Clayton Magill

Clayton Magill, EDI Champion

Clay is an Associate Professor of Biogeochemistry in the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University where he runs the MAGPIE (Multidisciplinary Archaeology, Geoenergy, Paleoenvironments and Isotope Ecology) Lab. His research focuses on understanding patterns of carbon movement through complex ecological systems and the legacy of organic matter in the environment, both aquatic and terrestrial.

Google Scholar Citations

Research output

Land-ocean connections in organic carbon cycling amid the Early Triassic (Smithian-Spathian) revealed through compound specific isotope analysis
Blattmann, F. R., Vennemann, T. W., Schneebeli-Hermann, E., Bucher, H. F. R. & Magill, C. R., 30 Jan 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
From intention to action: There are surprising gaps in the evidence about bias in funding decisions
Stefanie, S., Morgan, C., MacIntosh, R. & Magill, C., 17 Apr 2024, Research Fortnight, 652, p. 13 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Featured article
Evidence review: Peer review bias in the funding process: Main themes and interventions
Schneider, S., Morgan, C., Magill, C., Hersh, M., Sang, K. & MacIntosh, R., 2 Apr 2024, Heriot-Watt University. 39 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Unraveling Environmental Forces Shaping Surface Sediment Geochemical “Isodrapes” in the East Asian Marginal Seas
Paradis, S., Diesing, M., Gies, H., Haghipour, N., Narman, L., Magill, C., Wagner, T., Galy, V. V., Hou, P., Zhao, M., Kim, J.-H., Shin, K.-H., Lin, B., Liu, Z., Wiesner, M. G., Stattegger, K., Chen, J., Zhang, J. & Eglinton, T. I., Apr 2024, In: Global Biogeochemical Cycles. 38, 4, e2023GB007839.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Identification of the bacterial community that degrades phenanthrene sorbed to polystyrene nanoplastics using DNA-based stable isotope probing
Summers, S., Bin Hudari, M. S., Magill, C., Henry, T. B. & Gutierrez, T., 4 Mar 2024, In: Scientific Reports. 14, 5229.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Compaction and clay content control mudrock porosity
Rezaeyan, A., Kampman, N., Pipich, V., Barnsley, L. C., Rother, G., Magill, C., Ma, J. & Busch, A., 15 Feb 2024, In: Energy. 289, 129966.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Evolution of Pore Structure in Organic-Lean and Organic-Rich Mudrocks
Rezaeyan, A., Kampman, N., Pipich, V., Barnsley, L. C., Rother, G., Magill, C., Ma, J. & Busch, A., 2 Nov 2023, In: Energy and Fuels. 37, 21, p. 16446–16460 15 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Composition of planktonic foraminifera test-bound organic material and implications for carbon cycle reconstructions
Paoloni, T., Hoogakker, B., Navarro Rodriguez, A., Pereira, R., McClymont, E. L., Jovane, L. & Magill, C., 26 Sept 2023, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 10, 1237440.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Stable isotope ecology and interspecific dietary overlap among dolphins in the Northeast Atlantic
Plint, T., ten Doeschate, M. T. I., Brownlow, A. C., Davison, N. J., Hantke, G., Kitchener, A. C., Longstaffe, F. J., McGill, R. A. R., Simon-Nutbrown, C. & Magill, C. R., 15 Jun 2023, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 10, 1111295.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Organic geochemical evidence of human-controlled fires at Acheulean site of Valdocarros II (Spain, 245 kya)
Stancampiano, L. M., Rubio-Jara, S., Panera, J., Uribelarrea, D., Pérez-González, A. & Magill, C. R., 18 May 2023, In: Scientific Reports. 13, 7119.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Multiproxy records of temperature, precipitation and vegetation on the central Chinese Loess Plateau over the past 200,000 years
Fuchs, L., Zhou, B., Magill, C., Eglinton, T. I., Sun, Y. & Peterse, F., 15 Jul 2022, In: Quaternary Science Reviews. 288, 107579.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
New site at Olduvai Gorge (AGS, Bed I, 1.84 Mya) widens the range of locations where hominins engaged in butchery
Stancampiano, L. M., Sistiaga, A., del Val, D. U., Aramendi, J., Baquedano, E., Mabulla, A., Domínguez-Rodrigo, M. & Magill, C. R., 13 Jun 2022, In: Scientific Reports. 12, 9794.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Response and oil degradation activities of a northeast Atlantic bacterial community to biogenic and synthetic surfactants
Nikolova, C. N., Ijaz, U. Z., Magill, C., Kleindienst, S., Joye, S. B. & Gutierrez, T., 21 Sept 2021, In: Microbiome. 9, 191.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Large mammal tracks in 1.8-million-year-old volcanic ash (Tuff I^F, Bed I) at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Plint, T. & Magill, C. R., 2021, In: Ichnos. 28, 2, p. 114-124 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Rhamnolipid, a naturally produced oil dispersant, may improve oil spill remediation
Nikolova, C., Ijaz, U., Magill, C., Kleindienst, S., Joye, S. B. & Gutierrez, T. (Photographer), 2021
Research output: Non-textual form › Digital or Visual Products
The rise of Ethiopian forests
Krawielicki, J., Magill, C., Eglinton, T. & Willett, S., 6 Sept 2019, 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry. EAGE Publishing BV
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Temperature, hydrology and ocean redox dynamics off lower cretaceous eastern Antarctica (ODP 692, Weddell Sea)
Cavalheiro, L., Erba, E., Wagner, T., Magill, C., Esegbue, O., Hofmann, P. & Gambacorta, G., 4 Sept 2019, 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry. EAGE Publishing BV
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Reconstruction of ancestral landscapes and human dietary options using geochemical fossils at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Stancampiano, L. M. & Magill, C. R., 2 Sept 2019, 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry. EAGE Publishing BV
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Keeping up with hydrology during the Messinian salinity crisis
Krawielicki, J., Magill, C. R., Eglinton, T. I., Cosentino, D. & Willett, S., 2 Sept 2019, 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry. EAGE Publishing BV
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Paleofloral dependence of coal methane sorption capacity
Busch, A., Han, F. & Magill, C., 1 Jul 2019, In: International Journal of Coal Geology. 211, 103232.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
(In)coherent multiproxy signals in marine sediments: Implications for high-resolution paleoclimate reconstruction
Ausín, B., Magill, C., Haghipour, N., Fernández, Á., Wacker, L., Hodell, D., Baumann, K. H. & Eglinton, T. I., 1 Jun 2019, In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 515, p. 38-46 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Proliferation of hydrocarbon-degrading microbes at the bottom of the Mariana Trench
Liu, J., Zheng, Y., Lin, H., Wang, X., Li, M., Liu, Y., Yu, M., Zhao, M., Pedentchouk, N., Lea-Smith, D. J., Todd, J. D., Magill, C. R., Zhang, W.-J., Zhou, S., Song, D., Zhong, H., Xin, Y., Yu, M., Tian, J. & Zhang, X.-H., 12 Apr 2019, In: Microbiome. 7, 47.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Isotopic variance among plant lipid homologues correlates with biodiversity patterns of their source communities
Magill, C. R., Eglinton, G. & Eglinton, T. I., 27 Feb 2019, In: PLoS ONE. 14, 2, e0212211.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Radiocarbon Age Offsets Between Two Surface Dwelling Planktonic Foraminifera Species During Abrupt Climate Events in the SW Iberian Margin
Ausín, B., Haghipour, N., Wacker, L., Voelker, A. H. L., Hodell, D., Magill, C., Looser, N., Bernasconi, S. M. & Eglinton, T. I., Jan 2019, In: Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology. 34, 1, p. 63-78 16 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Transient hydrodynamic effects influence organic carbon signatures in marine sediments
Magill, C. R., Ausín, B., Wenk, P., McIntyre, C., Skinner, L., Martínez-García, A., Hodell, D. A., Haug, G. H., Kenney, W. & Eglinton, T. I., 8 Nov 2018, In: Nature Communications. 9, 4690.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Fatty acid specific δ13C values reveal earliest Mediterranean cheese production 7,200 years ago
McClure, S. B., Magill, C., Podrug, E., Moore, A. M. T., Harper, T. K., Culleton, B. J., Kennett, D. J. & Freeman, K. H., 5 Sept 2018, In: PLoS ONE. 13, 9, e0202807.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Carbon isotopes
Wagner, T., Magill, C. R. & Herrle, J. O., 2018, Encyclopedia of Geochemistry: A Comprehensive Reference Source on the Chemistry of the Earth. Springer, p. 194-204 11 p. (Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Hydrodynamic influences on multiproxy-based paleoclimate reconstructions from marine sediments
Ausin Gonzalez, B., Magill, C., Wenk, P., Haugh, G., McIntyre, C., Haghipour, N., Hodell, D. A. & Eglinton, T., Dec 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract
A molecular view on an Oligocene lake from the Ethiopian Plateau
Krawielicki, J., Magill, C., Willett, S., Eglinton, T. & Abebe, B., Sept 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
Geochemical signatures in contourites from the Gulf of Cadiz
Smillie, Z., Stow, D., Wilkin, J., Magill, C., Boyce, A. J., Wagner, T. & El Sheikh, M., Sept 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review
An additional wrinkle in the Elderfield proxy development curve
Ausin, B., Magill, C., Wenk, P., Haug, G., McIntyre, C., Haghipour, N., Hodell, D. & Eglinton, T., Jul 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract
Subtle signatures of seeps: Record of groundwater in a Dryland, DK, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Ashley, G. M., de Wet, C. B., Barboni, D. & Magill, C., May 2016, In: Depositional Record. 2, 1, p. 4-21
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Dietary options and behavior suggested by plant biomarker evidence in an early human habitat
Magill, C., Ashley, G. M., Domínguez-Rodrigo, M. & Freeman, K. H., Mar 2016, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 113, 11, p. 2874-2879
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Rapid sequential separation of sedimentary lipid biomarkers via selective accelerated solvent extraction
Magill, C., Denis, E. H. & Freeman, K. H., Nov 2015, In: Organic Geochemistry. 88, p. 29-34
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Wetland plant waxes from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Magill, C., Tamalavage, A., Barboni, D., Ashley, G. & Freeman, K., Dec 2013.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
Water, plants, and early human habitats in eastern Africa
Magill, C., Ashley, G. M. & Freeman, K. H., Jan 2013, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 110, 4, p. 1175-1180
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Molecular and isotopic perspectives on early human habitats at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Magill, C. R., 2013, The Pennsylvania State University. 218 p.
Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis
Ecosystem variability and early human habitats in eastern Africa
Magill, C., Ashley, G. M. & Freeman, K. H., Jan 2013, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 110, 4, p. 1167-1174
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Landscape patterns from plant biomarkers across early human habitats (ca. 1.845 Ma)
Magill, C., Ashley, G. & Freeman, K., Dec 2012.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
Molecular Paleohydrology: Interpreting the Hydrogen-Isotopic Composition of Lipid Biomarkers from Photosynthesizing Organisms
Sachse, D., Billault, I., Bowen, G. J., Chikaraishi, Y., Dawson, T. E., Feakins, S. J., Magill, C. R., McInerney, F. A., van der Meer, M. T. J., Polissar, P., Robins, R. J., Sachs, J. P., Schmidt, H.-L., Sessions, A. L., White, J. W. C., West, J. B. & Kahmen, A., May 2012, In: Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences. 40, p. 221-249 29 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Ecological constraints on hydrology in early hominid environments
Magill, C., Freeman, K. & Ashley, G., Dec 2010.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
Organic matter reponse to orbital rhythms at Olduvai Gorge, c. 1.80 Ma
Magill, C., Freeman, K. & Ashley, G., Dec 2008.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
Reconstruction of Holocene climate variability within the Central Mediterranean using lake sediments from the Akrotiri Peninsula, Crete
Magill, C., Rosenmeier, M., Cavallari, B., Curtis, J. & Weiss, H., Dec 2005.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster