My research interests are broadly centered around sedimentation and landscape evolution in Miocene and younger, tectonically active regions, as well as morphological analysis of modern tidal and fluvial systems. In a narrower sense, my interests lie in using an understanding of modern surface processes to inform interpretations of paleo-depositional environments, and in using large-scale datasets in conjunction with machine learning to analyze morphological differences between tidal and fluvial systems.
My work combines field-based geologic mapping, sedimentology, and stratigraphic analysis with machine learning, numerical modeling, and data analysis to identify patterns and trends that shed light on
Current and Recent Projects
Geometric analysis of tidal and fluvial channel planforms via machine learning
Despite forming under entirely different flow conditions and patterns, the morphological characteristics of tidal and fluvial channels display remarkable overlap. Using a global dataset of planform geometries of tidal and fluvial channels, I am developing a machine learning methodology to classify channels as tidal or fluvial using only the planform geometry.
Paleosols and Ichnology of Pliocene Baja California, Mexico
I am a part of the Baja GeoGenomics Consortium research team working to understand the connection between landscape and biological evolution on the Baja Peninsula. My work with this group is focused on testing hypotheses for a trans-peninsular seaway through the examination of Miocene to recent sedimentary deposits in the mid-peninsular region via an analysis of stratigraphy, depositional processes, and ichnology.
Miocene Volcanic Megalandslide Complex Deposits
I am also studying the deposits of large-scale (>1000 sq km) volcanic landslide complex emplaced on a marine shelf in the late Miocene. My work focuses on understanding the emplacement mechanisms and depositional products of deposits previously only accessible via seismic imaging and cores.
Older Projects
- Bouse Formation Project: Performed analysis of large-scale compound dunes to reconstruct flow co
Kevin Gardner 