Research Bio
Francis Macdonald's research focuses on the interactions of tectonics, climate, and biological evolution through Earth history. This work begins with geological mapping, and uses stratigraphic analysis, isotope geochemistry, geochronology, paleomagnetism, and paleontology to reconstruct paleoenvironments and tectonic histories. Recent projects have focused on Snowball Earth, the Great Unconformity, the impact of tropical mountains on global climate, and the tectonic evolution of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Macdonald was awarded the GSA Young Scientist Award (Donath Medal) in 2014 and the AGU Early Career Award (Macelwane Medal) in 2019. He holds a B.S. in Geology from Caltech and a Ph.D. in Geology from Harvard University.
Research Expertise and Interest
tectonics, climate, biological evolution
Teaching
Advanced Field Course [EPS 118 - 001]
Research [EPS 280 - 037]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [EPS 199 - 026]
Research in Earth Science [EPS 260 - 001]
Research [EPS 280 - 055]
Stratigraphy and Earth History [EPS 115 - 001]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [EPS 199 - 024]
Research [EPS 280 - 037]