Varyl is a geomorphologist with research expertise in Late Quaternary palaeohydrology. In particular his research focuses on two themes: 1) The palaeohydrology of deglaciating ice sheets, and 2) Holocene palaeoflood records. Varyl's research uses field mapping and stratigraphy alongside GIS analysis of digital terrain data (including LiDAR) and hydraulic flood modelling.

Varyl's current research is focused on the Late Quaternary palaeogeography of central Patagonia, where he is working on a range of projects that include: a) landform records of palaeolake evolution; b) reconstructing catastrophic outburst flood events; and c) varve records of ice sheet dynamics and palaeoclimate (with Palmer, RHUL).

Varyl's teaching is focused on two themes: 1) remote sensing and GIS; and 2) the global environmental challenges of the planetary crisis. Varyl is currently Teaching Excellence Lead for the department and is a Chartered Geographer in GIS. Varyl teaches on the following modules:

GG1006 Global Environmental Crises 

I teach the physical science component of this first year, 15 credit module. The module addresses climate change, water resources and chemical pollution through a planetary boundaries framework. Students evaluate the latest physical science basis evidence for intersectional impacts of the planetary crisis: covering topics such as heat, ice loss and sea level rise, wildfires, water resource issues and chemical pollution. My colleague Laurie Parsons traces contemporary environmental issues to the history of exploration, colonialism and industrial expansion. Students will learn how to understand contemporary climate politics, who the core actors and structures of environmental governance are, and their links to the economic systems in which we live. Finally, we will explore how geographers can shape fair and just solutions to environmental issues, and debate what is currently politically acceptable and how that could change.

GG2001 Geographical Techniques

In the GIS section of this geographical skills module we explore the use of GIS and remote sensing for change detection studies. Students gain practical experience of mapping glacier outlines from satellite imagery to quantify rates of glacier recession.

Coming soon in 2026-27 Year 2 GIS and Geospatial Data Analysis 

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the use of remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems in physical and human geographical research. Theoretical concepts underpinning geospatial data storage and analysis will be introduced in lectures, while practical content will demonstrate applications of GIS for answering a range of geographical research questions focused on global challenges. Students will gain experience of using ArcGIS Pro, an industry leading GIS software.

GG3028 GIS and the Planetary Crisis

The aim of this module is to examine firstly, how geospatial data and technologies have been used to monitor and quantify impacts of the Planetary Crisis (climate, biodiversity and pollution). Students will then explore some ways in which geospatial data and technologies can be used to develop solutions. The module is designed to give students extensive practical experience in using GIS. An environmental justice lens is applied to the topics covered.

MSc. Quaternary Science GG5237 Geospatial and Temporal Data Science

Varyl leads the first half of this module, focusing on how geospatial data and technologies are used in Quaternary Science. Students gain experience of using GIS through a range of applications such as remotely sensed landform mapping; analysis of palaeoclimate data sets; handling geochronology data tables; and cartography.