Colin Murray-Wallace

Research My research interests have primarily focused on aspects of Quaternary coastal and marine geology, particularly in terms of long-term coastal evolution in response to relative sea-level changes (see publication list). I have examined a diverse range of coastal regions and continental shelf environments. A substantial part of my research has been based in southern Australia in view of my specific interests in the development of sedimentary carbonates during the Quaternary period. Accordingly, I have undertaken extensive field investigations and published papers on the Quaternary coastal geology of the following regions; Perth Basin and Roe Plains, Western Australia; South Australian Gulfs region; Coorong-Mount Gambier Coastal Plain; Hindmarsh Island and Kangaroo Island, South Australia; Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands, King Island, Flinders Island; Victoria, New South Wales and Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. In addition, I have undertaken fieldwork and published papers on the coastal geology of the following regions; Hawaii (Oahu, Molokai and Kauai; Vietnam (between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; South Africa (Southern Cape Coastline and the Wilderness region. Studies of Quaternary sea-level changes, neotectonism (recent vertical crustal movements) in coastal regions and the derivation of models of coastal evolution represent unifying themes in my research. I have extensively applied amino acid racemization dating in conjunction with other dating methods, to quantify rates of coastal landscape change. Quaternary coastal and marine geology, long-term coastal evolution in response to relative sea-level changes, sedimentary carbonates during the Quaternary period, Quaternary sea-level changes, neotectonism (recent vertical crustal movements) in coastal regions, derivation of models of coastal evolution, amino acid racemization dating