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

Import to contacts

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

Biography

2022 - present - Seniour Lecturer in Sedimentology, University of Glasgow

2017- 2022 - Lecturer in Earth Science, University of Glasgow

2014-2017 - Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Aberdeen

2010-2014 - PhD in Fluvial Sedimentology, Royal Holloway, University of London

2007-2010 - BSc (Hons) Physcial Geography and Geology, University of Plymouth (First Class)

 

 

Research interests

My research focuses on understanding the processes and products of alluvial systems, with a particular emphasis on alluvial, fluvial, and deltaic systems. My research spans both modern and ancient fluvial systems, to ensure a holistic understanding of processes that operate on short- (e.g. seconds) and long-term (e.g. geological) timescales, and how this impacts the nature and predictability of deposits. I use methods in remote sensing, AI, field sedimentology and geomorphology, and computational modelling to pursue scientific questions and societal challenges.

My research on modern fluvial systems has focused on understanding the spatial variability of alluvial system characteristics across different climate and tectonic settings. I have expertise in deriving quantitative predictive models of sedimentary systems for subsurface application over a variety of scales from the basin to pore scale. I have a track record in developing predictive subsurface models to better understand subsurface deposits that host resources and be potential future storage sites.

Alongside my applied research I study the impacts of perturbations in Earth systems processes (e.g., climate and tectonics) and their influence on sedimentary system behaviour and deposits. I also have keen interests in understanding sedimentary rocks of the Anthropocene and sedimentary-volcano interactions.  

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

Publications

List by: Type | Date

Jump to: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2013
Number of items: 29.

2025

Owen, A. , MacDonald, J. M. and Brown, D. J. (2025) Evidence for a rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle. Geology, (doi: 10.1130/G52895.1) (Early Online Publication)

MacDonald, J. M. , Taylor, G., Lewis, E. R., Wilson, C. , Spruzeniece, L. , Slaymark, C., Brown, D. J. and Owen, A. (2025) Formation of an anthropogenic rock: mechanisms and microstructures of lithification of a legacy deposit of cementitious material. Earth Science, Systems and Society, (doi: 10.1144/esss2024-010)

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2025) Influence of alluvial slope on avulsion in river deltas. Earth Surface Dynamics, (Accepted for Publication)

2024

Prasojo, O. A., Van Yperen, A. E., Hoey, T. B., Owen, A. and Williams, R. (2024) Using delta channel width to estimate paleodischarge in the rock record: geometric scaling and practical sampling criteria. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 94(1), pp. 62-75. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2022.057)

2023

Snieder, S., Griffiths, C. M., Howell, J. A., Hartley, A. J. and Owen, A. (2023) Quantifying the sensitivity of distributive fluvial systems to changes in sediment supply and lake level using stratigraphic forward modelling. Sedimentology, 70(7), pp. 2196-2219. (doi: 10.1111/sed.13118)

Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Hoey, T. B., Ebinghaus, A., Jolley, D. W. and Weissmann, G. S. (2023) Analysis of the fluvial stratigraphic response to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum in the Bighorn Basin, U.S.A. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 93(5), pp. 293-308. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2021.134)

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, Massimiliano, Colombera, Luca, Mountney, Nigel P. and Reesink, Arnold Jan 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, Steven G., Nordt, Lee C. and McCarthy, Paul J. (eds.) New Frontiers in Paleopedology and Terrestrial Paleoclimatology. Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), pp. 131-147. ISBN 9781565763227

This list was generated on Fri May 16 20:05:21 2025 BST.
Jump to: Articles | Book Sections | Conference or Workshop Item
Number of items: 29.

Articles

Owen, A. , MacDonald, J. M. and Brown, D. J. (2025) Evidence for a rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle. Geology, (doi: 10.1130/G52895.1) (Early Online Publication)

MacDonald, J. M. , Taylor, G., Lewis, E. R., Wilson, C. , Spruzeniece, L. , Slaymark, C., Brown, D. J. and Owen, A. (2025) Formation of an anthropogenic rock: mechanisms and microstructures of lithification of a legacy deposit of cementitious material. Earth Science, Systems and Society, (doi: 10.1144/esss2024-010)

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2025) Influence of alluvial slope on avulsion in river deltas. Earth Surface Dynamics, (Accepted for Publication)

Prasojo, O. A., Van Yperen, A. E., Hoey, T. B., Owen, A. and Williams, R. (2024) Using delta channel width to estimate paleodischarge in the rock record: geometric scaling and practical sampling criteria. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 94(1), pp. 62-75. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2022.057)

Snieder, S., Griffiths, C. M., Howell, J. A., Hartley, A. J. and Owen, A. (2023) Quantifying the sensitivity of distributive fluvial systems to changes in sediment supply and lake level using stratigraphic forward modelling. Sedimentology, 70(7), pp. 2196-2219. (doi: 10.1111/sed.13118)

Owen, A. , Hartley, A. J., Hoey, T. B., Ebinghaus, A., Jolley, D. W. and Weissmann, G. S. (2023) Analysis of the fluvial stratigraphic response to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum in the Bighorn Basin, U.S.A. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 93(5), pp. 293-308. (doi: 10.2110/jsr.2021.134)

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, Massimiliano, Colombera, Luca, Mountney, Nigel P. and Reesink, Arnold Jan 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, Steven G., Nordt, Lee C. and McCarthy, Paul 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 Fri May 16 20:05:21 2025 BST.

Grants

‘A new Anthropocene? Investigation of an Anthropogenic Rock Cycle in a Coastal Setting’. PI. Geological Society. 

‘Sand Routes: Mapping Sand Mining on Volcanic Slopes in Indonesia’. CO-I. GCID Small Grants University Glasgow.

Supervision

I encourage prospective students to get in contact with regards to pursuing research opportunities (both at MSc by Research or PhD level) in the areas of fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology, anthropogenic sedimentology, subsurface fluvial systems, sedimentary response to climate events, quantification of sedimentary systems, landscape evolution, and volcaniclastic/sedimentary interactions. 

 

Current Graduate Students

Heather Kerr - Meander Characteristics on distributive fluvial systems

Neve Norris - Meander characteristics on avulsing Distributive fluvial systems

Previous Graduate Students

Quantifying downstream, lateral and vertical trends in the Huesca distributive fluvial system, Spain: Paper 1

Scaling relationships of global river deltas: Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

Manual v Quantified analysis of distributive fluvial systems 

Forward Stratigrpahic modelling of distributive fluvial systems Paper 1 Paper 2

Quantifying variability within the medial zone of modern distributive flucial systems

The pre-depositional history of the Applecross formation, NW Highlands, Scotland

 

 

  • Norris, Neve
    Spatial Variability of Meander Characteristics in an Avulsing Distributive Fluvial System

Teaching

EARTH4071 - Sedimentary Environments and Deposits 

EARTH4094 - Structural Geology and Basins

Professional activities & recognition

Prizes, awards & distinctions

  • 2016: Roland Goldring Award (British Sedimentological Research Group)
  • 2018: Lyell Fund (Geological Society)

Editorial boards

  • 2018 - 2021: Frontiers in Earth Science, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Review Editor

Professional & learned societies

  • 2021 - 2024: Council Member, Geological Society of London
  • 2017 - 2020: Treasurer, British Sedimentological Research Group

Additional information

 2019 - present Girls into Geoscience: Scotland Co-lead 


Dr Amanda Owen on Twitter