Dr Jaco Baas
Reader in Ocean Sciences

Contact info
Position: Reader
Room: 305 Craig Mair
Phone: 01248 382894
E-mail: j.baas@bangor.ac.uk
Web: Google Scholar, ResearchGate
I am Reader in Fine Particle Dynamics in the School of Ocean Sciences, and specialise in the erosion, transport, and deposition of fine, cohesive sediment. I graduated from the University of Utrecht (the Netherlands) with a combined BSc/MSc in Sedimentary Geology in 1988. At the same university, I completed my PhD in Bedform Dynamics in 1993. Subsequently, I was Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Geomar Research Centre in Kiel, Germany (studying Late-Pleistocene climate signals in slope sediments from the North-Atlantic continental margin), at the University of Rouen, France (on resuspension processes in the Seine estuary and gravel mining in the English Channel), and at the University of Bergen, Norway (investigating grain orientations in turbidite deposits).
In 1998, I moved to the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, where I started as a Marie Curie Research Fellow and then became a Senior Research Fellow. My research in Leeds included the physical properties of particulate density currents and their deposits and the dynamics of turbulence-modulated flows carrying cohesive clay particles. I took up my present post in Bangor in January 2007.
I am a process sedimentologist with more than 25 years of experience in sediment transport in fluvial, shallow marine, and deep-marine environments. My main fundamental and applied research interests include physical and biological cohesion in fine-grained sediment, the dynamics of sedimentary bedforms, and sediment gravity flows in the deep ocean, but my expertise also stretches to hydraulic engineering, palaeoclimatology, and mathematical modelling. I combine experimental research with field work to answer timely research questions, taking a blue-skies approach as well as collaborating with industry.
Research Area
- E-pub ahead of print
Integrating transitional-flow signatures into hybrid event beds: Implications for hybrid flow evolution on a submarine lobe fringe
Łapcik, P. & Baas, J., 4 Sept 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Sedimentary Research.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Streamwise turbulence modulation in non-uniform open-channel clay suspension flows
de Vet, M. G. W., Fernandez, R., Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D. & Dorrell, R. M., Aug 2023, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 128, 8, e2022JF006781.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Fine sediment in mixed sand-silt environments impact bedform geometry by altering sediment mobility
de Lange, S. L., Niesten, I., van de Veen, S. H. J., Baas, J., Lammers, J., Waldschlaeger, K., Boelee, D. & Hoitink, A. J. F., Jul 2024, In: Water Resources Research. 60, 7, e2024WR037065.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Influence of cohesive clay on wave–current ripple dynamics captured in a 3D phase diagram
Xuxu, W., Malarkey, J., Fernández, R., Baas, J., Pollard, E. & Parsons, D., 30 Jan 2024, In: Earth Surface Dynamics. 12, p. 231-247Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Discontinuity in Equilibrium Wave–Current Ripple Size and Shape and Deep cleaning associated with Cohesive Sand–Clay Beds
Wu, X., Fernández, R., Baas, J., Malarkey, J. & Parsons, D. R., Sept 2022, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 127, 9, p. e2022JF006771 e2022JF006771.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Wave ripple development on mixed clay–sand substrates: Effects of clay winnowing and armoring
Wu, X., Baas, J. H., Parsons, D. R., Eggenhuisen, J., Amoudry, L., Cartigny, M., McLelland, S., Mouazé, D. & Ruessink, G., Nov 2018, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 123, 11, p. 2784-2801 35 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Distinguishing microbially induced sedimentary structures from fluid-induced interfacial deformation structures (MISS versus FIDS)
Wignall, P. B., Peakall, J., Best, J. & Baas, J., 7 Mar 2025, In: The Geological Society Special Publications. 556, 1Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Concepts and applications of fluvial sedimentology: Towards interdisciplinary analysis of process and product.
Weltje, G. J., Hoogendoorn, R. M., Marriott, S. B. & Baas, J. H., 15 Nov 2007, In: Sedimentary Geology. 202, 1-2, p. 1-4Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Accepted/In press
Softgrounds: Substrates controlled by sediment gravity flows and the evolution of deep-water trace fossils
Wang, Y., Wignall, P. B., Peakall, J., Baas, J. & Poulton, S. W., 10 Mar 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: The Geological Society Special Publications.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Marine redox dynamics and biotic response to the mid-Silurian Ireviken Extinction Event in a mid-shelf setting
Wang, Y., Wignall, P. B., Xiong, Y., Loydell, D. K., Peakall, J., Baas, J. H., Mills, B. J. W. & Poulton, S. W., 10 May 2024, In: Journal of the Geological Society. 181, 4, jgs2023-155.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Reversed sediment wave migration in the Irish Sea, NW Europe: A reappraisal of the validity of geometry-based predictive modelling and assumptions
Van Landeghem, K. J., Baas, J. H., Mitchell, N., Wilcockson, D. & Wheeler, A. J., 15 Feb 2012, In: Marine Geology. 295-298, p. 95-112Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
5th International Conference on Marine & River Dune Dynamics (MARID), April 4th-6th, Caernarfon, UK
Van Landeghem, K., Garlan, T., Baas, J. H. & Van Landeghem, K. J. (Editor), 4 Apr 2016, Unknown Publisher.Research output: Book/Report › Book
- Published
Experimental constraints on shear mixing rates and processes: implications for the dilution of submarine debris flows
Talling, P. J., Peakall, J., Sparks, R. S., O'Cofaigh, C., Dowdeswell, J. A., Felix, M., Wynn, R. B., Baas, J. H., Hogg, A. J., Masson, D. G., Taylor, J. & Weaver, P. P., 1 Jan 2002, Glacier-Influenced Sedimentation on High-Latitude Continental Margins. 2002 ed. Geological Society Publishing House, p. 89-104Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
- Published
Clast-rich debrite and slurry intervals sandwiched within co-genetic turbiditic sandstone: origin, lateral extent and baffle potential.
Talling, P., Amy, L., McCaffrey, B., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J., Stanbrook, D., Clark, J., Wynn, R., Gee, M. & Masson, D., 1 Jan 2001.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Effect of biological polymers on mobility and run-out distance of cohesive and non-cohesive sediment gravity flows
Sobocinska, A. & Baas, J., 1 Oct 2022, In: Marine Geology. 452, 106904.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Modelling rheological and turbulence regimes in kaolinite-rich sediment flows.
Silva Jacinto, R. & Baas, J. H., 1 Jan 2007.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Detection and quantification of suspension concentrations and sedimentation layers in channel flows using electrical resistance tomography.
Schlaberg, H. I., Baas, J. H., Wang, M., Best, J. L., Williams, R. A. & Peakall, J., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Detection and quantification of suspended sediment concentration and stratification in open channel flows: development and first results using electrical resistance tomography.
Schlaberg, H. I., Baas, J. H., Wang, M., Best, J. L., Williams, R. A. & Peakall, J., 5 Sept 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Electrical resistance tomography for suspended sediment measurements in open channel flows using a novel sensor design.
Schlaberg, H. I., Baas, J. H., Wang, M., Best, J. L., Williams, R. A. & Peakall, J., 1 Oct 2006, In: Particle and Particle Systems Characterization. 23, 3-4, p. 313-320Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Sticky stuff: Redefining bedform prediction in modern and ancient environments
Schindler, R. J., Parsons, D. R., Ye, L., Hope, J. A., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J., Manning, A. J., Aspden, R. J., Malarkey, J., Simmons, S., Paterson, D. M., Lichtman, I. D., Davies, A. G., Thorne, P. D. & Bass, S. J., 27 Mar 2015, In: Geology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Sediment Composition Influences Spatial Variation in the Abundance of Human Pathogen Indicator Bacteria within an Estuarine Environment
Perkins, T. L., Clements, K., Baas, J. H., Jago, C. F., Jones, D. L., Malham, S. K. & McDonald, J. E., 14 Nov 2014, In: PLoS ONE. 9, 11Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
An integrated process-based model of flutes and tool marks in deep-water environments: implications for palaeohydraulics, the Bouma sequence, and hybrid event beds
Peakall, J., Best, J., Baas, J. H., Hodgson, D. M., Clare, M. A., Talling, P. J., Dorrell, R. M. & Lee, D. R., Jun 2020, In: Sedimentology. 67, 4, p. 1601-1666 66 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Visualizing the flow fields of sediment-laden density currents.
Peakall, J., Best, J. L., Baas, J. H. & Al-Musallami, Z., 1 Jan 2000.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Flow-induced Interfacial Deformation Structures (FIDS): Implications for the interpretation of palaeocurrents, flow dynamics and substrate rheology
Peakall, J., Best, J., Baas, J., Wignall, P. B., Hodgson, D. M. & Łapcik, P., Oct 2024, In: Sedimentology. 71, 6, p. 1709-1743Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Behaviour of fully ponded turbidity currents in confined basins: An experimental study.
Patacci, M., McCaffrey, W. M., Haughton, P., Baas, J. H. & Keevil, G., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Flow behaviour of ponded turbidity currents: an experimental study.
Patacci, M., McCaffrey, W. M., Haughton, P., Baas, J. H. & Keevil, G., 1 Jan 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
The role of biophysical cohesion on subaqueous bed form size
Parsons, D. R., Schindler, R. J., Hope, J. A., Malarkey, J., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J., Manning, A. L., Ye, L., Simmons, S., Paterson, D. M., Aspden, R. J., Bass, S. J., Davies, A. G., Lichtman, I. D. & Thorne, P. D., 28 Jan 2016, In: Geophysical Research Letters. 43, p. 1566-1573Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
On the origin of chevron marks and striated grooves, and their use in predicting mud bed rheology
McGowan, D., Salian, A., Baas, J., Peakall, J. & Best, J., Feb 2024, Sedimentology, 71, 2, p. 687-708 22 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
- Published
The hiding-exposure effect revisited: A method to calculate the mobility of bimodal sediment mixtures
McCarron, C. J., Van Landeghem, K. J. J., Baas, J. H., Amoudry, L. O. & Malarkey, J., Apr 2019, In: Marine Geology. 410, p. 22-31Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Spatio-temporal evolution of velocity structure, concentration and grainsize stratification within experimental particulate gravity currents.
McCaffrey, W. D., Choux, C. M., Baas, J. H. & Haughton, P. D., 1 Jun 2003, In: Marine and Petroleum Geology. 20, 6-8, p. 851-860Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Coupling flow and deposit properties of partly cohesive high-density turbidity currents: An experimental approach.
Manica, R., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J., Maestri, R. D. & Borges, A. O., 1 Jan 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Non-cohesive, mixed and cohesive high-density turbidity currents: Flow and deposit properties inferred from laboratory experiments.
Manica, R., Baas, J. H., De Oliveira Borges, A. L., Maestri, R. D., Peakall, J. & McCaffrey, W. D., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Effect of Bed Clay on Surface Water-Wave Reconstruction from Ripples
Malarkey, J., Pollard, E., Fernández, R., Xuxu, W., Baas, J. & Parsons, D., 28 Dec 2024, In: Scientific Reports. 14, 1, p. 30688 30688.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
The pervasive role of biological cohesion in bedform development
Malarkey, J., Baas, J. H., Hope, J. A., Aspenden, R. J., Parsons, D. R., Peakall, J., Peterson, D. M., Schindler, R. J., Ye, L., Lichtman, I. D., Bass, S. J., Davies, A. G., Manning, A. J. & Thorne, P. D., 6 Feb 2015, In: Nature Communications. 6, 6257Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Preservation of groove mark striae formed by armoured mud clasts: the role of armour sediment size and bed yield stress
Lock, C., Reid, M., Baas, J. & Peakall, J., Sept 2024, In: The Depositional Record. 10, 4, p. 426-440Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Bedform migration in a mixed sand and cohesive clay intertidal environment and implications for bed material transport predictions
Lichtman, I. D., Baas, J. H., Amoudry, L. O., Thorne, P. D., Malarkey, J., Hope, J. A., Peakall, J., Paterson, D. M., Bass, S. J., Cooke, R. D., Manning, A. J., Davies, A. G., Parsons, D. R. & Ye, L., 15 Aug 2018, In: Geomorphology. 315, p. 17-32 66 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Passive sediment filling of U-shaped animal burrows.
Kellman, P., Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Uchman, A., 1 Jan 2004.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Experimental passive fill of U-shaped burrows.
Kellman, P., Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Uchman, A., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Bedforms in high concentration flows – Preliminary results of laboratory experiments.
Kellman, P., Best, J. L., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J. & Parsons, D., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Interactions between sediment microbial ecology and physical dynamics drive heterogeneity in contextually similar depositional systems
Hope, J. A., Malarkey, J., Baas, J. H., Peakall, J., Parsons, D., Manning, A. J., Bass, S., Lichtman, I., Thorne, P., Ye, L. & Paterson, D. M., Oct 2020, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 65, 10, p. 2403-2419Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Dynamics and deposition of sediment-bearing multi-pulsed flows and geological implication
Ho, V. L., Dorrell, R. M., Keevil, G., Thomas, R. E., Burns, A. D., Baas, J. H. & McCaffrey, W. D., Nov 2019, In: Journal of Sedimentary Research. 89, 11, p. 1127-1139Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Biomediation of submarine sediment gravity flow dynamics
Craig, M., Baas, J. H., Amos, K. J., Strachan, L. J., Manning, A. J., Paterson, D. M., Hope, J. A., Nodder, S. D. & Baker, M. L., Jan 2020, In: Geology. 48, 1, p. 72-76Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Comparison of spatio-temporal evolution of experimental particulate gravity flows at two different initial concentrations, based on velocity, grain size and density data.
Choux, C. M., Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D. & Haughton, P. D., 1 Aug 2005, In: Sedimentary Geology. 179, 1-2, p. 49-69Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Comparison of spatio-temporal evolution of experimental particulate gravity flows at two different initial concentrations, based on velocity, grain size and density data.
Choux, C., Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D. & Haughton, P. D., 1 Jan 2004.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Suspended and bedload dynamics in a tidally influenced river: the river Dyfi, Wales, UK.
Brewer, P., Vericat, D., Baas, J. H., Jago, C. F., Brasington, J., Wheaton, J. M. & Causer, F., 1 Jan 2007.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Critical parameters for cross-fault flow within deep marine clastic reservoirs: An integrated 3D stratigraphic and structural approach.
Bradbury, P. W., Freeman, S. R., Harris, S. D., Knipe, R. J., McCaffrey, W. D. & Baas, J. H., 1 Jan 2004.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Enhanced fault seal evaluation of turbidite systems in mature basins: Examples from around the globe.
Bradbury, P. W., Freeman, S. R., Harris, S. D., Knipe, R. J., McCaffrey, W. D., Baas, J. H. & Lewis, G., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Comparing flume and computer simulated turbidite flows – Implications for sediment deposition patterns and reservoir quality.
Bond, C. E., Baas, J. H., Vinnels, J., McCaffrey, W., Waltham, D. & McClean, S., 1 Jan 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Temporal flow structure of an experimental particulate density current linked to textural variation of the resultant flume deposit.
Barker, S., McCaffrey, B., Haughton, P., Baas, J. H. & Choux, C., 1 Jan 2004.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Accepted/In press
Using mixed-clay sediment gravity flow rheology as an indicator for flow velocity and run-out distance
Baker, M., Baas, J., Malarkey, J. & Silva Jacinto, R., 10 Jul 2024, (Accepted/In press) Particulate Gravity Currents in the Environment. American Geophysical UnionResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review