glasgow

ORCID iDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9313-0186

Research interests

My research focuses on understanding the processes and products of fluvial systems. My research spans both modern and ancient fluvial systems, trying to bridge gaps in understanding between the two. 

My rock record work aims to understand the heterogeneity and predictability of fluvial deposits over a variety of scales from the basin to pore scale. My research is primarily field based, where I study analogues (both ancient and modern) to understand subsruface deposits that host resources. Alongside my applied research I also look to understand how external controls (such as climate and tectonics) influence fluvial system behaviour and resultant deposits.

My work is conducted through collaborative links at the University of Aberdeen, University of New Mexico, University of St Andrews and Universidade Federal do ABC.

In addition to this work I am beginning to work with colleagues on building quantitateive predictive models of volcaniclastic systems. 

Understanding Fluvial Reservoirs

This strand of my research concentrates on: 

  • Providing quantified predictive models of key characteristics within distributive fluvial systems based on extensive outcrop work in USA and Spain. 
  • Understanding sandstone body architecture and connectivity variations within fluvial deposits to better predict subsuface fluid flow. 
  • Documenting the fill of continental depositional basins to better understand facies and architecture variability associated with exploration of key resources.
  • Predicting the position of apecis in dispersive systems in order to create better palaeogeographic models. 
  • Documenting the dimension and internal facies variations within terminal splay deposits. 

Environmental Response in Fluvial systems

 This strand of my research concentrates on:

  • Understanding the influence of key controls, such as tectonics and changing climate, on the nature of fluvial deposits, with particular emphasis on understanding the spatial variation to external controls. 
  • Using vegetation changes to understand fluvial processes. 

 

Awards

  • Roland Goldring Award, 2016. awarded by the British Sedimentological Research Group 2016 for 'recognising noteworthy published research in any field of sedimentology within 10 years of research career commencement'. 
  • Lyell Fund, 2018. Awarded by The geological Society for ‘Early career Geoscientists who have made excellent contributions to geoscience research and it’s application, in the UK, and internationally’.

Publications

List by: Type | Date

Jump to: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2013
Number of items: 23.

2023

Campbell, P. and Owen, A. (2023) Steps Towards Positive Change in the Geosciences: Inspiring Girls into Geoscience Scotland. 16th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, 29 Mar 2023.

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2023) Down-delta hydraulic geometry and its application to the rock record. Sedimentology, 70(2), pp. 362-380. (doi: 10.1111/sed.13062)

2022

Hartley, A. J. and Owen, A. (2022) Paleohydraulic analysis of an ancient distributive fluvial system. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 92(5), pp. 445-459. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2021.062)

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2022) Slope break and avulsion locations scale consistently in global deltas. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL093656. (doi: 10.1029/2021GL093656)

2021

Snieder, S., Griffiths, C. M., Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J. and Howell, J. A. (2021) Stratigraphic forward modelling of distributive fluvial systems based on the Huesca System, Ebro Basin, Northern Spain. Basin Research, 33(6), pp. 3137-3158. (doi: 10.1111/bre.12597)

Sun, X., Alcalde, J., Gomez-Rivas, E., Owen, A. , Griera, A., Martín-Martín, J. D., Cruset, D. and Travé, A. (2021) Fluvial sedimentation and its reservoir potential at foreland basin margins: a case study of the Puig-reig anticline (South-eastern Pyrenees). Sedimentary Geology, 424, 105993. (doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2021.105993)

Martin, B., Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J. and Williams, R. D. (2021) Quantifying downstream, vertical and lateral variation in fluvial deposits: implications from the Huesca Distributive Fluvial System. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 733. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2020.564017)

2020

Owen, A. , Clare, M. and Mauz, B. (2020) Editorial: Sedimentology and society. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 19. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2020.00019)

2019

Corbett, P. W. M., Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Pla-Pueyo, S., Barreto, D., Hackney, C. and Kape, S. J. (2019) The geoengineering approach to the study of rivers and reservoirs. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 488(1), pp. 1-13. (doi: 10.1144/sp488-2018-98)

Reis, A. D. d., Scherer, C. M. d. S., Amarante, F. B. d., Rossetti, M. d. M. M., Kifumbi, C., de Souza, E. G., Ferronatto, J. P. F. and Owen, A. (2019) Sedimentology of the proximal portion of a large-scale, Upper Jurassic fluvial-aeolian system in Paraná Basin, southwestern Gondwana. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 95, 102248. (doi: 10.1016/j.jsames.2019.102248)

Santos, M. G. M., Hartley, A. J., Mountney, N. P., Peakall, J., Owen, A. , Merino, E. R. and Assine, M. L. (2019) Meandering rivers in modern desert basins: implications for channel planform controls and prevegetation rivers. Sedimentary Geology, 385, pp. 1-14. (doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2019.03.011)

Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Ebinghaus, A., Weissmann, G. S. and Santos, M. G.M. (2019) Basin‐scale predictive models of alluvial architecture: Constraints from the Palaeocene–Eocene, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA. Sedimentology, 66(2), pp. 736-763. (doi: 10.1111/sed.12515)

2018

Hodgson, D. M., Bernhardt, A., Clare, M. A., Da Silva, A.-C., Fosdick, J. C., Mauz, B., Midtkandal, I., Owen, A. and Romans, B. W. (2018) Grand challenges (and great opportunities) in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and diagenesis research. Frontiers in Earth Science, 6, 173. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2018.00173)

Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. , Weissmann, G. S. and Scuderi, L. (2018) Modern and ancient amalgamated sandy meander‐belt deposits: recognition and controls on development. In: Fluvial Meanders and Their Sedimentary Products in the Rock Record. Series: International Association of Sedimentologists special publications. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, pp. 349-383. (doi: 10.1002/9781119424437.ch14)

Swan, A., Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. and Howell, J. (2018) Reconstruction of a sandy point-bar deposit: implications for fluvial facies analysis. In: Ghinassi, M., Colombera, L., Mountney, N. P. and Reesink, A. J. H. (eds.) Fluvial Meanders and Their Sedimentary Products in the Rock Record. Series: International Association of Sedimentologists special publications. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, pp. 445-474. ISBN 9781119424321 (doi: 10.1002/9781119424437.ch17)

2017

Owen, A. , Ebinghaus, A., Hartley, A. J., Santos, M. G.M. and Weissmann, G. S. (2017) Multi-scale classification of fluvial architecture: an example from the Palaeocene-Eocene Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. Sedimentology, 64(6), pp. 1572-1596. (doi: 10.1111/sed.12364)

Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J. and Weissmann, G. S. (2017) Vertical trends within the prograding Salt Wash distributive fluvial system, SW United States. Basin Research, 29(1), pp. 64-80. (doi: 10.1111/bre.12165)

2016

Owen, A. , Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S. and Nichols, G.J. (2016) Uranium distribution as a proxy for basin-scale fluid flow in distributive fluvial systems. Journal of the Geological Society, 173(4), pp. 569-572. (doi: 10.1144/jgs2016-007)

2015

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Scuderi, L.A., Nichols, G.J., Owen, A. , Wright, S., Felicia, A.L., Holland, F. and Anaya, F.M.L. (2015) Fluvial geomorphic elements in modern sedimentary basins and their potential preservation in the rock record: a review. Geomorphology, 250, pp. 187-219. (doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.09.005)

Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. , Swan, A., Weissmann, G. S., Holzweber, B. I., Howell, J., Nichols, G. and Scuderi, L. (2015) Recognition and importance of amalgamated sandy meander belts in the continental rock record. Geology, 43(8), pp. 679-682. (doi: 10.1130/G36743.1)

Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J., Weissmann, G. S. and Scuderi, L. A. (2015) Quantification of a distributive fluvial system: the salt wash DFS of the Morrison Formation, SW U.S.A. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 85(5), pp. 544-561. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2015.35)

Owen, A. , Jupp, P. E., Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J., Weissmann, G. S. and Sadykova, D. (2015) Statistical estimation of the position of an apex: application to the geological record. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 85(2), pp. 142-152. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2015.16)

2013

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Scuderi, L.A., Nichols, G.J., Davidson, S.K., Owen, A. , Atchley, S.C., Bhattacharyya, P., Chakraborty, T. and Ghosh, P. (2013) Prograding distributive fluvial systems—geomorphic models and ancient examples. In: Driese, S. G., Nordt, L. C. and McCarthy, P. J. (eds.) New Frontiers in Paleopedology and Terrestrial Paleoclimatology. Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), pp. 131-147. ISBN 9781565763227

This list was generated on Tue Jun 6 10:23:24 2023 BST.
Number of items: 23.

Articles

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2023) Down-delta hydraulic geometry and its application to the rock record. Sedimentology, 70(2), pp. 362-380. (doi: 10.1111/sed.13062)

Hartley, A. J. and Owen, A. (2022) Paleohydraulic analysis of an ancient distributive fluvial system. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 92(5), pp. 445-459. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2021.062)

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2022) Slope break and avulsion locations scale consistently in global deltas. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL093656. (doi: 10.1029/2021GL093656)

Snieder, S., Griffiths, C. M., Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J. and Howell, J. A. (2021) Stratigraphic forward modelling of distributive fluvial systems based on the Huesca System, Ebro Basin, Northern Spain. Basin Research, 33(6), pp. 3137-3158. (doi: 10.1111/bre.12597)

Sun, X., Alcalde, J., Gomez-Rivas, E., Owen, A. , Griera, A., Martín-Martín, J. D., Cruset, D. and Travé, A. (2021) Fluvial sedimentation and its reservoir potential at foreland basin margins: a case study of the Puig-reig anticline (South-eastern Pyrenees). Sedimentary Geology, 424, 105993. (doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2021.105993)

Martin, B., Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J. and Williams, R. D. (2021) Quantifying downstream, vertical and lateral variation in fluvial deposits: implications from the Huesca Distributive Fluvial System. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 733. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2020.564017)

Owen, A. , Clare, M. and Mauz, B. (2020) Editorial: Sedimentology and society. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 19. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2020.00019)

Corbett, P. W. M., Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Pla-Pueyo, S., Barreto, D., Hackney, C. and Kape, S. J. (2019) The geoengineering approach to the study of rivers and reservoirs. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 488(1), pp. 1-13. (doi: 10.1144/sp488-2018-98)

Reis, A. D. d., Scherer, C. M. d. S., Amarante, F. B. d., Rossetti, M. d. M. M., Kifumbi, C., de Souza, E. G., Ferronatto, J. P. F. and Owen, A. (2019) Sedimentology of the proximal portion of a large-scale, Upper Jurassic fluvial-aeolian system in Paraná Basin, southwestern Gondwana. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 95, 102248. (doi: 10.1016/j.jsames.2019.102248)

Santos, M. G. M., Hartley, A. J., Mountney, N. P., Peakall, J., Owen, A. , Merino, E. R. and Assine, M. L. (2019) Meandering rivers in modern desert basins: implications for channel planform controls and prevegetation rivers. Sedimentary Geology, 385, pp. 1-14. (doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2019.03.011)

Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Ebinghaus, A., Weissmann, G. S. and Santos, M. G.M. (2019) Basin‐scale predictive models of alluvial architecture: Constraints from the Palaeocene–Eocene, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA. Sedimentology, 66(2), pp. 736-763. (doi: 10.1111/sed.12515)

Hodgson, D. M., Bernhardt, A., Clare, M. A., Da Silva, A.-C., Fosdick, J. C., Mauz, B., Midtkandal, I., Owen, A. and Romans, B. W. (2018) Grand challenges (and great opportunities) in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and diagenesis research. Frontiers in Earth Science, 6, 173. (doi: 10.3389/feart.2018.00173)

Owen, A. , Ebinghaus, A., Hartley, A. J., Santos, M. G.M. and Weissmann, G. S. (2017) Multi-scale classification of fluvial architecture: an example from the Palaeocene-Eocene Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. Sedimentology, 64(6), pp. 1572-1596. (doi: 10.1111/sed.12364)

Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J. and Weissmann, G. S. (2017) Vertical trends within the prograding Salt Wash distributive fluvial system, SW United States. Basin Research, 29(1), pp. 64-80. (doi: 10.1111/bre.12165)

Owen, A. , Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S. and Nichols, G.J. (2016) Uranium distribution as a proxy for basin-scale fluid flow in distributive fluvial systems. Journal of the Geological Society, 173(4), pp. 569-572. (doi: 10.1144/jgs2016-007)

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Scuderi, L.A., Nichols, G.J., Owen, A. , Wright, S., Felicia, A.L., Holland, F. and Anaya, F.M.L. (2015) Fluvial geomorphic elements in modern sedimentary basins and their potential preservation in the rock record: a review. Geomorphology, 250, pp. 187-219. (doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.09.005)

Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. , Swan, A., Weissmann, G. S., Holzweber, B. I., Howell, J., Nichols, G. and Scuderi, L. (2015) Recognition and importance of amalgamated sandy meander belts in the continental rock record. Geology, 43(8), pp. 679-682. (doi: 10.1130/G36743.1)

Owen, A. , Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J., Weissmann, G. S. and Scuderi, L. A. (2015) Quantification of a distributive fluvial system: the salt wash DFS of the Morrison Formation, SW U.S.A. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 85(5), pp. 544-561. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2015.35)

Owen, A. , Jupp, P. E., Nichols, G. J., Hartley, A. J., Weissmann, G. S. and Sadykova, D. (2015) Statistical estimation of the position of an apex: application to the geological record. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 85(2), pp. 142-152. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2015.16)

Book Sections

Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. , Weissmann, G. S. and Scuderi, L. (2018) Modern and ancient amalgamated sandy meander‐belt deposits: recognition and controls on development. In: Fluvial Meanders and Their Sedimentary Products in the Rock Record. Series: International Association of Sedimentologists special publications. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, pp. 349-383. (doi: 10.1002/9781119424437.ch14)

Swan, A., Hartley, A. J., Owen, A. and Howell, J. (2018) Reconstruction of a sandy point-bar deposit: implications for fluvial facies analysis. In: Ghinassi, M., Colombera, L., Mountney, N. P. and Reesink, A. J. H. (eds.) Fluvial Meanders and Their Sedimentary Products in the Rock Record. Series: International Association of Sedimentologists special publications. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, pp. 445-474. ISBN 9781119424321 (doi: 10.1002/9781119424437.ch17)

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Scuderi, L.A., Nichols, G.J., Davidson, S.K., Owen, A. , Atchley, S.C., Bhattacharyya, P., Chakraborty, T. and Ghosh, P. (2013) Prograding distributive fluvial systems—geomorphic models and ancient examples. In: Driese, S. G., Nordt, L. C. and McCarthy, P. J. (eds.) New Frontiers in Paleopedology and Terrestrial Paleoclimatology. Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), pp. 131-147. ISBN 9781565763227

Conference or Workshop Item

Campbell, P. and Owen, A. (2023) Steps Towards Positive Change in the Geosciences: Inspiring Girls into Geoscience Scotland. 16th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, 29 Mar 2023.

This list was generated on Tue Jun 6 10:23:24 2023 BST.

Supervision

I am very open to prospective students contacting me with regards to pursuing research opportunities (both at MSc by Research or PhD level) in the areas of fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology, subsurface fluvial systems, sedimentary response to climate events, quantification of sedimentary systems to aid predictive models, landscape evolution and volcaniclastic/sedimentary interactions. Any fully funded opportunities will be posted here, however prospective students are encouraged to contact me if they have an idea that they would like to pursue funding for. 

Current research related supervision:

Internal to University of Glasgow

  • (PhD) 'A neural network approach to understanding distributive fluvial systems'
  • (PhD)'Understanding fluvial planform response on deltas response to sea level rise'
  • (PhD) 'Numerical modelling of fluid flow, mineralisation and dolomitisation at Navan, Ireland' 
  • (PhD) ‘Recording high-resolution changes in temperature and hydrology from the Canadian Prairie’.
  • (PhD)  'Sustaining Scottish clay-rich sandstone buildings'.
  • (PhD) 'Application of machine learning (neural networks) to aid identificaiton of fluvial subsurface deposits'
  • (PhD) '
  • (MSc by Research) 'Understanding provence of carboniferous sediments in the east of Scotland' 

External to Univerisity of Glasgow:   

  • (PhD)  ‘A forward modelling approach to understanding channel connectivity in distributive fluvial systems’.
  • (PhD) ' Mudstone distribution in the Clair Field: Controls on development, prediction of thickness, lateral extent and character'

 

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Completed research related supervision:

  • (PhD) ‘Fluvial architecture in shallow marine connected systems, Cretaceous, Western Interior Seaway, USA’. University of Aberdeen.
  • (PhD)  ‘Changing fluvial architecture across the Salt Wash DFS’. University of Aberdeen. 
  • (PhD) ‘Controls on the development and distribution of lateral and terminal splays in in modern and ancient fluvial systems’.
  • (MRes) ‘Development of a predictive framework for fluvial-dominated sedimentary basins’
  • (MRes)  ‘The post-depositional evolution of the Torridonian, Western Scotland’.
  • (Msc) ‘Analysis of heterogeneity in the Salt Wash Member fluvial deposits’
  • (Msc) ‘Fluvial bar form morphology and dimensions in the Castlegate Sandstone’.
  • (MSc)  ‘Comparison of outcrop and well data: predicting channel belt dimensions from the Salt Wash DFS, Morrison Formation, SW U.S.A’.
  • (MSc) 'Controls on fluvial architecture, connectivity and heterogeneities in mixed net to gross systems'.  

Teaching

Head of level 2

EARTH4071 - Sedimentology and Basin Analysis 

EARTH4085 - Applied Basin Analysis

EARTH4090 - Landscape Dynamics

EARTH2010- Earth Science and the Environment 

EARTH4004 - Independent Research Project and Science Communication