Gifford H. Miller

My primary scholarly interests focus on gaining an improved understanding of how the physical earth system operates.

Toward this end, I am specifically interested in using the Quaternary as a means to reconstruct the coupled ocean/atmospheric/ice climate system. By reconstructing past environmental changes it is possible to get a better understanding of the rates and magnitude of natural climate variability and the various feedback mechanisms in the global climate system. I am also interested in the role of humans in the modification of landscapes and ecosystem on Quaternary timescales.

My present research is on Quaternary stratigraphy and dating methods; amino acid geochronology and cosmogenic exposure dating; and glacial history of the Arctic, focusing on glacial chronology and ice-sheet dynamics using direct field evidence and quantitative estimates of the timing and magnitude of warm times in the Arctic. I also have research interests in monsoons on Quaternary time scales and the causes of megafauna extinctions.

  Amino Acid Geochronology Lab  News about Giff 

Education

• PhD: University of Colorado Boulder, 1975

Awards

• Distinguished Professor, University of Colorado System, 2021
• Distinguished Career Award, American Quaternary Association, 2018
• Elected Fellow, American Geophysical Union, 2009
• Elected Foreign Member, Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, 2008
• Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist Award, Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division, Geological Society of America, 2005
• Elected Fellow, Geological Society of America, 1986

Current postdoc

• Jonathan Raberg, Postdoctoral Scholar

Publications