Personal Details:
Name: Dr Robert Riding
Institute / Company: Cardiff University, United Kingdom
Department: Earth Sciences
Position: Reader
Tel: +44-29-20874329
Email:
Website:

Research Details:
Keywords: algae, bacteria, calcified, carbonates, microbial, reef.

Description: Robert Riding works on fossil and present-day calcified algae and bacteria. This research encompasses the geological history, systematics, processes and products of algal and microbial biomineralization/calcification The aims are to understand the development and distribution of algal and bacterial carbonates in time and space. This involves integrating abiotic and biological factors that have determined the long sedimentary records of these organisms. The results have wide applications in palaeobiology, carbonate sedimentology and global environmental change. This research at the interface between palaeobiology and sedimentology grew from an initial interest in reef limestones. It led to specialization in calcareous algae and cyanobacteria, then to stromatolites and other microbial carbonates. Riding travels widely and has made extended visits to Canada, China, Germany, Russia, Spain, and the United States.