Geography

Professor Rolf Aalto

Professor Rolf Aalto

Associate Professor in Physical Geography

 Rolf.Aalto@exeter.ac.uk

 3344

 +44 (0) 1392 723344

 Amory C414

 

Amory Building, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ , UK

Overview

Office hours: Please sign up online for a meeting. By default meetings are on Teams, although you are welcome to meet in person -- please email me the day before if you want to meet in person (Amory C414), so that I can be sure to meet you there. 

Rolf researches rivers and erosion across 6 continents, including: South America (Beni, Mamore, Orinoco & Ucayali Rivers), North America (Sacramento-CA, Feather-CA & Salmon-ID Rivers & Rio Grande-NM), Australasia (Strickland & Fly Rivers PNG), Europe (Danube River Romania), and Asia (Mekong River, Cambodia & exploratory sites in China). He leads the Exeter Radiometry Lab, which features world-class analytical facilities for tracing and dating particle movement throughout a wide range of fluvial dispersal systems. He develops field and laboratory techniques to quantify processes across a range of fluvial environments as well as application of modelling and remotely sensed data to field problems. His research projects include a Critical Zone Observatory (CRB-CZO), a NSF-Margins project studying fluvial and biogeochemical processes in Papua New Guinea, a NERC project investigating the evolution of the Beni River System in Bolivia, several NERC projects studying the evolution of the Mekong River, and a NERC project investigating the future of the Amazon River.

Rolf’s teaching focuses on the application of GIS, modelling, and laboratory methods to solving problems within River Basin Science. Students rate his modules highly, especially for 'development', and graduates report employability exceeding 90%. 

Qualifications

  • Dual BA/BSc degrees in Geology (Honors) and Applied Mathematics (UC Berkeley)
  • PhD and MSc, Geological Sciences (University of Washington)
  • NASA Earth System Science Fellow and Post-Doc (U Washington)
  • NSF Margins Post-Doctoral Researcher (UC Berkeley)
  • Licensed Engineering Geologist and Licensed Geologist, Washington

Career

Rolf obtained his undergraduate degrees from UC Berkeley, where he was inspired to study fluvial processes in a module taught by Prof. William Dietrich (at that time working in Papua New Guinea), completing an honors thesis studying floodplain sedimentation in a specially designed flume. He completed a MSc degree at the University of Washington (Seattle), working with Prof. Thomas Dunne as a Research Assistant to calculate sediment fluxes along the Amazon River and writing a thesis on ”Discordance between suspended sediment diffusion theory and observed sediment concentration profiles in rivers.” Rolf was awarded a NASA Earth System Science Fellowship to pursue his research ambitions on tropical rivers followed by a major NSF research grant, culminating in his dissertation “Geomorphic Form and Process of Sediment Flux within an Active Orogen.”

Rolf then worked as a Post Doc at UC Berkeley, returning full circle to study fluvial processes in PNG. He was hired as Research Faculty at Washington with Prof. David Montgomery (a MacArthur 'Genius'), funded by a NASA Post Doctoral grant to investigate the SRTM dataset and a CALFED project on the Sacramento River. He was then promoted to Assistant Professor (he remains an Affiliate Associate Professor) at UW where he developed a laboratory and graduate program, wrote four successful NSF research proposals, and initiated new projects in Amazonia, Romania, California, PNG, Venezuela, Greenland, and SE Asia.

In 2007 Rolf joined Exeter’s internationally acclaimed River Basin Science group to further develop world-class analytical facilities for tracing and dating sediment movement throughout a wide range of fluvial dispersal systems. He collaborates extensively with Prof. Nicholas (physics-based models of large river systems), Prof. Quine (erosion and biogeochemical evolution of soils), and Dr. Aragao (vegetation and fire in the tropics). Rolf has also consulted professionally since 1995 on a range of topics related to geomorphic hazards and river restoration (as a Licensed Engineering Geologist). To date he has written/co-written successful research proposals worth >$10 million USD and led/co-led the execution of this research by diverse international & interdisciplinary teams working across a wide range of logistically challenging environments throughout the world.

Links

Research group links

Back to top

Research

Research interests

[For Publications please see Google Scholar Link below]

In 2007 I moved to the University of Exeter from the University of Washington (Department of Earth and Space Sciences, where I remain an Affiliate Associate Professor).  Research continues on many of my previous projects, with all my field samples, X-radiographs, and other data (thousands of cores and samples from five continents) safely in cold storage at Exeter. I have a diverse range of research projects underway, mainly overseas and primarily focused on the morphodynamics of rivers and erosion within the last 200 years. (However, I am increasingly investigating processes and fluxes over the Holocene and beyond.) My laboratory work in the Exeter Radiochemistry Lab features exceptional accuracy and capacity (40 alpha spectrometers & 15 gamma spectrometers with bespoke digital electronics and shielding for very low noise), support by expert technicians, and a matched capacity for the quantification of sample clay fraction (4 Sedigraphs, several laser grain sizers, and a Gemni series BET analyzer). Other research methods include applying novel sub-bottom CHIRP sonar equipment and long-baseline DGPS techniques for surveying various large rivers and lakes in the tropics, all synthesized and analyzed using ArcGIS and Fledermaus. I also collaborate extensively with biogeochemists to study the controls on carbon fluxes through tropical and temporate fluvial systems.  

I am currently involved with the supervision of three PhD students, who are all working on international projects. I also supervise undergraduate dissertations on various aspects of the above topics, and am proud that many of my past students have experienced successful employment in their area of study (both graduate and undergraduate). I welcome proposals from students (or any interested scientists) to carry out collaborative research in any of the research areas described.

With our high-precision alpha spectrometers we can measure surface-adsorbed 210-Pb to an exceptional degree of accuracy (1.5 - 3% one sigma error) as well as correct for subtle variations in the fraction of clay within sedimentary deposits. We are thereby able to characterize and date sediment accumulation (or scour) events from most places on Earth (often to within 1-2 years resolution). We can trace the origin of many types of particulate material and measure a wide range of physical, chemical, and biogeochemical characteristics within that material.  We also prepare samples for 10-Be and 14-C dating at Exeter, and collect and prepare samples for OSL dating at other institutions, most recently using 10-Be Meteoric to track erosion of topsoils following European Settlement in the USA. This suite of approaches allows us to quantify processes, track sediment, and close mass budgets needed for understanding the morphodynamics of hillslope and fluvial environments across many spatial and temporal scales:

  • Climate forcing of particulate fluxes and processes in fluvial dispersal systems (impact of ENSO and climate change).
  • Sediment exchange and carbon sequestration fluxes in river-floodplain systems (modern and historical mass balances and sediment-carbon biogeochemical associations in dynamic tropical river basins).
  • Controls on sediment and carbon fluxes from mountain ranges.
  • Refinement of techniques for high-resolution dating of the accretion and surface exposure ages of sedimentary deposits utilizing Clay-Normalized Adsorbed eXcesS 210Pb activity (CNAXS).  Dating of floodplains with the CIRCAUS technique (Constant Initial “Reach” Clay-normalized Adsorbed activity, Unknown Sedimentation rate), a refinement of the CICCS technique pioneered at Exeter. 
  • Sub-bottom imagining of sedimentary deposits and stratigraphy in rivers and lakes.
  • Analysis of river morphology using long-baseline DGPS and reprocessed SRTM elevations.
  • Modelling of fluvial processes using numerical models (eg., Delft3D, HEC-RAS) and scale models of lowland rivers.
  • The role of sedimentary basins in the global carbon cycle (variations in the processes and efficiency of organic carbon burial over the Neogene and the resulting impact on Earth’s organic subcycle).
  • Remote sensing of channel change in a wide range of fluvial environments, and GIS modeling of cumulative environmental impacts and watershed analysis (e.g., ArcGIS 10.1 modeling with ArcHydro, HEC-GeoHMS, HEC-GeoRAS, etc.)

I am always happy to give talks to scientific and general audiences about any of the above research.

Research projects

My research is well-supported by UK and international funders, with ~$10M in awards and an excellent proposal success rate. Through many productive research collaborations I have developed a strongly interdisciplinary view on science and research funding, having won multiple awards each from NERC, NASA, NATO, and especially NSF (where my funding success has crossed five NSF programs: Sedimentology, Integrated Carbon Cycle, Geography, Oceanography, and Critical Zone). I have similarly reviewed proposals and papers in all of these disciplines, placing me in an excellent position to advise and collaborate across the Earth Sciences.  

Basin Specific: Mekong River, Cambodia

  • Climatic and Autogenic Controls on the Morphodynamics of Mega-Rivers: Modelling Sediment Flux in the Alluvial Transfer Zone.
  • Floodplain sampling and surveying, laboratory work, GIS and SRTM analysis, biogeochemistry & some channel surveys.

The overarching goal of the project is to determine the factors that control the movement of sediment through the ‘transfer’ reaches of large rivers to their deltas and receiving basins downstream. NERC NE/J021571/1 project (£1.1M, 2012-2015) in collaboration with Andrew Nicholas (Exeter), Steve Darby (Southampton), and Dan Parsons (Hull).

Basin Specific:  Fly River, Papua New Guinea

  • Geomorphodynamic Modulation of Biogeochemical Fluxes and Basin Stratigraphy of the Fly and Strickland Rivers (Papua New Guinea).
  • Rates, timing, character, and processes for sediment/carbon delivery from the mountains and floodplains of Papua New Guinea.

Subject of six publications since 2005 and a recently funded NSF Margins Source-to-Sink Project ($613k, 2008-2013) written in collaboration with M.Goni, W.E. Dietrich, A.Aufdenkampe, and J.W. Lauer.  Major research focus, with involvement of Michael Grenfell (Gloucestershire). 

Basin Specific:  Cristina Basin Critical Zone Observatory (Pennsylvania, USA)

  • Spatial and temporal integration of carbon and mineral fluxes: a whole watershed approach to quantifying anthropogenic modification of critical zone carbon sequestration.
  • Weathering and Erosion Controls on Carbon-Mineral Complex Formation, with a specific focus on quantifying and tracing hillslope and fluvial processes that supply “fresh” minerals to soils.

NSF Critical Zone Observatory ($4.4M, 2009-2014) grant co-written in collaboration with A. Aufdenkampe, K. Yoo, J. Pizzuto, L. Kaplan, and D. Sparks. Major research focus, with involvement of PhD student Julia Marquard (funded by separate £58k grant) . 

Basin Specific:  Beni River, Bolivia

  • NERC Standard Grant "Do Floods Matter? Bridging the Gap between Morphodynamics and Alluvial Architecture." 
  • Quantifying and modelling the decadal to Holocene evolution and morphodynamic adjustment of a large, pristine tropical river to climate and tectonic forcing. 

NERC Standard grant (£710k, 2011-2014) co-written with A. Nicholas, L. Aragao, and G. Sambrook Smith. Major research focus, with involvement of PhD student Simon Buckley and postdoc Arved Schwendel. Subject of 6 major publications, with more manuscripts in preparation.

General Amazon (Rivers in Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil)

  • Sediment and biogeochemical fluxes in Bolivian and Peruvian rivers.
  • Geomorphic controls on Andean denudation rates.
  • Modelling and measuring floodplain sedimentation, flow dynamics, and climate response in Amazonian rivers.
  • Rates, timing, character, and processes for sediment/carbon delivery from the Andes of Bolivian and Peru.

Subject of 8 publications since 2002 (and numerous in prep), a NASA grant, and three funded NSF projects, including a top-rated Integrated Carbon Cycle Research project.  Key collaborators include A. Aufdenkampe, L. Maurice, T. Dunne, and D.R. Montgomery.  Continued research focus with projects in final stages of completion, subject of several undergraduate dissertations and a pending research project.

Basin Specific:  Sacramento River, California

  • Tracing and dating deposits of historical sediment (hydraulic mining debris from the California Gold Rush) in the Sacramento River.
  • Transport and deposition of sediment in bypass systems and remnant floodplains.  
  • Development of new dating techniques for dry, sandy floodplains.

Recent work with several papers published or in review, funded $275k project by NSF and CALFED.  Key collaborators are M. Singer and A. James.  Major research focus, with involvement of PhD student Mathias Will and undergraduate dissertations.

Basin Specific:  Danube River, Romania

  • Floodplain accretion and channel constriction in the Danube River.
  • Heavy metal concentrations in Danube River sediment.

Recent work along the lower Danube in collaboration with M. Singer and D. Balteanu, funded by NATO “Security through Science.”  Initial results (analysis of sediment cores and GIS study) promising, with papers and new proposals pending.  Subject of several undergraduate dissertations. 

Basin Specific:  Pilot Projects

  • Hillslope & fluvial response following large wildfires in mountainous catchments in Idaho (2009 NSF funded project with E. Yager).
  • Floodplain accretion along the Orinoco River (2009 EU funded project with J. Steiger).
  • Floodplain accretion in San Diego wetlands (2009 NSF funded project with T. Biggs).
  • Floodplain accretion along the Mekong River (NSF funded work with J.E. Richey).
  • Frost boil dynamics using 210Pb as a tracer for soil movement, Greenland (published research with B. Hagedorn). 
  • Sediment accretion along floodplains in New Zealand, North Island.  Case studies in collaboration with G. Brierley

Links


Back to top

Publications

Journal articles

Karwan DL, Siegert CM, Levia DF, Pizzuto J, Marquard J, Aalto RE, Aufdenkampe AK (In Press). Beryllium-7 wet deposition variation with storm height, synoptic classification, and tree canopy state in the mid-Atlantic USA. Hydrological Processes Abstract.
Singer, M, Aalto RE, James, L, Kilham, N, Higson, J, Ghoshal, S (In Press). Enduring legacy of a toxic fan via episodic redistribution of california gold mine debris. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of USA
Schwendel A, Nicholas AP, Aalto R, Sambrook Smith G, Buckley S (In Press). Interaction between meander dynamics and floodplain heterogeneity in a large tropical sand-bed river: the Rio Beni, Bolivian Amazon. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Schwendel A, Nicholas AP, Aalto R, Sambrook Smith GH, Buckley S (In Press). Interaction between meander dynamics and floodplain heterogeneity in a large tropical sand-bed river: the Rio Beni, Bolivian Amazon. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Hackney C, Darby S, Parsons D, Leyland J, Best J, Aalto R, Nicholas A, Houseago R (In Press). River bank instability from unsustainable sand mining in the lower Mekong River. Nature Sustainability
Vasilopoulos G, Quan QL, Parsons DR, Darby SE, Tri VPD, Hung NN, Haigh ID, Voepel HE, Nicholas AP, Aalto R, et al (2021). Establishing sustainable sediment budgets is critical for climate-resilient mega-deltas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS, 16(6).  Author URL.
Darby SE, Langdon PG, Best JL, Leyland J, Hackney CR, Marti M, Morgan PR, Ben S, Aalto R, Parsons DR, et al (2020). Drainage and erosion of Cambodia's great lake in the middle-late Holocene: the combined role of climatic drying, base-level fall and river capture. Quaternary Science Reviews, 236 Abstract.
Marquard J, Aalto RE, Barrows TT, Fisher BA, Aufdenkampe AK, Stone JO (2019). Topographic variation in soil erosion and accumulation determined with meteoric <sup>10</sup> Be. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 44(1), 98-111. Abstract.
Karwan DL, Pizzuto JE, Aalto R, Marquard J, Harpold A, Skalak K, Benthem A, Levia DF, Siegert CM, Aufdenkampe AK, et al (2018). Direct Channel Precipitation and Storm Characteristics Influence Short-Term Fallout Radionuclide Assessment of Sediment Source. Water Resources Research, 54(7), 4579-4594. Abstract.
Nicholas AP, Aalto RE, Sambrook Smith GH, Schwendel AC (2018). Hydrodynamic controls on alluvial ridge construction and avulsion likelihood in meandering river floodplains. Geology, 46(7), 639-642.
Fisher BA, Aufdenkampe AK, Yoo K, Aalto RE, Marquard J (2018). Soil carbon redistribution and organo-mineral associations after lateral soil movement and mixing in a first-order forest watershed. Geoderma, 319, 142-155. Abstract.
Brown AG, Tooth S, Bullard JE, Thomas DSG, Chiverrell RC, Plater AJ, Murton J, Thorndycraft VR, Tarolli P, Rose J, et al (2017). The geomorphology of the Anthropocene: emergence, status and implications. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 42(1), 71-90. Abstract.
Hackney CR, Darby SE, Parsons DR, Leyland J, Aalto R, Nicholas AP, Best JL (2017). The influence of flow discharge variations on the morphodynamics of a diffluence–confluence unit on a large river. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 43(2), 349-362. Abstract.
Karwan DL, Siegert CM, Levia DF, Pizzuto J, Marquard J, Aalto R, Aufdenkampe AK (2016). Beryllium-7 wet deposition variation with storm height, synoptic classification, and tree canopy state in the mid-Atlantic USA. Hydrological Processes, 30(1), 75-89. Abstract.
Perreault LM, Yager EM, Aalto R (2016). Effects of gradient, distance, curvature and aspect on steep burned and unburned hillslope soil erosion and deposition. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 42(7), 1033-1048. Abstract.
Leyland J, Hackney C, Darby S, Parsons D, Best J, Nicholas AP, Aalto R, Lague D (2016). Extreme flood-driven bank erosion and sediment transport on a mega-river: Direct process measurements using integrated Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) and hydro-acoustic techniques. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Darby SE, Hackney CR, Leyland J, Kummu M, Lauri H, Parsons DR, Best JL, Nicholas AP, Aalto R (2016). Fluvial sediment supply to a mega-delta reduced by shifting tropical-cyclone activity. Nature, 539(7628), 276-279. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vermeulen B, Hoitink AJF, Zolezzi G, Abad JD, Aalto R (2016). Multiscale structure of meanders. Geophysical Research Letters, 43(7), 3288-3297. Abstract.
Hackney C, Best J, Leyland J, Darby SE, Parsons D, Aalto R, Nicholas A (2015). Modulation of outer bank erosion by slump blocks: Disentangling the protective and destructive role of failed material on the three-dimensional flow structure. Geophysical Research Letters Abstract.
Walsh JP, Wiberg PL, Aalto R, Nittrouer CA, Kuehl SA (2015). Source-to-sink research: Economy of the Earth's surface and its strata. Earth-Science Reviews
Pizzuto J, Schenk ER, Hupp CR, Gellis A, Noe G, Williamson E, Karwan DL, O'Neal M, Marquard J, Aalto R, et al (2014). Characteristic length scales and time-averaged transport velocities of suspended sediment in the mid-Atlantic Region, USA. Water Resources Research, 50(2), 790-805. Abstract.
Warrick JA, Milliman JD, Walling DE, Wasson RJ, Syvitski JPM, Aalto RE (2014). Earth is (mostly) flat: Apportionment of the flux of continental sediment over millennial time scales. Geology, 42(2).
Warrick JA, Milliman JD, Walling DE, Wasson RJ, Syvitski JPM, Aalto RE (2014). Earth is (mostly) flat: Apportionment of the flux of continental sediment over millennial time scales: Comment. Geology, 42(1).
Grenfell MC, Nicholas AP, Aalto R (2014). Mediative adjustment of river dynamics: the role of chute channels in tropical sand-bed meandering rivers. Sedimentary Geology, 301, 93-106. Abstract.
Perreault LM, Yager EM, Aalto R (2013). Application of <sup>210</sup>Pb<inf>ex</inf> inventories to measure net hillslope erosion at burned sites. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 38(2), 133-145. Abstract.
Grenfell MC, Nicholas AP, Aalto R (2013). Mediative adjustment of river dynamics: the role of chute channels in tropical sand-bed meandering rivers. Sedimentary Geology
Hoffmann T, Mudd SM, van Oost K, Verstraeten G, Erkens G, Lang A, Middelkoop H, Boyle J, Kaplan JO, Willenbring J, et al (2013). Short Communication: Humans and the missing C-sink: erosion and burial of soil carbon through time. EARTH SURFACE DYNAMICS, 1(1), 45-52.  Author URL.
Brown AG, Tooth S, Chiverrell RC, Rose J, Thomas DSG, Wainwright J, Bullard JE, Thorndycraft VR, Aalto R, Downs P, et al (2013). The Anthropocene: is there a geomorphological case?. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 38(4), 431-434. Abstract.
Brown AG, Tooth S, Chiverrell RC, Rose J, Thomas DSG, Wainwright J, Bullard JE, Thorndycraft VR, Aalto R, Downs P, et al (2013). The Anthropocene: is there a geomorphological case?. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Aalto RE, Nittrouer CN (2012). 210-Pb Geochronology of Flood Events in Large Tropical River Systems. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Abstract.
Perreault LM, Yager EM, Aalto R (2012). Application of 210Pb ex inventories to measure net hillslope erosion at burned sites. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Karwan DL, Aalto R, Aufdenkampe AK, Denis Newbold J, Pizzuto JE (2011). Characterization and source determination of stream suspended particulate material in White Clay Creek, USA. Applied Geochemistry, 26(SUPPL.). Abstract.
Grenfell MC, Aalto RE, Nicholas AP (2011). Chute channel dynamics in large, sand-bed meandering rivers. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Abstract.
Aufdenkampe AK, Mayorgo E, Raymond PA, Melack JM, Aalto RE, Alin SR, Yoo K (2011). Rivers key to coupling biogeochemical cycles between land, oceans and atmosphere. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 1(9), 53-60. Abstract.
Ghoshal S, James LA, Singer MB, Aalto RE (2010). Channel and Floodplain Change Analysis over a 100-Year Period: Lower Yuba River, California. Remote Sensing, 7(2), 1797-1825.
Ghoshal S, James LA, Singer MB, Aalto R (2010). Channel and floodplain change analysis over a 100-year period: Lower Yuba river, California. Remote Sensing, 2(7), 1797-1825. Abstract.
Singer MB, Aalto RE (2009). Floodplain development in an engineered setting. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34(2), 291-304. Abstract.
Alin S, Aalto RE, Richey J, Dietrich WE (2008). Biogeochemical evidence for high carbon loading in the Strickland and Fly Rivers, Papua New Guinea. JGR Earth Surface, 113(F1). Abstract.
Swanson KM, Watson E, Aalto R, Lauer JW, Bera MT, Marshall A, Taylor MP, Apte SC, Dietrich WE (2008). Sediment load and floodplain deposition rates: Comparison of the Fly and Strickland rivers, Papua New Guinea. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 113(1). Abstract.
Swanson KM, Watson E, Aalto RE, Lauer JW, Dietrich WE, Apte S, Bera M, Marshall A, Taylor M (2008). Sediment load and floodplain deposition rates: Comparison of the fly and Strickland rivers, Papua New Guinea. JGR Earth Surface, 113(F1). Abstract.
Aalto RE, Lauer JW, Dietrich WE (2008). Spatial and temporal dynamics of Strickland River floodplains during the past century. JGR Earth Surface, 113(F1). Abstract.
Singer MB, Aalto RE, James LA (2008). Status of the Lower Sacramento Valley Flood-Control System within the Context of its Natural Geomorphic Setting. Natural Hazards Review, 9(3), 104-115. Abstract.
Goni MA, Monacci N, Gisewhite R, Crockett J, Nittrouer CA, Ogston A, Alin SR, Aalto RE (2008). Terrigenous Organic Matter in Sediments from the Fly River Delta (Papua New Guinea). JGR Earth Surface, 113(F1). Abstract.
Goni MA, Monacci N, Gisewhite R, Crockett J, Nittrouer C, Ogston A, Alin SR, Aalto R (2008). Terrigenous organic matter in sediments from the Fly River delta-clinoform system (Papua New Guinea). Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 113(1). Abstract.
RAalto, Alin S, Dietrich WE, Goni M (2007). Biogeochemical characterization of carbon sources in the Strickland and Fly rivers, Papua New Guinea.
RAalto, Dietrich WE, Lauer W (2007). Spatial and temporal dynamics of sediment accumulation and exchange along Strickland River floodplains (PNG), over decadal-to-centennial time scales.
Aalto R, Dunne T, Guyot JL (2006). Geomorphic controls on Andean denudation rates. JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY, 114(1), 85-99.  Author URL.
Aalto RE, Dunne T, Guyot JL (2006). Geomorphic controls on Andean denudation rates. Journal of Geology, 114, 85-99. Abstract.
Hoorn C, Aalto RE, Kaandorp RJG, Lovejoy NR (2006). Miocene semidiurnal tidal rhythmites in Madre de Dios, Peru. Geology Abstract.  Author URL.
Safran EB, Bierman PR, Aalto RE, Dunne T, Whipple KX, Caffee M (2005). Erosion rates driven by channel network incision in the Bolivian Andes. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 30(8), 1007-1024. Abstract.
Safran EB, Bierman PR, Aalto R, Dunne T, Whipple KX, Caffee M (2005). Erosion rates driven by channel network incision in the Bolivian Andes. EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, 30(8), 1007-1024.  Author URL.
Aalto R, Maurice-Bourgoin L, Dunne T, Montgomery DR, Nittrouer CA, Guyot J-L (2003). Episodic sediment accumulation on Amazonian flood plains influenced by El Niño/Southern Oscillation. Nature, 425(6957), 493-497. Abstract.  Author URL.
Aalto RE, Maurice-Bourgoin L, Dunne T, Montgomery DR, Nittrouer CA, Guyot JL (2003). Episodic sediment accumulation on Amazonian floodplains influenced by ENSO. Nature, 425, 493-497. Abstract.
Aalto RE, Aalto KR, Garrison-Laney CE, Abramson HF (1999). Tsunami (?) sculpturing of the Pebble Beach Wave-cut Platform, Crescent City area, California. Journal of Geology, 107, 607-622.
Aalto RE, Montgomery DR, Hallet B, Abbe TB, Buffington JM, Cuffey KM, Schmidt KM (1997). A Hill of Beans. Science, 277(5334), 1909-1914.
Aalto R, Montgomery DR, Hallet B, Abbe TB, Buffington JM, Cuffey KM, Schmidt KM, Densmore AL, Anderson RS, Ellis MA, et al (1997). A hill of beans [3] (multiple letters). Science, 277(5334), 1911-1913.

Chapters

Dunne T, Aalto RE (2013). Large River Floodplains. In  (Ed) Treatise on Geomorphology, 645-678. Abstract.
Knudsen SE, Riggan H, Aufdenkampe A, Aalto R, Dickens AF (2011). Isotopic study of the cycling and distribution of plant-wax lipids in an Andean watershed. In  (Ed) .  Author URL.
Hagedorn B, Aalto RE, Sletten RS, Hallet B (2008). Frost boil dynamics using 210Pb as a tracer for soil movement. In Kane DL, Hinkel KM (Eds.) Ninth International Conference on Permafrost, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA, 613-618. Abstract.  Author URL.
Goni MA, Monacci NM, Gisewhite R, Crockett J, Ogston A, Nittrouer C, Alin SR, Aalto RE (2007). GEOC 27-Terrigenous organic matter in sediments from the Fly River delta-clinoform system (Papua New Guinea). In  (Ed) , USA: AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA.
Aalto RE, Dietrich W (2005). Sediment accumulation determined with Pb-210 geochronology for Strickland River flood plains, Papua New Guinea. In Walling, E D, Horowitz, J A (Eds.) Sediment Budgets I, 303-309. Abstract.
Aalto R, Dunne T, Nittrouer CA, Maurice-Bourgoin L, Montgomery DR (2002). Fluvial transport of sediment across a pristine tropical foreland basin: Channel-flood plain interaction and episodic flood plain deposition. In  (Ed) , 339-344. Abstract.
Aalto RE, Dunne T, Nittrouer CA, Maurice-Bourgoin L, Montgomery DR (2002). Fluvial transport of sediment across a pristine tropical foreland basin: channel-flood plain interaction and episodic flood plain deposition. In Dyer FJ, Thoms MC, Olley JM (Eds.) The Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems, Wallingford, UK: IAHS Press, 339-344. Abstract.
Maurice L, Aalto RE, Guyot JL (2002). Sediment-associated mercury distribution within a major Amazonian tributary: century-scale contamination history and importance of flood plain accumulation. In Dyer, J F, Thoms, C M, Olley, M J (Eds.) The Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems: Wallingford, Wallingford, UK: , 161-168. Abstract.

Conferences

Grenfell MC, Aalto R, Grenfell SE, Ellery WN (2019). Ecosystem engineering by hummock-building earthworms in seasonal wetlands of eastern South Africa: Insights into the mechanics of biomorphodynamic feedbacks in wetland ecosystems. Abstract.

Back to top

Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

  • Shorouq Alhjab
  • Christopher Perrott
  • Jack Stephens
  • Mathias Will

Alumni

  • Jamie Johnson

Back to top

Edit Profile