Personal profile
Research interests
My research characterizes molecular and isotopic compositions of sedimentary organic matter as a tool for reconstructing ancient environmental conditions. My current projects utilize carbon and deuterium signatures of biomarkers - the molecular remains of algae and plants - to trace hydroclimate and ecosystem fragmentation in eastern Africa during major junctures in human evolution, ca. 6-to-1 million years ago. In tropical lake systems, deuterium composition of biomarkers reflects local water cycle dynamics, which in turn are sensitive to seasonality, precipitation intensity and monsoon circulation. Carbon isotope compositions are also linked to hydroclimate through the influences of water on plant community composition and structure. Recently, I have become interested in the utility of ‘landscape biomarkers’ – such as n-alkylresorcinols – preserved in ancient soils towards mapping wetland environments and spatial distributions of water. This quantitative approach to environmental reconstruction may provide powerful insights into the immediate selective pressures experienced by early humans.
Keywords
- QE Geology
- Geoscience
- Geochemistry
- Isotopes
- GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
- Human evolution
- Hominin
- Dietary preference
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water -
SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Origins and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in a Scottish urban area: Implications for groundwater systems
Amurri, E., Molnar, I. & Magill, C. R., Jan 2026, In: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology. 276, 104767.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Land-ocean connections in organic carbon cycling amid the Early Triassic (Smithian-Spathian) revealed through compound specific isotope analysis
Blattmann, F. R., Vennemann, T. W., Schneebeli-Hermann, E., Bucher, H. F. R. & Magill, C. R., 1 Apr 2025, In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 394, p. 126-136 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus)11 Downloads (Pure) -
Spatial Distribution, Abundance and Proxy Signals from Lipid Biomarkers in the Water Column of the Iberian Margin
Nanayakkara, N. U., Magill, C. R., De Jonge, C., Wijker, R. S., Eglinton, T., Stoll, H., Hodell, D. & Ausin, B., 7 Sept 2025, 32nd International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry 2025. EAGE Publishing BV, p. 1 1 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
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Wildfire, ecosystem, and climate interactions in the Early Triassic
Blattmann, F. R., Ragon, C., Vennemann, T. W., Schneebeli-Hermann, E., Vérard, C., Kasparian, J., Brunetti, M., Bucher, H. F. R., Adatte, T. & Magill, C. R., 21 Oct 2025, In: Communications Earth and Environment. 6, 830.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Compaction and clay content control mudrock porosity
Rezaeyan, A., Kampman, N., Pipich, V., Barnsley, L. C., Rother, G., Magill, C., Ma, J. & Busch, A., 15 Feb 2024, In: Energy. 289, 129966.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile14 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)67 Downloads (Pure)
Press/Media
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Research reveals insects were major food source millions of years ago
Magill, C. & Lesnik, J.
16/04/18
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Could YOU survive on bugs? Early humans feasted on termite nests as long as 1.8 million years ago - when insects made up HALF of our diets
16/04/18
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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