Dr. Simon Fitch

Biography

Simon Fitch is currently both Assistant Professor and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the Submerged Landscape Research Centre at the University of Bradford. He is currently leading the UKRI funded 'Life on the Edge' project (https://lote.teamapp.com/) investigating submerged Late Palaeolithic (20,000 to 10,000 years ago) landscapes. He has over 20 years’ experience in the study of all aspects of submerged landscapes, including projects such as NOAA funded ‘Between the salt water and the sea strand’, and the ERC funded 'Europe's Lost Frontiers' project. His current research is focused on the global impacts of environmental and landscape change upon human populations during prehistory.

Research

Simon is leading the "Life on the Edge" project, using high resolution seismic data and novel sampling techniques to locate and map submerged Late Palaeolithic landscapes.

The “Life on the Edge” project seeks to develop techniques and models, including the use of Parametric Echo Sounders and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV’s) to provide ground-breaking mapping of Late Palaeolithic coastlines. This will lead to the generation of models of Late Palaeolithic occupation that will identify archaeological areas of interest. This is significant since such data will assist government and developers in identifying areas of the seabed have most potential value for Late Palaeolithic preservation. More information on the project can be found on the project webpage: https://lote.teamapp.com/