Research interests

My research project focuses on the Critical Zone, defined as the external terrestrial layer between the outer limits of vegetation and the groundwater table. As soils are a central component of the Critical Zone, there is a growing concern about soil resilience and sustainable development in response to anthropogenic perturbation. Human disturbance of natural vegetation can profoundly alter the physical, chemical and biological processes in the Critical Zone, and disrupt the balance between soil production and erosion. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the human role in chemical weathering at a contemporary timescale. We analyze the link between chemical weathering, soil erosion and soil formation for volcanic ash soils along a gradient of human impact in the tropical Andes. My present work is funded by the Alexander von Humbold Foundation and hosted by the Soil Science of Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems.