Beth Cowan’s research with Dalhousie University, "Formation of a Rain Shadow: O and H Stable Isotope Records in Authigenic Clays from the Siwalik Group in Eastern Bhutan" was recently published in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. The journal article presents the findings of research on clay from the Siwalik Group in the Himalayan foreland basin, which identified a shift from monsoon patterns to the formation of a rain shadow from the influence of the Shillong Plateau. Laboratory analyses were conducted at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The results of the research estimated the average annual precipitation over eastern Bhutan decreased by a factor of 1.7-2.5 over the last 1-3 million years.
Dr. Djordje Grujic led the team of researchers including Beth Cowan, Gwladys Govin, Laurie Barrier, Bodo Bookhagen, Isabelle Coutand, Michael T. Hren and Yani Najman. Beth conducted the laboratory preparation and analyses at Dalhousie University and the University of Lausanne, and compiled the data and research into her honours thesis for her bachelors of science degree.
Beth is a geologist with a broad background in the environmental sciences and planning disciplines, her technical expertise includes landscape characterization, coastal change, Environmental Site Assessments, environmental site monitoring, and permits and licencing.