Katelyn Gray, Ph.D.

Low Temperature Stable Isotope Geochemist

I am a low-temperature stable isotope geochemist who studies modern biogeochemical processes and cycles, primarily of phosphorus. I apply knowledge from the modern environment to address unresolved questions concerning major climate perturbations in Earth’s history. My research encompasses the following themes:

1. Application of a robust paleothermometer for terrestrial paleoclimate studies
2. Phosphorus cycling and coupling with other nutrients and implications on modern environmental processes
3. Role of phosphorus and increased temperatures on climate perturbations in the geologic past

Cenomanian-Turonian boundary at the Furlo Gorge in Italy. Geochemical evidence suggests this represents an ocean anoxic event in the Cretaceous ~92 million years ago. A major disruption in the carbon cycle led to widespread anoxia in the world’s oceans, which can be seen today as black, organic-rich shales.