Andy Baker

Andy Baker

@andy-baker.bsky.social

Australian Research Council Laureate Professor at UNSW Sydney, investigating groundwater recharge, climate, geochemistry, and stalagmites. Not all at once, at least not most of the time. Posting more often at @andbaker@aus.social

1.3K followers219 following251 posts

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

When does rainfall actually become groundwater recharge? New paper alert! Our new study, led by Margaret Shanafield (Flinders University) and published in Environmental Research Letters, uses Australia's National Groundwater Recharge Observing Network (NGROS) to monitor recharge responses across…

andy-baker.orgWhen does rainfall actually become groundwater recharge?New paper alert! Our new study, led by Margaret Shanafield (Flinders University) and published in Environmental Research Letters, uses Australia's National Groundwater Recharge Observing Network (NGROS) to monitor recharge responses across 16 caves, mines and tunnels spanning a continent-sized climate gradient. Our paper represents the first continental-scale assessment of event-based groundwater recharge thresholds, and demonstrates that understanding when rain falls can be more important than understanding…

Andy Baker reposted

Andreas Hartmann
@sub-heterogenty.bsky.social

Yes! Come and work with us 😊

Andy Baker@andy-baker.bsky.social

Come and work at UNSW in Sydney, Australia! Myself and @sub-heterogenty.bsky.social have a 2-year Research Associate position for a groundwater recharge modeller. For details and how to apply: external-careers.jobs.unsw.edu.au/cw/en/job/54... @unswbees.bsky.social

external-careers.jobs.unsw.edu.auResearch AssociateThe Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project ‘Caves and their stalagmites: linking climate to groundwater recharge’ le...
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

Come and work at UNSW in Sydney, Australia! Myself and @sub-heterogenty.bsky.social have a 2-year Research Associate position for a groundwater recharge modeller. For details and how to apply: external-careers.jobs.unsw.edu.au/cw/en/job/54... @unswbees.bsky.social

external-careers.jobs.unsw.edu.auResearch AssociateThe Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project ‘Caves and their stalagmites: linking climate to groundwater recharge’ le...
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

Eurokarst 2026: Advancing our understanding of groundwater in karst regions Eurokarst is the bi-annual meeting for international research in the hydrogeology of karst and carbonate reservoirs. On 31 August - 4 September 2026, the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland is hosting, and we are…

andy-baker.orgEurokarst 2026: Advancing our understanding of groundwater in karst regionsEurokarst is the bi-annual meeting for international research in the hydrogeology of karst and carbonate reservoirs. On 31 August - 4 September 2026, the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland is hosting, and we are bringing our Australian research to Europe, arguably the home of karst research. Our presentations highlight how underground spaces such as caves, tunnels and mines, can be used to better understand when, where and why groundwater recharge event occur.

Andy Baker reposted

roterote aka Hunter CG
@roterote.bsky.social

There are dozens of academics signing this open letter to defend the American Eugenicist Nathan Cofnas from the consequences of his own actions. They are calling him a “whistleblower”

johnarmstrongmaths.comjohnarmstrongmaths.comAs academics, we are concerned that Ghent University's disciplinary proceedings against Dr Cofnas appear to constitute retaliation, at least in part, for publicizing academic misconduct that occurred in British universities.

Andy Baker reposted

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

Three new papers using caves as hydrological observatories A short post, highlighting three papers published in recent weeks that I have had the fortune of contributing to. All use networks of drip loggers in caves to record water movement from the surface to the water table. First, led by…

andy-baker.orgThree new papers using caves as hydrological observatoriesA short post, highlighting three papers published in recent weeks that I have had the fortune of contributing to. All use networks of drip loggers in caves to record water movement from the surface to the water table. First, led by Akhilesh Kumar at UNSW Sydney, is a satellite remote sensing study. Can we use satellite-derived products, such as rainfall, vegetation characteristics and soil moisture, to understand when recharge events might occur?
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

Three new papers using caves as hydrological observatories A short post, highlighting three papers published in recent weeks that I have had the fortune of contributing to. All use networks of drip loggers in caves to record water movement from the surface to the water table. First, led by…

andy-baker.orgThree new papers using caves as hydrological observatoriesA short post, highlighting three papers published in recent weeks that I have had the fortune of contributing to. All use networks of drip loggers in caves to record water movement from the surface to the water table. First, led by Akhilesh Kumar at UNSW Sydney, is a satellite remote sensing study. Can we use satellite-derived products, such as rainfall, vegetation characteristics and soil moisture, to understand when recharge events might occur?
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

At the BOM webpage you can explore the whole record since the 19th century. The Federation Drought had a more negative SOI. Will we get there in a few months? #climate #climatechange

Andy Baker reposted

AGU (American Geophysical Union)
@agu.org

A new review article summarizes our knowledge of how microbial lipids archived in marine sediments record ancient ocean temperatures and outlines challenges and next steps for the TEX86 paleothermometer. Learn more in @eos.org: spklr.io/63326Eum2s

spklr.ioThe Definitive Guide to the TEX86 Paleothermometer - EosA new review article summarizes our knowledge of how microbial lipids archived in marine sediments record ancient ocean temperatures and outlines challenges and next steps for the TEX86 proxy.

Andy Baker reposted

Gaétan Heymes
@gaetanheymes.bsky.social

Mise à jour avec les données du 31 juillet. Le "sur-été" continue, depuis le 15 juin. Aujourd'hui est le 48ème jour consécutif. Le cumul de chaleur "surestivale" dépasse la valeur de toute l'année 2003 depuis le 18 juillet.

Gaétan Heymes@gaetanheymes.bsky.social

Mise à jour avec les données jusqu'au 16 juillet, soit la moitié de l'été météo. La courbe 2026 du cumul de degrés jours de sur-été est largement au dessus de toutes les autres. Aucun été antérieur ne peut tenir la comparaison avec cette première moitié d'été infernale.

Andy Baker reposted

Carl T. Bergstrom
@carlbergstrom.com

1. We—@eduede.bsky.social, @mjcrockett.bsky.social, Kevin Gross, and I—have a new preprint on the arXiv today, based on ideas that emerged during an @sfiscience.bsky.social workshop in November 2024: The unintended consequences of large language models as a labor-augmenting technology in science.

arxiv.orgThe unintended consequences of large language models as a labor-augmenting technology in scienceAs a labor-augmenting technology, large language models (LLMs) have the potential to accelerate scientific activity across the research pipeline. But even if LLMs perform on par with human experts at ...

Andy Baker reposted

Seb Breitenbach
@speleoseb.bsky.social

Paper alert ‼️ - combining traditional isotopes with #calcium #isotopes from a #stalagmite we estimate a 43% reduction in rainfall in the #Puuc of #Yucatan in the #Maya Terminal Classic/Early Postclassic - with repeated severe regional droughts this likely contributed to societal stress

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

The second fieldtrip for the #AQUA2026 conference in Sydney visited The Rocks, exploring the Hawkesbury Sandstone and Sydney as 'The Sandstone City'. Thanks to all the delegates for making this geoheritage walking tour so much fun to run. Now for the conference sessions, starting on Monday.

Andy Baker reposted

Eos
@eos.org

NSF has cut budgets for hundreds of its basic science programs for the remainder of this fiscal year. Sources say the cuts may be a way to free up funds for a new NSF initiative called X-Labs. eos.org/research-and...

eos.orgNSF Cuts Hundreds of Science Program Budgets by Up To 30% - EosThe National Science Foundation (NSF) has slashed budgets for hundreds of its basic science programs for the remainder of this fiscal year, according to an 18 June memo obtained by Science.

Andy Baker reposted

Michael Okun
@michael-okun.bsky.social

I’ve officially resigned as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. It used to be a reputable journal, but became a case study in how forced automation destroys academic integrity. 👇

Andy Baker reposted

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

New Global Cave Monitoring Database: Insights into Drip Rates and Isotopes The PAGES-SISAL (Past Global Changes – Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and AnaLysis) team has created a new global database of cave monitoring data consisting of drip rates and drip water isotopes, and the modern carbonate…

andy-baker.orgNew Global Cave Monitoring Database: Insights into Drip Rates and IsotopesThe PAGES-SISAL (Past Global Changes – Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and AnaLysis) team has created a new global database of cave monitoring data consisting of drip rates and drip water isotopes, and the modern carbonate precipitates that form from these drip waters (so called farmed carbonates, grown on artificial substrates). The preprint is now available for community comment at: The preprint is led by Pauline Treble (ANSTO, Australia):
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

New Global Cave Monitoring Database: Insights into Drip Rates and Isotopes The PAGES-SISAL (Past Global Changes – Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and AnaLysis) team has created a new global database of cave monitoring data consisting of drip rates and drip water isotopes, and the modern carbonate…

andy-baker.orgNew Global Cave Monitoring Database: Insights into Drip Rates and IsotopesThe PAGES-SISAL (Past Global Changes – Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and AnaLysis) team has created a new global database of cave monitoring data consisting of drip rates and drip water isotopes, and the modern carbonate precipitates that form from these drip waters (so called farmed carbonates, grown on artificial substrates). The preprint is now available for community comment at: The preprint is led by Pauline Treble (ANSTO, Australia):
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

Thanks to the team at Wombeyan Caves for another successful groundwater research fieldtrip. Loggers were downloaded, water samples collected, sites inspected and impromptu sci-comm occurred with cave tours groups. The loggers recorded only one one recharge events here since October.

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

For remote sensing and lidar enthusiasts, my collaborator Kashif Mahmud features on the 'Spatial Signals' podcast, talking about his academic journey from Bangladesh to Texas via Australia, and lidar scanning of trees, caves and more ... (30 mins) americaview.podbean.com/e/i-always-r...

americaview.podbean.comI Always Ride The Waves with Kashif Mahmud | Spatial SignalsKashif Mahmud from Midwestern State University joins us to talk about his time as a lecturer in Civil Engineering, a journey that went from Bangladesh to Australia to America, Kashif’s work with TexasView, the El Paso Science Festival, the activities of the Landsat Advisory Group (the LAG), being an editor of the Journal of Earth Observations and Geospatial Applications, lidar analysis, surface and subsurface modeling, using lidar in caves, new algorithms for lidar analysis and feature extraction, advances in lidar technology, and much more.  Show notes and photos are available at:  https://americaview.substack.com

Andy Baker reposted

Retraction Watch
@retractionwatch.com

Neither retractions, expressions of concern, nor other editorial notices seem to keep authors from continuing to cite problematic papers, according to a look at what happened to more than 170 articles by one author.

retractionwatch.comBlack marks on published papers don’t change citation rates, new study findsAmong the data analyzed were mean monthly citations per article for 151 papers that were retracted or issued some other editorial notice, and for a set of control articles. The solid vertical lines…

Andy Baker reposted

Jason P. Evans
@jasonpevans.bsky.social

Check out our new paper that shows the unusually warm East Australian Current in early 2022 contributes to the extreme flooding rainfall occurring further south than it would have otherwise doi.org/10.1007/s007... 🧪 @ccrc.bsky.social

doi.orgEffects of high local sea surface temperature on the extreme rainfall over the eastern coast of Australia in February 2022 - Theoretical and Applied ClimatologyTheoretical and Applied Climatology - Record-breaking extreme rainfall impacted Australia’s east coast from February to April 2022, causing severe flooding across the region. To explore the...

Andy Baker reposted

Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

PhD position open: The weather forecast for groundwater recharge events • Seeking a PhD researcher with expertise in groundwater, climatology or meteorology, interested in tackling the question: • What weather events replenish groundwater and how do climate influences change this? • Using our…

andy-baker.orgPhD position open: The weather forecast for groundwater recharge events• Seeking a PhD researcher with expertise in groundwater, climatology or meteorology, interested in tackling the question: • What weather events replenish groundwater and how do climate influences change this? • Using our novel Australian cave observatories of recharge events • Our aim is to provide regional stakeholders with the first weather forecast for groundwater recharge over different timescales • …
Andy Baker
@andy-baker.bsky.social

PhD position open: The weather forecast for groundwater recharge events • Seeking a PhD researcher with expertise in groundwater, climatology or meteorology, interested in tackling the question: • What weather events replenish groundwater and how do climate influences change this? • Using our…

andy-baker.orgPhD position open: The weather forecast for groundwater recharge events• Seeking a PhD researcher with expertise in groundwater, climatology or meteorology, interested in tackling the question: • What weather events replenish groundwater and how do climate influences change this? • Using our novel Australian cave observatories of recharge events • Our aim is to provide regional stakeholders with the first weather forecast for groundwater recharge over different timescales • …

Andy Baker reposted

Prof Ian Hall
@ianhall.bsky.social

The Atlantic’s “conveyor belt” is slowing. New observations from 16.5°–42.5°N show a two-decade, basin-wide decline in deep western overturning, the first robust observational evidence that the AMOC is weakening, confirming long-standing model predictions. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

science.orgMeridionally consistent decline in the observed western boundary contribution to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning CirculationWestern boundary observations in the Atlantic suggest a meridionally consistent decline in the ocean overturning circulation.

Andy Baker reposted

Prof Helen Bostock
@oceanhelen.bsky.social

Lecturer in GIS - lecturer or senior lecturer (equivalent to Assistant professor) at The University of Queensland. Come and join our large multidisciplinary school of the Environment in sunny Brisbane (a great place to live, especially for families).

uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.comLecturer or Senior Lecturer in Geographical Information Science (GIS)Faculty of Science | School of the Environment Full-time permanent position Base salary will be in the range $117,120.53 – $138,769.70 plus 17% super (Academic Level B) or $143,099.52 – $164,748.70 plus 17% super (Academic Level C) Based at our St Lucia Campus About This Opportunity This is an exciting full‑time, continuing opportunity for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of the Environment at The University of Queensland. In this role, you will combine teaching excellence with research leadership, contributing to the School’s impact through high‑quality coursework teaching, supervision of Higher Degree by Research (PhD, MPhil) and Honours students, and active engagement in service, outreach, and partnership activities. We are seeking candidates with strong research profiles in Geographical Information Science (GIS) that complement the School’s existing research strengths, and address interdisciplinary challenges across science, government, and/or industry. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, GeoAI, cloud‑native GIS, digital twins, spatial data science, and urban analytics. The School’s undergraduate and postgraduate geospatial teaching programs are experiencing sustained growth and high demand. In response, the School is investing in a dedicated, state‑of‑the‑art geospatial teaching facility, designed to reflect contemporary industry standards and emerging technologies. You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality teaching, shaping curriculum design, and introducing innovative teaching practices that align with advances in research and professional practice. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to help educate the next generation of geospatial scientists and leaders, while advancing a research program that contributes to societal and environmental outcomes at local, national, and international scales. Key responsibilities will include: Teaching: Deliver high-quality teaching across lectures, tutorials, and field-based settings, including course coordination, assessment, and the development of engaging, contemporary GIS curriculum. At Senior Lecturer level, you will take a leading role in program coordination and drive innovative curriculum design and improvement. Research: Develop and maintain a strong research profile in Geographical Information Science (GIS), including publishing, securing funding, and contributing to collaborative projects. At Senior Lecturer level, you will lead research initiatives, build strategic collaborations, and demonstrate growing national and international recognition. Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of students and support the development of research capability within the team. At Senior Lecturer level, you will act as Principal Supervisor and lead staff development, performance, and mentoring. Citizenship and Service: Actively contribute to the School, University, and broader community through collaboration, partnerships, and service. At Senior Lecturer level, you will demonstrate leadership in mentoring, staff wellbeing, and the development of strong internal and external partnerships. This is a teaching & research position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance. For further information, please click here to view the information booklet. About You Applicants should hold a PhD in a discipline relevant to Geographical Information Science (GIS). You will demonstrate: Level B – Lecturer A developing profile in teaching and research within GIS. A growing track record of publications in reputable refereed journals and conference presentations. Evidence of seeking, obtaining, and managing external research funding. High-quality teaching experience across undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels in a variety of settings. Experience in course coordination and contributing to curriculum development and innovation. A developing record of supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students. Contribution to internal service roles and emerging engagement with external stakeholders. Level C – Senior Lecturer An established profile in teaching and research within GIS. National recognition in your field, with an emerging international profile and strong publication record. A strong track record of securing and managing external research funding. Demonstrated excellence in teaching across undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate programs. Proven leadership in course coordination and curriculum development and innovation. A strong record of successful supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students. Demonstrated leadership in internal service roles and significant contributions to external engagement and partnerships. Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here. About UQ As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside world-class researchers and educators in an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged and supported. UQ provides access to outstanding research infrastructure, professional development, grant support and genuine career progression through the academic promotions process. Recent UQ research has highlighted how advanced spatial analysis is reshaping our understanding of Queensland’s natural history, including a 2025 study confirming one of Australia’s densest concentrations of dinosaur footprints, using precise spatial mapping to document and interpret the site’s significance. This work reflects UQ’s strength in applying geospatial expertise to globally relevant environmental and scientific challenges. The broader benefits of joining UQ include up to 26 weeks paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to internal-only career opportunities, and the chance to build a purposeful academic career at a leading Group of Eight university. Interested? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Steve Chenoweth, Head of School, via senv.hos@uq.edu.au. For application enquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number below in the subject line. When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and supporting statements addressing the ‘About You’ section. Other Information Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks and other integrity and conduct requirements. We’re dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. Accessibility support is available throughout the recruitment process. Applications close Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60383). Please note that interviews and seminars have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 20 July 2026. The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million). Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries. UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way. UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work. For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.