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
- Article › Research › Peer-reviewed
- Published
The dynamics of turbulent, transitional and laminar clay-laden flow over a fixed current ripple.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jun 2008, In: Sedimentology. 55, 3, p. 635-66Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- 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
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
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
Thresholds of intrabed flow and other interactions of turbidity currents with soft muddy substrates
Baas, J., Manica, R., Puhl, E. & Borges, A. L. D. O., 1 Dec 2016, In: Sedimentology. 63, 7, p. 2002-2036Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Published
Turbulence modulation in clay-rich sediment-laden flows and some implications for sediment deposition.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2002, In: Journal of Sedimentary Research. 72, 3, p. 336-340Research 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
- Chapter › Research › Not peer-reviewed
- 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
Ripple, Ripple Mark, Ripple Structure.
Baas, J. H. & Middleton, G. V. (Editor), 1 Jan 2003, Encyclopedia of Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks. 2003 ed. Kluwer Academic Publishers, p. 565-567Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
- Chapter › Research › Peer-reviewed
- 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
- Paper › Research › Not peer-reviewed
- Published
An experimental model for turbulence modulation in natural clay-laden flows over flat beds, ripples and dunes.
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Kellman, P., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Bedform development below transient turbulent, partly cohesive open-channel flows.
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Kellman, P., 1 Jan 2007.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
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
Can sedimentological flows with small amounts of clay particles form massive sandstone beds?
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2001.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Can vertical stacking of low-angle bedforms produce rhythmic bedding in slurry flow deposits.
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Peakall, J., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Can vertical stacking of low-angle bedforms produce rhythmic bedding in slurry flow deposits?
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L. & Peakall, J., 1 Jan 2007.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- 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
Clay-laden currents: transition between turbulent and laminar flow and implications for the genesis of massive sand beds.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2000.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Experimental model for turbulence modulation in natural clay-laden flows.
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L., Peakall, J. & Wang, M., 1 Jan 2006.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
Experimental turbidity current transport and deposition using scaled realistic bathymetry.
Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D., Pattaci, M. & Wyton, J., 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
Flow dynamics and depositional properties of cohesive mixed sand-mud currents with transient turbulent behaviour.
Baas, J. H., Best, J. L., Peakall, J., McCaffrey, B. & Wang, M., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Flume analogue of geometry, structure and texture of high-density turbidity current deposits at the mouth of deep-marine channels.
Baas, J. H. & Postma, G., 1 Jan 2002.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Grain fabric control on directional permeability in deep-marine sandstones.
Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D., Hailwood, E. & Kay, M., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Looking inside turbidity currents: the effects of spatial and temporal changes in velocity, concentration and grain size on depositional properties.
Baas, J. H., McCaffrey, W. D., Choux, C. & Haughton, P. D., 1 Jan 2003.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- 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
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
On the flow of natural clay suspensions over smooth and rough beds.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- 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
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
TDURE : A mathematical model for the duration of deposition from decelerating high-density turbidity currents.
Baas, J. H., Van Dam, R. L. & Storms, J. E., 1 Jan 2000, p. 74-75.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
- Published
Textural characteristics of deep-marine massive sandstones: distinguishing between deposits of turbiditic and debris flow origin.
Baas, J. H., Nemec, W. & Ravnas, R., 1 Jan 2000.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
The Deep-Water Architecture Knowledge Base: Towards objective comparison of deep-marine sedimentary systems.
Baas, J. H. & McCaffrey, W. D., 1 Jan 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
The river-estuarine transition zone (RETZ) of the Afon Dyfi (West Wales) as test bed for sediment transfer between river catchments and coastal environments.
Baas, J. H., Jago, C. F., Macklin, M. & CCCR Team, 1 Jan 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Turbulence modulation behind ripples and dunes in clay-laden currents.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2004.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Turbulence modulation in clay-laden flows over ripples and dunes.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Turbulence modulation in clay-rich flows: Implications for depositional process and bed form geometry.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Turbulence modulation in high-concentration clay-rich flows and the possible origin of “massive” sand beds.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2000, p. 6-7.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- Published
Turbulence-modulated clay-laden flow over flat beds, ripple and dunes.
Baas, J. H. & Best, J. L., 1 Jan 2005.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
- 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