Personal profile
Educational background
- PhD, Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, UK.
- BSc and MSc Geology, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
Personal profile
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London.
I am currently Senior Tutor and PGT Education Lead for the Earth Sciences Department. I am also the Royal Holloway representative for the GeoNetZero Centre for Doctoral Training, a PhD research program that focuses on the application of geosciences for the low carbon energy transition.
Research interests
My research investigates Earth's tectonic and sedimentary processes and how these relate to subsurface fluid flow, resource distribution and geo-energy systems. A significant component of my work also focuses on submarine landslides examining their initiation, architecture and mobility. This includes assessing the geohazard potential of large-scale mass-transport events, their triggers and recurrence, and their impact on seabed infrastructure, sediment routing and margin evolution. Key research topics are -
- Stratigraphy & structural geology
- Submarine landslides & gravity-driven deformation
- Seismic geomorphology
- Fluid flow in sedimentary basins
I welcome enquiries from prospective MSc and PhD students and post-doctoral researchers interested in developing reserch proposals in my areas of expertise.
Teaching
GL1301 Human Interaction with the Earth: terrestrial & marine landslides; geostorage; resource exploration; critical elements; nuclear waste disposal
GL1900 Earth Scientist's Toolkit: field sketching
GL2200 Stratigraphy & Past Sedimentary Environments: stratigraphic methods; terrestrial deposits
GL3700 Subsurface Analysis: methods for subsurface evaluation with lab practicals (reflection seismic and well log analysis); reservoir, trap & seal for resource exploration & geostorage; evaluation of near-seabed geology for placement of seabed infrastructures (communicaiton cables & wind farms)
GL3780 Subsurface Storage of CO2 & Energy: workflows for CCS in sedimentary basins; lab practicals on monitoring of CO2 injection
Supervision of PhD, MSc, MSci & BSc projects
I have been leading several field courses in Cornwall, Dorset, Devon and Somerset, providing practical training in geological field methods and their applications to energy resource exploration and geostorage.
Consultancy
I deliver industry training in seismic interpretation and undertake consultancy work focused on subsurface analysis, basin evaluation and exploration, with applications across energy-transition geoscience and mineral exploration.
I am open to consultancy opportunities and collaborations with the geo-energy and georesource industry, including service companies specialising in geohazards and seabed assessment.
Other work
External examiner for taught courses and PhD VIVAs: University of Namibia, Imperial College, University of Leeds, University of Chieti-Pescara, University of Peshawar, University College Dublin.
Peer reviewer for: Marine Geology, Tectonics, Geology, Journal of Structural Geology, Geo-Marine Letters, Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Basin Research, Marine and Petroleum Geology, Interpretation, Journal of the Geological Society, Sedimentary Geology, Marine Geoscience and Energy Resources.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 14 Life Below Water
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Along-strike variability of fault-controlled deltaic systems (Crati Basin, southern Italy)
Martínez, C., Jackson, C.A.-L., Scarselli, N., Longhitano, S., Muto, F. & Chiarella, D., 19 Jan 2026, In: Sedimentologika. 4, 1, 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Detrending—a new trend in geomorphology? Unravelling erosional processes at the base of submarine landslides
Scarselli, N., Ceramicola, S. & Magnarini, G., 19 Mar 2026, In: Landslides.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Downloads (Pure) -
A Review of Multi-Scale Sedimentological Heterogeneities in the Ormskirk Sandstone Formation of the East Irish Sea Basin and their Impact on the Injection and Migration of CO2
Breeze, D., Scarselli, N., Hampson, G. J. & Chiarella, D., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of the Geological Society. jgs2025-099.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Large-scale variability in style and magnitude of footwall rift-related unconformities, Northern Carnarvon Basin, offshore NW Australia
Martinez, C., Chiarella, D., Jackson, C.A.-L. & Scarselli, N., 6 Jan 2025, In: Journal of the Geological Society. 182, 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Integrated analysis of the Neogene–Quaternary Valdera-Volterra Basin (Northern Apennines). Evidence for composite development of hinterland basins
Poneti, G., Benvenuti, M., Scarselli, N., Craig, J. & Sani, F., Sept 2024, In: Basin Research. 36, 5, 27 p., e12897.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile15 Downloads (Pure)
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Fault Mapping and Sealing Assessment for CO2 Storage in Open Saline Aquifers in the UK Southern North Sea
Pass, E. (Student) & Scarselli, N. (Mentor)
22/09/25 → 21/09/26
Project: Research
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Unifying subaerial and submarine landslides: on a process based approach
Gillingham, E. (Student), Paul, J. (Mentor) & Scarselli, N. (Mentor)
22/09/25 → 21/09/26
Project: Research
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The tectonic evolution of the Hikurangi accretionary prism and Pegasus basin offshore the east coast of New Zealand
Scarselli, N. (PI) & McClay, K. (CoI)
1/07/18 → 30/06/20
Project: Research
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Characterisation of deep structures, offshore Côte d’Ivoire Basin
Itembo, G. (Student), Scarselli, N. (Mentor) & Mitchell, D. (Mentor)
1/05/18 → 1/09/18
Project: Research
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Hinterland basins of the Apennines
Marsh, B. (Student), Scarselli, N. (Mentor) & Craig, J. (Mentor)
1/05/18 → 1/09/18
Project: Research
Activities
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Kirsty Brown Series at Collyer’s
Scarselli, N. (Organiser)
17 Oct 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Schools and youth engagement
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Earth Sciences MSc Symposium
Scarselli, N. (Organiser) & Grassineau, N. (Organiser)
4 Sept 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, seminar, course or webinar.
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Recognition of common geological features on seismic reflection data
Scarselli, N. (Speaker)
10 Jul 2025Activity: Talk, presentation or media contribution › Invited talk
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Seeing the Earth Underneath Our Feet How Does Seismic Reflection Work? - Student seminar at Woking College
Scarselli, N. (Organiser)
4 Dec 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Schools and youth engagement
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Earth Sciences MSc Symposium
Scarselli, N. (Organiser) & Grassineau, N. (Organiser)
30 Aug 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, seminar, course or webinar.