Benjamin Hagedorn

(Klaus B. Hagedorn)
Professor

  • Post-doctoral researcher, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010-2011
  • Ph.D., School of Geosciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 2010
  • M.S., Geology, Geological Institute, RWTH University, Aachen, Germany, 2006

Research Interests

My research focuses mainly on the multiple aspects of the dynamic carbon and water cycles. I am particularly interested in the fluvial transfer of inorganic carbon from continental reservoirs to the ocean and how urban and agricultural development can impact that transfer. In addition, I study silicate lithologies to recognize the mineralogical effects of chemical weathering that can sequester atmospheric CO2.

I am also interested in the processes that control groundwater recharge and the interaction between groundwater and surface water reservoirs. I conduct my research at the watershed scale; that is, I perform geochemical surveys and collect and analyze stream, groundwater, rainfall, soil and bedrock samples in an effort to discern the geochemical evolution of carbon and water as they migrate through the watershed. By relating my results to ancillary datasets describing trends in rainfall, runoff, groundwater extraction, and land use, I evaluate the processes that control the temporal and spatial variability of carbon and water transport.

I have worked on projects in Germany, Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, Korea and California and am excited to explore new regions for my research.