(歐文彬教授)
Research Professor
Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Marine Studies
Office:
AAB 1224
Tel:
(852) 3411 7188
Fax:
(852) 3411 5990
Email:
owen@hkbu.edu.hk
EDUCATIONPh.D., Department of Geology, University of London, England.
B.Sc., (Honors) Department of Geology, University of Sheffield, England.
TEACHINGEarth Systems: Shaping Landscapes
People and the Physical Environment
Geomorphology
Applied Geomorphology
Coastal Environments and Processes
Selected Topics in the Geography of China
Environmental and Public Health
The Making of Humankind
RESEARCH INTERESTSOwen carries out research in sedimentology, micropalaeontology and geochemistry directed towards environmental reconstructions, palaeoclimatology, process studies and the reconstruction of past hominin habitats. He has worked mainly in East Africa and Hong Kong basins, but also Greece, western Canada, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iceland and New Zealand.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Member of the Kenya “Geoparks Advisory Board” and the “Great Rift Centre for Research and Development (GRICERD) NGO” from 2018
Drafted Research Impact Statement for Geography
Department Mock Research Assessment Exercise (2018)
Member of Scientific Sub-committee of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation (2017 ongoing)
ORCID
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5267-5366
External Grants
Environmental reconstructions in the Olorgesailie and Koora grabens, Kenya
Chert characteristics and origins in rift settings
Neogene geology of the northern Kenya Rift
Lake Magadi Quaternary geology and hot springs
Marine sedimentation in Hong Kong
Peer-reviewed Publications
Scott, J.J., Renaut, R.W., Buatois, L.A., Owen, R.B., McNulty, E.P., Stockhecke, M., Leet, K., Lowenstein, T., Mángano, G.M. 2021. Modern and ancient animal traces in the extreme environments of Lake Magadi and Nasikie Engida, Kenya Rift Valley. In: Rosen M.R, Finkelstein D.B., Park-Boush L., Pueyo S.P. (eds) Limnogeology: Progress, challenges and opportunities: A tribute to Beth Gierlowski-Kordesch. Springer, pp.19–66.
Muiruri, V.M., Owen, R.B., Lowenstein, T.K., Renaut, R.W., Marchant, R., Rucina, S.M., Cohen, A., Deino, A.L., Sier, M.J., Luo, S., Leet, K., Campisano, C., Rabideaux, N., Deocampo, D., Shen, C.C., Mbuthia, A., 2021. A million year vegetation history and palaeoenvironmental record from the Lake Magadi Basin, Kenya Rift Valley. Palaeogeogr. Palaeoecol. Palaeoclimatol. Online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Muiruri V.M., Owen, R.B., de Cort, G., McNulty, E., Rabideaux, N., Lowenstein, T., Renaut, R.W., Leet, K., Deocampo, D., Cohen, A.S., Campisano, C.J., Billingsley, A., Mbuthia, A. 2021. Middle Pleistocene to recent diatom floras and stratigraphy of the Magadi Basin, southern Kenya Rift. Journal of Paleolimnology 65:315-313.
Potts, R., Dommain, R., Moerman, J.W., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Deino, A.L., Beverly, E.J., Brown, E.T., Deocampo, D. Kinyanjui, R., Lupien, R., Owen, R.B., Rabideaux, N., Riedl, S., Russell, J.M., Stockhecke, M., deMenocal, P., Tyler Faith, J., Garcin, Y., Noren, A., Scott, J.J., Western, D., Bright J., Clark, J.B., Cohen, A.S., Heil, C.W., Keller, C.B., King, J., Levin, N.E., Shannon, K.B., Muiruri, V., Renaut, R., Rucina, S.M, Uno, K. 2020. Increased ecological resource variability during a critical transition in hominin evolution.Science Advances 6(43):eabc8975.
Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B., Lowenstein, T., De Cort, G., McNulty, E., Scott, J.J., Mbuthia,A. 2020. The role of hydrothermal fluids in sedimentation in saline alkaline lakes: evidence from Nasikie Engida, Kenya Rift Valley.Sedimentology.https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.
Buatois, L., Renaut, R.W., Owen R.B., Scott J.,Behrensmeyer 2020. Animal bioturbation preserved in Pleistocene magadiite at LakeMagadi, Kenya Rift Valley, and its implications for the depositional environment of bedded magadiite.Nature Scientific Reports10:6794.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Muiruri, V., Rabideaux N., Lowenstein, T.K., McNulty, E.P., Leet, K., Deocampo, D., Luo, S., Deino, A.L., Cohen, A., Sier, M.J., Campisano, C. Shen, C-C., Billingsley, A., Mbuthia, A., Stockhecke, M. 2019. Quaternary history of the Lake Magadi Basin, southern Kenya Rift: tectonic and climatic controls.Palaeogeogr, Palaeoclimatol. Palaeoecol. 518, 97–118.
Owen, R.B., Muiruri, V., Lowenstein, T.K., Renaut, R.W., Rabideuax N., Luo, S., Deino, A.L., Sier, M.J., McNulty, E.P., Leet, K., Cohen, A., Campisano, C. Deocampo, D. Shen, C-C., Billingsley, A., Mbuthia, A., 2018. Progressive aridification in East Africa over the last half million years and implications for human evolution.Proc. Nat. Acad. Sciences. 115 (44), 11174–11179.
Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Tyler Faith, J., Tryon, C., Brooks, A.S., Yellen, J., Deino, A., Kinyanjui, R., Clark, J.M., Haradon, C., Levin, N., Meijer, H.J.M., Veatch, E.G., Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., 2018. Environmental dynamics during the onset of the Middle Stone Age in eastern Africa.Science. 360, 86–90.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Lowenstein, T.K., 2018. Spatial and temporal geochemical variability in lacustrine sedimentation in the East African Rift System: evidence from the Kenya Rift and regional analyses.Sedimentology65, 1697–1730.
Buatois, L.A., Renaut, R.W., Scott, J. Owen R.B. 2018. An unusual occurrence of the trace fossil Vagorichnus from hydrothermal silica at Lake Baringo, Kenya Rift Valley: taphonomic and paleoenvironmental significance.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 485, 843-853.
Lowenstein, T.K., Jagniecki, E.A., Carroll, A.R., Smith, M.E., Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B. 2017. The Green River salt mystery: What was the source of the hyperalkaline lake waters?Earth Science Reviews. 173, 295-306
Campisano, C.J., Cohen, A.S., Arrowsmith, J.R., Asrat, A., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Brown, E.T., Deino, A.L., Deocampo, D.M., Feibel, C.S., Kingston, J.D., Lamb, H.F., Lowenstein, T.K., Noren, A., Olago, D.O., Owen, R.B., Pelletier, J.D., Potts, R, Reed, K.E., Renaut, R.W., Russell, J.M., Russell, J.L., Schäbitz, F., Stone, J.R., Trauth, M.H., Wynn, J.G., 2017. The Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project: Acquiring High-Resolution Paleoclimate Records from the East African Rift System and Their Implications for Understanding the Environmental Context of Hominin Evolution.PaleoAnthropology 1-43. doi:10.4207/PA.2017.ART104.
Renaut, R.W., Owen R.B., Ego, J.K., 2017. Geothermal activity and hydrothermal mineral deposits at the southern end of Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley: impact of lake level changes.Journal of African Earth Science129, 623–646.
Renaut, R.W., Owen R.B., Ego, J.K., 2017. Geothermal activity and hydrothermal mineral deposits at the southern end of Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley: impact of lake level changes.Journal of African Earth Science129, 623–646.
Goman, M, Ashley G.M., Owen R.B., Hover V.C., Majaran D.K., 2017. Late Holocene environmental reconstructions from groundwater fed wetlands of Lake Solai, Kenya.Professional Geographer. 69(3), 1-17.
Cohen A., Campisano C., Arrowsmith R., Asrat A., Behrensmeyer A.K. Deino A., Feibel, Hill A., Johnson R., Kingston J., Lamb H., Lowenstein T., Noren A., Olago D., Owen R.B., Potts R., Reed K., Renaut R., Schäbitz F., Tiercelin J.-J., Trauth M., Wynn J., Ivory S., Brady C., O’Grady R., Rodysill J., Githiri J., Russell J., Foerster V., Dommain R., Rucina S., Deocampo D., Billingsley A., Beck C., Dullo L., Feary D., Garello D., Johnson T., Junginger A., Karanja M., Kimburi E., Mbuthia A., McCartney T., McNulty E., Muiruri V., Nambiro E., Njagi D., Norman J., Rabideaux N., Raub T., Sier M., Smith P., Urban J., Warren M., Wondiymu E., Yost C., 2016. The Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project: Inferring the Environmental Context of Human Evolution from Eastern African Rift Lake Deposits.Scientific Drilling21, 1–16.
Cohen A., Campisano C., Arrowsmith R., Asrat A., Behrensmeyer A.K. Deino A., Feibel, Hill A., Johnson R., Kingston J., Lamb H., Lowenstein T., Noren A., Olago D., Owen R.B., Potts R., Reed K., Renaut R., Schäbitz F., Tiercelin J.-J., Trauth M., Wynn J., Ivory S., Brady C., O’Grady R., Rodysill J., Githiri J., Russell J., Foerster V., Dommain R., Rucina S., Deocampo D., Billingsley A., Beck C., Dullo L., Feary D., Garello D., Johnson T., Junginger A., Karanja M., Kimburi E., Mbuthia A., McCartney T., McNulty E., Muiruri V., Nambiro E., Njagi D., Norman J., Rabideaux N., Raub T., Sier M., Smith P., Urban J., Warren M., Wondiymu E., Yost C., 2016. The Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project: Inferring the Environmental Context of Human Evolution from Eastern African Rift Lake Deposits.Scientific Drilling21, 1–16.
Owen R.B., Renaut, R.W., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Potts, R., 2014. Quaternary geochemical stratigraphy of the Kedong-Olorgesailie section of the southern Kenya Rift Valley.Palaeogeography, Palaeoecology, Palaeoclimatology396, 194–212.
Lee, K.L., Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Potts, R., Sharp W., 2013. Facies, geochemistry and diatoms of late Pleistocene Olorgesailie tufas, southern Kenya Rift.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology374, 196-217.
Renaut, R.W. Owen, R.B., Jones, B., Tiercelin, J-J., Tarits, C., Ego, J., Konhauser, K.O. 2013. Impact of lake-level changes on the formation of thermogene travertine in continental rifts: Evidence from Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley.Sedimentology60, 428-468.
Scott, J.J, Renaut, R.W., Owen R.B., 2012. Impacts of flamingos on saline lake margin and shallow lacustrine sediments in the Kenya Rift Valley.Sedimentary Geology277-78, 32-51.
Owen, R.B., Lee, R., Renaut. R.W., 2012. Early Pleistocene lacustrine sedimentation and diatom stratigraphy at Munya wa Gicheru, southern Kenya Rift Valley.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,Palaeoecology331-332, 60-74.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., 2011. Geochemical trends through time and lateral variability of diatom floras in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Formation, southern Kenya Rift Valley.Quaternary Research76, 167-179.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Stamatakis, M., 2011. Late Miocene lacustrine sedimentation in the Mytilinii Basin, Samos Island, Greece.Journal of Paleolimnology46, 51-166.
Jones, B, Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B. 2011. Life cycle of a geyser discharge apron: Evidence from Waikite Geyser, Whakarewarewa geothermal area, North Island, New Zealand.Sedimentary Geology236, 77-94.
Jones, B, Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B. 2011. Life cycle of a geyser discharge apron: Evidence from Waikite Geyser, Whakarewarewa geothermal area, North Island, New Zealand.Sedimentary Geology236, 77-94.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., 2011. Geochemical trends through time and lateral variability of diatom floras in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Formation, southern Kenya Rift Valley.Quaternary Research76, 167-179.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Stamatakis, M., 2011. Late Miocene lacustrine sedimentation in the Mytilinii Basin, Samos Island, Greece.J. Paleolimnol46, 51-166.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W. Stamatakis, M. 2010. Diatomaceous sedimentation in late Neogene lacustrine basins of western Macedonia, Greece.Journal of Paleolimnology44, 343-359.
Shaw, R., Tang, D.L.K., Owen, R.B., Sewell, R.J. 2010. The Geological History of Hong Kong.Asian Geographer27, 43-57.
Scott, J.J., Renaut, R.W., Owen R.B. 2010. Taphonomic controls on animal tracks at saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley: salt efflorescence and clay mineralogy.J. Sedimentary Research80, 639-665.
Ashley, G.M., Tactikos, J. C., Owen, R.B., 2009. Hominin use of springs and wetlands: paleoclimate and archaeological records from Olduvai Gorge (1.79-1.74 ma).Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 272, 1-16.
Johnson, C.A., Ashley, G.M, de Wet, C.B., Dvosetsky, R. Park, L., Hover, V.C., Owen, R.B., McBrearty, S., 2009. Tufa as a Record of Perennial Freshwater in a Semi-Arid Rift Basin, Kapthurin Formation, Kenya.Sedimentology56, 1115-1137.
Owen, R.B., Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K. 2009. Reply to the comment on “Diatomaceous sediments and environmental change in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Formation, southern Kenya Rift Valley” by R.B. Owen, R. Potts, A.K. Behrensmeyer and P. Ditchfield.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 282, 147-148.
Owen R.B., Scott, J.J., Renaut, R.W., Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., 2009. Wetland sedimentation and associated diatoms in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Basin, southern Kenya Rift Valley.Sedimentary Geology222, 124-137.
Owen, R.B., 2009. Landscape Origins in Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta and Adjacent Regions. In: Wong, K.K. (Ed.) Hong Kong, Macau & the Pearl River Delta: A Geographical Survey. Hong Kong Educational Publishing Company, pp. 26-67.
Scott, J.J., Renaut, R.W., Buatois, L.A., Owen, R.B., 2009. Biogenic structures in exhumed surfaces around saline lakes: an example from Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 272, 176-198.
Owen, R.B., Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., Ditchfield, P., 2008. Diatomaceous sediments and environmental change in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Formation, southern Kenya Rift Valley. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 269, 17-37.Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 282, 147-148.
Owen, R.B., Renaut, R.W., Jones, B., 2008. Geothermal diatoms: a comparative study of floras in hot spring systems of Iceland, New Zealand and Kenya.Hydrobiologia.610, 175-192.
Owen, R.A., Owen R.B., Renaut R.W., Scott, J.J., Jones, B., Ashley, G.M., 2008. Mineralogy and origin of rhizoliths on the margins of saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley. Sedimentary Geology, 203, 143-163.
Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B., Ego, J.K., 2008. Recent changes in geyser activity at Loburu, Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley.GOSA Transactions10, 4-14.
Scott, J., Renaut, R.W., and Owen R.B., 2008. Preservation and paleoenvironmental significance of a footprinted surface on the Sandai Plain, Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley.Ichnos.15, 208-231.
Shaw, R. & Owen, R.B., 2008. The Vital Role of Public Education in Geological Conservation. Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Seminar on Geological Conservation and Sustainable Development 2008, 13th August 2008, Hong Kong, pp 69-78.
Jones, B., Renaut, R.W., Torfason, H., Owen, R.B., 2007. The geological history of Geysir, Iceland, a tephrochronological approach to the dating of sinter.J. Geological Society of London, 164, 1241-1252
Jones., B, de Ronde C.E.J, Renaut, R.W. and Owen R.B., 2007. Siliceous Sublacustrine Spring Deposits Around Hydrothermal Vents In Lake Taupo, New Zealand.J. Geological Society of London, 164, 227-242.
Scott, J.J., Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B., and Sarjeant, W.A.S., 2007. Biogenic activity, trace formation, and trace taphonomy in the marginal sediments of saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley. In: Bromley, R. and Buatois, L.A., (Eds.) Ichnology at the Crossroads: A Multidimensional Approach to the Science of Organism -Substrate Interactions. SEPM Special Publication 88, 309-330.
Jones, B., Renaut, R.W., Owen, R.B., Torfason, H., 2005. Growth patterns and implications of complex dendrites in calcite travertines from Lýsuhóll, Snæfellsnes, Iceland.Sedimentology, 52(6), 1277-1302.
Owen, R.B., 2005. Physical Geography and Geology – Imprints on a Landscape, Yunnan, China.Geography90(3), 279-287.
Owen, R.B., 2005. Modern fine-grained sedimentation – spatial variability and environmental controls on an inner pericontinental shelf, Hong Kong.Marine Geology, 214/1-3, 1-26.
Renaut, R. W. and Owen, R.B., 2005. The geysers of Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley, Africa.GOSA Transactions, 9, 4-18
Books written and edited
Owen, R.B. and Shaw, R., 2011. Hong Kong Geopark: All in One. Cosmos Books Ltd., 312 pp.
Owen, R.B. & Shaw, R. 2010. Geomorphology. In: Jim, (Ed.) A New Geography of Hong Kong Vol 1, Cosmos Books, pp. 47-81.
Owen R.B. and Shaw, R., 2009.Hong Kong Geopark: Saikung. Cosmos Books Ltd., 120 pp.
Owen R.B. and Shaw, R., 2007.Hong Kong Landscapes: Shaping the Barren Rock. Hong Kong University Press, 264 pp.
