Dr. Ru Wang

Profile

I am a geologist with expertise in Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Earth Surface Processes. I got my PhD in Earth Science from University of Leeds (2020). Since 2022, I have been working as a research fellow at the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.

Research interests

My career is built on developing and applying innovative approaches to address complex geological challenges. I am passionate about both fundamental earth surface process and applied research. My diverse research background, which includes cutting-edge skills in meta-data analysis, physical experiments, numerical simulations and analysis of subsurface rock successions, as well as work experience as an intern at Sinopec China and Research Assistant at China National Petroleum Corporation China, distinguishes me from my peers, which equips me to tackle cutting-edge research problems with unique flexibility.

My PhD studentship (supervised by Prof. Nigel Mountney and Dr. Luca Colombera in the Fluvial, Eolian and Shallow-Marine Research Group), the quantitative analysis of geological controls on incised valley-fill geometry and stratigraphic architecture, required both rigorous metadata analysis and the ability to interrogate databases to gain novel insights into system physiography. This research has resulted in three research papers in leading international journals: two in Sedimentology and one in Earth Science Reviews, both leading in their fields. This database-driven approach is at the forefront of current research in sedimentology and stratigraphy. Indeed, in some regards, the method of quantitative facies modelling is defining the current state-of-the-science of clastic sedimentology and stratigraphy.

Following my PhD, I did a one-year postdoc working with Prof. Wonsuck Kim in the Morphodynamics-Quantitative Stratigraphy Group at Yonsei University, South Korea, utilising the integration of physical experiments and numerical models to explore the dynamics of channel morphology, channel mobility, and shoreline migration in response to global sea-level rise with respect to different confined valley geometries. This research provides crucial insights into predicting future shoreline behaviour amid rising sea levels, which can significantly influence the cities, populations and associated coastal infrastructure and large-scale fisheries. In this aspect, this research and further development is crucial as many large UK cities reside in areas, such as London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. One journal publication is published from this research in Sedimentology; other papers are in preparation.

From November 2023 to January 2024, I visited the world-leading St Anthony Falls Laboratory (University of Minnesota, US) on a research trip, focusing on the influence of valley terraces on the evolution of delta with rising sea level, utilising physical and numerical modelling. For the research conducted in SAFL, I acted as an independent Principal Investigator and handled all the issues including initial negotiation of the contract, contract signing, logistics arrangements and the conduction of the physical experiments. Finally, I managed to finish the work efficiently and built long-term collaboration plans with faculties in the laboratory. One manuscript is now in preparation and submitted to Science Advances.

Since March 2023, I have been working as a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds in the Stratigraphy Group, working with Profs. David Hodgson, Jeff Peakall, Ian Kane and Steve Flint. I utilised physical experiments to monitor the detailed fluid dynamics of unconfined density currents during interactions with various topographic configurations. Findings challenge long-held assumptions on flow-slope interactions and are pivotal for mass-flow geohazard assessment and the prediction of pollutant distribution in the deep sea, as well as de-risking the management of sedimentation in modern human-made water reservoirs. I have synthesised this data into manuscripts that have been submitted to discipline-leading journals, Sedimentology and Nature Communications.

Another research interest is the interpretation of subsurface data, whcih could be applied into the long-term underground storage of carbon via carbon capture and underground storage (CCUS) schemes, shorter-term storage of hydrogen to be used as a clean fuel source, and subsurface sites of potential geothermal energy. In my master project, I focused on the interpretation of axial and transverse depositional systems of a syn-rift basin fill (Bohai Bay Basin, China). In this industry-oriented project, an integration of core, well logging and 3-D seismic data was utilised to investigate the controls of tectonics and lake-level changes on the stratigraphic architecture of an asymmetric syn-rift basin fill, which was financially supported by Sinopec, China and partly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. 1. Utilisation of syn-tectonic sediments/stratigraphy to reconstruct fault evolution; 2. High-resolution sequence-stratigraphy analysis utilising 3D seismic data and well logging and core data; 3. Utilisation of multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental studies such as provenance analysis, antecedent topography and seismic geomorphology to help confine the palaeogeographic reconstructions of the studied successions; 4. Quantitative analysis of the controls of tectonics and deep-water lake-level changes on the stratigraphic architecture of the studied successions. Results indicate the spatiotemporal distribution of these systems in the basin fill arose from the interaction of tectonic, lake-level, and climatic controls. Sedimentological and provenance analyses indicate the predominance (>85%) of axial systems over transverse systems in the infill of this elongate, asymmetrical graben. Locally, the interaction and amalgamation of transverse and axial systems was controlled by the presence of intra-basinal highs, through their influence on sediment-delivery pathways, and by high rates of sediment supply that caused overfill of isolated depocentres. Texturally mature, well-sorted fine sandstones of axial deltaic systems, which were sourced from comparatively large catchments, are attractive reservoir targets. By contrast, conglomerates of transverse fan deltas are poorly sorted and have more limited reservoir potential. However, footwall-derived fans may serve as viable reservoir targets locally, where fed by major hinterland drainages associated with long sediment-transport distances.

My broad skillset that maps well onto a range of research areas allows me to access different funding streams. As an example, I have been independently sought and secured funding from IAS (International Association of Sedimentologists; €2500) in 2021 and led the physical experimental work at the world-leading St Anthony Falls Laboratory (University of Minnesota, US). I have also secured funding of IAS Post-graduate Research Grant (€1000) in 2018 for fieldwork in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, UK, which has enabled me to publish a paper in Sedimentology. Additionally, I have successfully been awarded several travel grants from IAS and SEPM (the Society for Sedimentary Geology) to cover my travelling costs to attend international conferences, such as SEPM 2020 conference (€400 and $500) and Bouma 2023 conference ($850).

Qualifications

• Ph.D., Earth Science, University of Leeds, UK (2020)
• M.S., Geology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), China (International program) (2016)

Professional memberships

• IAS
• AAPG
• SEPM
• AGU

Student education

Since 2016, I have been acting as a teaching Assistant, formally employed by University of Leeds, demonstrating on Masters-Level and Undergraduate courses in lab-based practical assignments and field courses. I have also co-mentored undergraduate and PhD thesis at Yonsei University, South Korea: Haein Shin (PhD, Fall 2019-2022), Jae Hyung Lee (undergraduate, 2020) and Yun Hyeong Lee (intern, 2020) and University of Leeds, UK: Ed Keavney (PhD, 2024).

Research groups and institutes

• Sedimentology
• Institute of Applied Geoscience
• Geosolutions Leeds