Dylan S. Dearnaley

Profile

I am currently a first year PhD candidate in the School of Earth and Environment. My current research addresses the growing risk of climate-driven landslide damage and disruption to the British railways. Landslides, often triggered by intense rainfall, already cause frequent disruptions and are projected to increase with climate change. My project aims to quantify the rainfall characteristics that lead to slope failures, assess how these may change in the future, and develop methods to combine and communicate uncertainties in rare event prediction. Working with Network Rail, their current consultants and the Met Office, the research will create tools and best practices for risk management, early warning, and long-term adaptation strategies to protect critical transport networks.

Before starting the PhD, I studied a BSc in Geological Science at Leeds in which I produced a geological map and history of the Scottish isle of Kerrerra for my dissertation, and an MRes in Climate and Atmospheric Science (also at Leeds) in which my thesis used weather radar to observe behavioural changes to insect populations over the NW edge of London. Broadly speaking these experiences have given me a good background for modelling climate-driven landslides, but I’m still relatively new to the subject. Regardless, I’m happy to share what I do know with anyone who might find it helpful, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Qualifications

• MRes Climate and Atmospheric Science (University of Leeds)
• BSc Geological Science (University of Leeds)
• Introduction to atmospheric radar (NCAS)
• Geographic information systems (AlaskaX)
• RSciTech (Cambridge Regional College)