Dr Sven Lukas

Dr Sven Lukas, Diplom (MSc) (Bochum, Germany), PhD (St Andrews)
Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography

School of Geography
Queen Mary University of London
Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
Phone: +44 20 7882 8417 (direct line); +44 20 7782 2720 (Luminescence laboratory)
Fax: +44 20 7882 7032
Email: s.lukas (at) qmul.ac.uk

 

Office hours

Semester A 2011/12: Tuesdays, 11.00–12.00 h and Wednesdays, 9.00–10.00 h

Semester B 2011/12: on sabbatical

Research interests:

My research focuses on the understanding of the timing of glacier-climate interactions and its effects on the shaping of landscapes over longer (e.g. Younger Dryas, Holocene) and shorter timescales (e.g. “Little Ice Age”, recent). The overarching principle of my research is the combination of multiple methods to arrive at a holistic understanding of the complexity of glaciated palaeoenvironments.


Rapid climate change and its effects on mountain glaciation – past, present and future
As recognised by the IPCC, mountain glaciers are amongst the most sensitive indicators of climate change. It is therefore crucial to investigate the forcing on, and timescales of, glacier response to rapid climate change, as the latter will have a large impact on human societies worldwide. I have focused on the Younger Dryas and early Holocene glaciation in mountains across Europe because it is considered the key period for rapid climate change. The aim of my research is to use mountain glaciers in order to provide data on climatic boundary conditions in glaciated areas, most importantly former precipitation totals (Benn and Lukas, 2006; Lukas, 2007a; Lukas and Bradwell, 2010). Such data cannot be reconstructed using biological or other proxies recovered for example from ice-, marine or lake-cores farther away from glaciated areas. By covering larger parts of mountain areas a large-scale and representative picture of past glacier-climate interactions will be developed. Such data are urgently required to tune and refine numerical models used to predict future climate change as the majority of such models at present relies on the relatively short time-span for which observational climate data are available. This shortcoming can only be overcome if palaeo-data can be provided from glaciated areas for which no such data exist from other archives.

Study sites: Scottish Highlands; European Alps; Jostedalsbreen, Norway.

Optically- and infrared-stimulated luminescence (OSL/IRSL) dating of glacial sediments
In any Quaternary science discipline it is crucial to establish the timing of climatically-significant events by applying numerical dating. In glacial environments, however, it is rarely possible to determine the timing of events with well-established approaches such as radiocarbon dating, for example, due to the lack of suitable organics. I have applied luminescence dating to glacial, glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sediments in lowland and mountain areas to provide time constraint on the timing of climatically-important events, e.g. glacier/ice sheet advances. While some of this work has been largely methodological, highlighting the complications in some glacial systems (Lukas et al., 2007a), recent work has shown that modern Alpine ice-marginal and glaciolacustrine sediments are reasonably well-bleached and suitable for OSL-dating (Lukas et al., in press). My main aim is to systematically explore the potential of applying luminescence dating to glacial and associated sediments in other mountain locations to provide direct dates for sediments which can usually only be widely bracketed by radiocarbon ages. This interest has culminated in the build-up of dedicated luminescence laboratory at QMUL.

Current study sites: Scottish Highlands; selected glacier forelands and lake settings in the Central European Alps; Swiss Midlands; Svalbard

Ice-marginal processes of moraine formation and preservation under different climatic conditions
Understanding the formation of ice-marginal moraines is of crucial importance to correctly interpreting former glacier extents and dynamics. While most sedimentological studies have concentrated on examples of push moraines my research investigates the processes by which material is delivered to the moraine, the role of widespread gravitational and fluvial processes in moraine formation and how the final landform is remodelled by the meltout of dead-ice bodies. For this purpose I have chosen to study modern glacier margins in different climatic settings to identify controls of permafrost and dead-ice content on the modification of moraines (Lukas et al., 2005, 2007b). The aims of my work are to  (a) provide a reference frame against which data from palaeoenvironments can be compared and interpreted (Lukas, 2005, 2007b) and (b) use a combination of sedimentological techniques to elucidate processes of moraine formation (e.g. Reinardy and Lukas, 2009).  I have recently started to employ ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and DC resistivity in order to investigate glacial sedimentary structures within larger lateral moraine complexes where exposures are limited (e.g. Lukas and Sass, 2011). Sedimentology forms a key part of understanding processes of moraine formation, for example to reconstruct where and how clasts within a moraine got there in the first place and how to use this information to reconstruct glacier dynamics during moraine formation (Lukas et al., 2010; Lukas et al., in review).

Current study sites: Krundalen, Norway; several glaciers on Svalbard; NW Highlands, Scotland; Findelen- and Gornergletscher, Central Alps.

 

Research students

Current research students

Clare M. Boston (PhD; 2008-2011): Patterns and timing of lateglacial glaciation in the Monadhliath Mountains, central Scotland (principal supervisor), School of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London. Funded by NERC.

Marcus Hatch (PhD; 2009-2012): Palaeolithic Archaeology of the Solent River: Human occupation in its stratigraphic context (third supervisor), Queen Mary, University of London. Funded by an AHRC studentship.

Harold Lovell (PhD; 2010-2013): The sedimentological signature of high-arctic surging glaciers (first supervisor), School of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London. Funded by NERC algorithm studentship.

Michael Kenzler (PhD; 2008-2011): Sedimentological and geochronological evidence of late Quaternary ice sheet dynamics on the Isle of Rügen, NE Germany (second supervisor), Department of Geography and Geology, University of Greifswald, Germany. Funded by departmental studentship.

 

Former research students

Inga Schindelwig (PhD; completed 2010): Dating and palaeoclimatic significance of Younger Dryas glaciation in the northern Swiss Alps (second supervisor), Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern. Funded by a Swiss National Science Foundation studentship.

William Hughes (MSc; completed 2011): Reconstruction of Younger Dryas glaciers in the Lochnagar area, Scottish Highlands (principal supervisor), School of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London. Self-funded.

Danielle Pearce (MPhil, part-time;  completed 2010): Palaeoclimatic significance of Younger Dryas glaciation of the Lake District, Northern England (second supervisor), Department of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London. Self-funded.

Michael Signer (MSc; completed 2008, upper second class): Sedimentology and significance of subglacial bedforms recently exposed at the margin of Vadret da Grialetsch, Engadine, Switzerland (second supervisor), Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern.

Sandro Coray (MSc; completed 2007, first class): Genesis and significance of flutes at Findelengletscher, Valais, Switzerland (principal supervisor), Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern.

Andreas Graf (MSc; completed 2007, first class): Sedimentology of a lateral moraine complex at Findelengletscher, Valais, Switzerland (principal supervisor), Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern.

 

Overview of classical 'hummocky moraine' in Coire na Phris, NW Highlands, Scotland (cf. Lukas and Benn, 2006).
Overview of classical 'hummocky moraine' in Coire na Phris, NW Highlands, Scotland (cf. Lukas and Benn, 2006).
Close-up of typical lithofacies associations found in 'hummocky' moraines in NW Scotland, but also elsewhere (cf. Lukas, 2005; Benn and Lukas, 2006).
Close-up of typical lithofacies associations found in 'hummocky' moraines in NW Scotland, but also elsewhere (cf. Lukas, 2005; Benn and Lukas, 2006).
Subglacial sediment emerging at the surface of Findelengletscher, Swiss Alps, from a shear or thrust plane (cf. Lukas, 2007b).
Subglacial sediment emerging at the surface of Findelengletscher, Swiss Alps, from a shear or thrust plane (cf. Lukas, 2007b).
Overview of the arcuate planform shape of shear or thrust planes on Findelengletscher. Note how the emerging material is transferred to the ice margin by flow and slumping, resulting in an uneven terrain underlain by buried ice on the left (bedrock towards the right).
Overview of the arcuate planform shape of shear or thrust planes on Findelengletscher. Note how the emerging material is transferred to the ice margin by flow and slumping, resulting in an uneven terrain underlain by buried ice on the left (bedrock towards the right).

 


Publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles

Lukas, S., Graf, A., Coray, S., Schlüchter, C., 2012. Genesis, stability and preservation potential of large lateral moraines of Alpine valley glaciers - towards a unifying theory based on Findelengletscher, Switzerland. Quaternary Science Reviews, in press.

Lukas, S., 2012. Processes of annual moraine formation at a temperate alpine valley glacier: insights into glacier dynamics and climatic controls. Boreas, in press.

Lukas, S., Preusser, F., Anselmetti, F.S., Tinner, W. 2012. Testing the potential of luminescence  dating of high-alpine lake sediments. Quaternary Geochronology, in press.

Lukas, S., Sass, O., 2011. The formation of Alpine lateral moraines inferred from sedimentology and radar reflection patterns - a case study from Gornergletscher, Switzerland. Geological Society of London Special Publications 354: 77–92.

Lukas, S., Bradwell, T., 2010. Reconstruction of a lateglacial (Younger Dryas) mountain ice field in Sutherland, NW Scotland, and its palaeoclimatic implications. Journal of Quaternary Science 25: 567-580.

Carr, S.J., Lukas, S., Mills, S.C., 2010. Glacier reconstruction and mass-balance modelling as a geomorphic and palaeoclimatic tool. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 35: 1103-1115.

Reinardy, B.T.I., Lukas, S., 2009. A comparison of the sedimentary signature of ice-contact sedimentation and deformation at macro- and micro-scale: a case study from NW Scotland. Sedimentary Geology 221: 87-98.

Smith, M.J., Rose, J., Lukas, S., 2008. Editorial: Quaternary of the British Isles and Adjoining Seas. Journal of Maps v2008: 290-298.

Lukas, S., 2007a. Early-Holocene glacier fluctuations in Krundalen, south central Norway: palaeo-glacier dynamics and palaeoclimate. The Holocene 17: 585-598.

Lukas, S., 2007b. Englacial thrusting and (hummocky) moraine formation: a reply to comments by Graham et al. (2006). Boreas 36: 108-113.

Lukas, S., 2006. Morphostratigraphic principles in glacier reconstruction - a perspective from the British Younger Dryas. Progress in Physical Geography 30: 719-736.

Lukas, S., 2005. A test of the englacial thrusting hypothesis of 'hummocky' moraine formation - case studies from the north-west Highlands, Scotland. Boreas 34: 287-307.

Lukas, S., 2003. Scottish Landform Example No. 31. The moraines around the Pass of Drumochter. Scottish Geographical Journal 119: 383-393.

Lukas, S., Benn, D.I., 2006. Retreat dynamics of Younger Dryas glaciers in the far NW Scottish Highlands reconstructed from moraine sequences. Scottish Geographical Journal 122: 308-325.

Lukas, S., Lukas, T., 2006. A glacial geological and geomorphological map of the far NW Highlands, Scotland. Parts 1 and 2. Journal of Maps 2006 (1): 43-58.

Benn, D.I., Lukas, S., 2006. Younger Dryas glacial landsystems in North West Scotland: An assessment of modern analogues and palaeoclimatic implications. Quaternary Science Reviews 25: 2390-2408.

Lukas, S., Spencer, J.Q.G., Robinson, R.A.J., Benn, D.I., 2007a. Problems associated with luminescence dating of Late Quaternary glacial sediments in the NW Scottish Highlands. Quaternary Geochronology 2: 243-248.

Lukas, S., Nicholson, L.I., Humlum, O., 2007b. Comment on Lønne and Lyså 2005: “Deglaciation dynamics following the Little Ice Age on Svalbard: Implications for shaping of landscapes at high latitudes, Geomorphology 72, 300-319”. Geomorphology 84: 145-149.

Lukas, S., Nicholson, L.I., Ross, F.H., Humlum, O., 2005. Formation, meltout processes and landscape alteration of high-arctic ice-cored moraines - examples from Nordenskiöld Land, central Spitsbergen. Polar Geography 29: 157-187.

Volland, S., Sturm, M., Lukas, S., Pino, M., Müller, J., 2007. Geomorphological and sedimentological evolution of a lake basin under strong volcano-tectonic influence: The seismic record of Lago Calafquén (south-central Chile). Quaternary International: 161: 32-45.



Edited journal volumes (guest editor)

Smith, M.J., Rose, J., Lukas, S., (eds.) 2008. The Quaternary of the British Isles and Adjoining Seas. Journal of Maps v2008: 290-416.

 

Edited books

Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.) 2010. The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 246 pp.

Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W., Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), 2004. The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 227 pp.

 

Book chapters

Lukas, S., 2011. A review of fine-gravel analysis in till provenance studies – a view from the southern Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin. In: Bridgland, D. R. (ed.), Clast lithological analysis: Technical Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, in press.

Lukas, S., Coray, S., Graf, A., Schlüchter, C., 2011. The influence of clast lithology and fluvial reworking on the reliability of clast shape measurements in glacial environments – a case study from a temperate Alpine glacier. In: Bridgland, D.R. (ed.), Clast lithological analysis. Technical Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, in press.

Demir, T., Lukas, S., Warburton, J., Bridgland, D.R., 2011. Gravel clast shape: A user's guide to classification, analysis and application. In: Bridgland, D.R. (ed.), Clast lithological analysis. Technical Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, in press.

Lukas, S., 2011. Younger Dryas. In: Singh, V., Singh, P., Haritashya, U.K., (eds.) Encyclopedia of Snow, Ice and Glaciers. Heidelberg: Springer, 1229-1232.

Lukas, S., 2011. Ice-cored moraines. In: Singh, V., Singh, P., Haritashya, U.K., (eds.) Encyclopedia of Snow, Ice and Glaciers. Heidelberg: Springer, 616-619.

Lukas, S., 2010. Sedimentology of 'hummocky' moraines in Eas na Maoile: Terrestrial ice-contact fans formed in succession, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 197-203.

Lukas, S., 2010. Road side stops of glacial landform assemblages produced by the West Sutherland icefield during the Younger Dryas, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 187-189.

Lukas, S., 2010. Evidence of an ice-marginal oscillation during ice-sheet deglaciation: The Shinness Moraine, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 181-185.

Lukas, S., 2010. Glaciation during the Younger Dryas in NW Scotland – a review, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 53-64.

Lukas, S., Bradwell, T., 2010. Introduction, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 1-2.

Lukas, S., Benn, D.I., Bradwell, T., Reinardy, B.T.I., 2010. Establishing a chronology of glaciation: The Loch Stack coring site, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 205-210.

Jarman, D., Lukas, S., 2010. An Gorm-Choire RSF, Ben Hee, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 221-224.

Reinardy, B.T.I., Lukas, S., 2010. Sedimentology of a terrestrial ice-contact fan in the Bealach nam Meirleach, In: Lukas, S., Bradwell, T. (eds.), The Quaternary of Western Sutherland and adjacent areas. London: Quaternary Research Association, 191-195.

Jarman, D., Lukas, S., 2007. Ben Hee, Highland. In: Cooper, R.G. (ed.), Mass movements in Great Britain. Geological Conservation Review Series 33. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 99-107.

Lukas, S., 2004. The pattern of deglaciation around the Pass of Drumochter. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 68-77.

Lukas, S., 2004. Evidence for interlobate deposition during ice retreat in northern Glen Truim. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 159-162.

Lukas, S., 2004. Landforms around Dalnaspidal Lodge. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 174-179.

Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W., 2004. Evidence for a former ice-dammed lake in Coire Mhic-sith. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 149-158.

Mitchell, W.A., Lukas, S., 2004. Drumochter Mast. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 163-170.

Merritt, J.W., Lukas, S., Mitchell, W.A., 2004. The age of the landforms in the Central Grampian Highlands - a synthesis. In: Lukas, S., Merritt, J.W. and Mitchell, W.A. (eds.), The Quaternary of the Central Grampian Highlands: Field Guide. London: Quaternary Research Association, 85-91.

 

Undergraduate teaching

Module convener

GEG5202 Digital Worlds: Digital cartography, GIS and modelling

 

Teaching

GEG4000/4206 Introduction to Geographical Ideas and Practice

GEG4207 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

GEG4208 Methods for Environmental Research  

 

GEG5202 Digital Worlds: Digital cartography, GIS and modelling

GEG5206 Global Environmental Change

GEG5211 Research Strategies in Physical Environments

 

GEG6000 Independent Geographical Study

GEG6202 Cold Environments

 

Postgraduate teaching

Invited guest lecturer on AG-331 Arctic Glaciology at UNIS (The University Centre on Svalbard), covering aspects of glacial sedimentology (moraine formation, structural sedimentology), glacial geomorphology, glaciers and palaeoclimate reconstruction and the use of modern analogues (one week, July 2008)

Contributions to MSc Quaternary Science short course on Reconstructing Quaternary Ice Masses (jointly-taught with Dr Simon Carr at RHUL in February 2008).

 

 

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