The University of Western Australia

Asst/Prof Grzegorz Skrzypek

Research Assistant Professor in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre

Contact details

Address

West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre
The University of Western Australia (M084)
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Australia

Phone

6488 4584 (office) / 6488 4586 (lab)

Fax

6488 1126

Email

grzegorz.skrzypek@uwa.edu.au

Personal homepage

http://www.bukibuki.eu

Location

Room G16, Botany and Biology Building, Crawley campus

Qualifications

BSc MSc PhD Wroclaw

Biography

BSc (Nature Conservation) 1995;
MSc (Geology) 1995;
PhD (Earth Sciences) 1999;
The University of Wroclaw/Poland

Key research

My scientific interests are focused on application of the stable isotope analyses in two different geochemical areas related to environmental geochemistry and low temperature processes:

1) Biogeochemistry: isotope composition of organic matter in sediments (dD, d13C, d15N, d18O, d34S), as a record of environmental conditions and stable isotope effects during decay and conservation of organic matter

2) Geochemistry: oxygen stable isotope geochemistry of low temperature minerals: hydrated silicates (chalcedony, opals, chrysoprase), carbon and oxygen stable isotope gechemistry of carbonates (DIC, calcite, dolomite, magensite)

Publications

Wiśniewski A., Adamiec G., Badura J., Bluszcz A., Kowalska A., Kufel B., Mikołajczyk A., Murczkiewicz M., Musil R., Przybylski B., Skrzypek G., Stefaniak K., Zych J., 2011, The question of hiatus and occupation dynamic north to the Carpathians and Sudetes during the Weichselian (MIS5d-3): the Lower Silesia (SW Poland) case study. Quaternary International (in press 10.1016/j.quaint.2011.09.016).

Skrzypek G., Engel Z, Chuman T., Šefrn L., 2011, Distichia peat – a new stable isotope paleoclimate proxy for the Andes. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 307: 298–308.

Skrzypek G., Sadler R., 2011, A strategy for selection of reference materials in stable oxygen isotope analyses of solid materials. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 25: 1625–1630.

Fellman J., Dogramaci S, Skrzypek G., Dodson W, Grierson P., 2011, Hydrologic control of dissolved organic matter biogeochemistry in pools of a subtropical dryland river. Western Australia Water Resources Research 47: W06501.

Skrzypek G., Wiśniewski A., Grierson P.F., 2011, How cold was it for Neanderthals moving to Central Europe during warm phases of the last glaciation? Quaternary Science Reviews 30: 481-487.

Halas S., Skrzypek G., Meier-Augenstein W., Pelc A., Kemp H., 2011. Inter-laboratory calibration of new silver orthophosphate comparison materials for stable oxygen isotope analysis of phosphates. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 25: 579-584

Krzemińska A., Stefaniak K., Zych J., Wojtal P., Skrzypek G., Mikołajczyk A., Wiśniewski A., 2010, A Late Pleistocene woolly mammoth from Lower Silesia, SW Poland. Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 53A: 43-56.

Skrzypek G., Sadler R., Paul D., 2010, Error propagation in normalization of stable isotope data: a Monte Carlo analysis. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 24: 2697–2705.

Skrzypek G., Jezierski P., Szynkiewicz A., 2010, Preservation of primary stable isotope signatures of peat-forming plants during early decomposition – observation along an altitudinal transect. Chemical Geology 273: 238–249.

Engel Z., Skrzypek G., Paul D., Drzewicki W., Nyvlt D., 2010, Sediment lithology and stable isotope composition of organic matter in a core from a cirque in the Krkonose Mountains, Czech Republic. Journal of Paleolimnology 43: 609-624.

Skrzypek G., Baranowska-Kącka A., Keller-Sikora A., Jędrysek M.O., 2009, Analogous trends in pollen percentages and carbon stable isotope composition of Holocene peat - possible interpretation for palaeoclimate studies. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 156: 507–518.

Skrzypek G., Paul D., Wojtuń B., 2008, Stable isotope composition of plants and peat from Arctic mire and geothermal area in Iceland. Polish Polar Research 29: 365-376.

Skrzypek G., Akagi T., Drzewicki W., Jędrysek M.O., 2008, Stable isotope studies of moss sulfur and sulfate from bog surface waters Geochemical Journal 42: 481-492.

Jezierski A., Skrzypek G., Jezierski P., Paul D., Jedrysek M.O., 2008, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and stable isotope records of paleoenvironmental conditions during peat formation, Spectrochim. Acta Part A: Mol. Biomol. Spectrosc. 69: 1311-1316.

Skrzypek G., Kaluzny A., Wojtun B, Jedrysek M.O., 2007, The carbon stable isotopic composition of mosses - the record of temperature variations Organic Geochemistry 38: 1770-1781.

Paul D., Skrzypek G., Forizs I, 2007, Normalization of measured stable isotope composition to isotope reference scale – a review, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom 21: 3006-3014.

Skrzypek G., Kaluzny A., Jedrysek M.O., 2007, Carbon stable isotope analyses of mosses - comparisons of bulk organic matter and extracted nitrocellulose. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry 18: 1453-1458.

Paul D., Skrzypek G., 2007, Assessment of Carbonate-Phosphoric Acid Analytical Technique Performed using GasBench II in Continuous Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry, International Journal of Mass Spectrometry 262: 180-186.

Skrzypek G., Paul D., 2006, d13C Analyses of Calcium Carbonate: Comparison between the GasBench and Elemental Analyzer Techniques. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 20: 2915-2920.

Paul D., Skrzypek G., 2006, Flushing time and storage effects on the accuracy and precision of carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of sample using the GasBench II technique. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 20: 2033–2040.

Jedrysek M.O., Skrzypek G., 2005, Hydrogen, carbon and sulphur isotope ratios in peat: the role of diagenessis and water regimes in reconstruction of past climates. Environmental Chemistry Letter 2Q:179-183.

Skrzypek G., Jedrysek M.O., 2005, 13C/12C ratio in peat cores: record of past climates., In: Lichtfouse E, Schwarzbauer J, Robert D (eds) Environmental Chemistry - Green Chemistry and Pollutants in Ecosystems. Springer-Verlag (ISBN: 3-540-22860-8): 65-73.

Skrzypek G., Jedrysek M.O., Keller-Sikora A.., 2005, Calibration of temperature carbon isotopic effect (peat bogs Hala Izerska, Izerskie Mts. and Szrenica, Karkonosze Mts.), Polish Geological Institute Special Papers 16: 123-126.

Goldsztejn P., Skrzypek G., 2004, Applications of numeric interpolation methods to the geological surface mapping on the base of irregularly spaced data. (in Polish, English Abstract and Figures: Wykorzystanie metod interpolacji do numerycznego kreslenia map powierzchni geologicznych na podstawie nieregularnie rozmieszczonych danych.) Przeglad Geologiczny / Geological Review 52(3): 233-236.

Goldsztejn P., Skrzypek G., 2004, The morphology of the top tills’ surface of the south polish glaciations (Sanian 2) in the center of Wroclaw. (in Polish, English Abstract and Figures: Uksztaltowanie powierzchni stropowej glin zwalowej zlodowacenia poludniowopolskiego Sanu 2 w centrum Wroclawia.) Przeglad Geologiczny / Geological Review 52(2): 160-162.

Skrzypek G., Sachanbinski M., Jedrysek M-O., 2003, Oxygen isotope evidence for low temperature formation of chrysoprase. Mineralogical Society of Poland, Special Papers 22: 204-206.

Jedrysek M.O., Krapiec M., Skrzypek G., and Kaluzny A., 2003, Air-pollution effect and Paleotemperature Scale versus d13C Records in Tree Rings and in a Peat Core (Southern Poland)., Water, Air and Soil Pollution 145(1): 359-375.

Skrzypek G., Sachanbinski M., Fallick A.E, and Jedrysek M.O., 2001, CO2 - laser ablation oxygen isotope analysis chrysoprase from "Wiry mine". Mineralogical Society of Poland, Special Papers 18: 199-202.

Skrzypek G. and Jedrysek M. O., 2001, Conservation of organic matter in peat: d13C and dD in peat profiles from “Suche Bagno” (NE Poland). Mineralogical Society of Poland, Special Papers 18: 195-198.

Jedrysek M.O., Skrzypek G., Halas S., Kral T., Pazdur A., Wada E., Takai Y., Vijarnsorn P., Doroszko B., Kaluzny A., Weber-Weller A., and Wojcik A., 1999, Seawater/freshwater records in stable isotope composition of sediments: marine muds from Baltic’s Gotland deep and mangrove peat profile from Thailand, Quaternary Studies in Poland., Special Issue-1999: 127-133.

Krapiec M., Jedrysek M. O., Skrzypek G., Kaluzny A., 1998, Carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios in cellulose from oak tree rings as a record of palaeoclimatic conditions in Southern Poland during the last millenium. Folia Quaternatia, 69: 135-150.

Jedrysek M. O., Skrzypek G., Wada E., Doroszko B., Kral T. E., Pazdur A., Vijarnsorn P., Takai Y., 1995, d13C and d34S analysis in peat profiles and global change. (in Polish, English Abstract and Figures, Analiza d13C i d34S w profilach torfowych a zmiany globalne.), Przeglad Geologiczny / Geological Review 12: 1004-1010.

Roles, responsibilities and expertise

My major scientific interests and research are focused on the preservation of organic matter in sediments, peat; isotope tracers in biogeochemical studies of plant, fresh waters, wetlands, with a special focus on paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction for the Holocene. My research, often by necessity, has also contributed to the development and application of new analytical techniques for improving stable isotope analyses for biogeochemical applications. Therefore, my publications have been primarily concerned with isotope geochemistry of organic sediments, carbonates and plants as well as new analytical applications and the development of new techniques. Besides research, one of my key responsibilities is also to oversee the WABC stable isotope laboratory and provide advice to researchers seeking consultations prior to sample submission.

Future research

Phosphates in the environment - techniques for the analysis of oxygen isotopes of phosphates in water, plant and soil.

Funding received

2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) ITRAX high resolution scanning for paleoclimate studies based on the Fortescue Marsh sediments, tree cores from Pilbara and corals from the Great Barrier Reef. - Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., M. McCulloch AINSE ID No 6797 / Australia 3090AUD

2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Radiocarbon dating of peat cores for paleoclimate stable carbon and oxygen isotope reconstructions – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., Dodson J. AINSE ID No 6711 / Australia 9,740 AUD

2010-13European Union project European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Action ES0806: Stable Isotopes in Biosphere-Atmosphere-Earth System Research (SIBAE) lead by Buchmann N. – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F. are members representing non-COST country

2011-2013Research Grant (Co-investigator) the ecological significance of nitrogen sources for differentiation of terrestrial types of arctic tundra. Ministry of Science and Higher Education /Poland. B. Wojtun, G. Skrzypek, A. Samecka-Cymerman, J. Matula, K. Migala (264,281PLN, including funds for 27,950PLN for stable isotope analyses at UWA 5 weeks field work in Spitsbergen).

2010Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Trans-latitude migration of climatic zones during last millennia:
inferences from stable isotopic composition of peat cores – radiocarbon dating – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., Dodson J. AINSE ID No 5984 / Australia 9,455AUD

2010Infrastructure Grant (Co-investigator) High-resolution ITRAX XRF core scanning facility for global change research. Mather D., Tibby J., Haberle S, Gagan M, De Deckker P, Gell P, Warne M, Hesse P, Fryirs K, Goodwin I, Woodhead J, Baker P, Drysdale R, Mooney S, Gasparon M, Zhao J, Pandolfi J, Penny D, Bowman D, Skilbeck C, Skrzypek G, Chivas A, McGregor H, Szabo K, Thoms M, Dodson J – LE100100141 LIEF/ AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL 420,000AUD

2010Infrastructure Grant (Co-investigator) A high-resolution isotope facility for low cost analysis of water, plant, and oil/sediment samples to understand environmental change - Grierson P, Kendrick G, Skrzypek G, Fellman J, Bowman D, Grice K, Waite A, Stock W, Froend R, Lavery P - LIEF/ AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL 100,000AUD

2009-2010Research grant (co-investigator, Petron K, Grieson P, Skrzypek G) Quantifying and Managing Dissolved Organic Matter-Derived Nutrients in Agro-Urban Coastal Catchments (Swan River Trust Grant/Western Australia) 30,000AUD

2007Research permit (principal investigator): Stable Isotope Geochemistry of travertine precipitating from surface water, case study at the Colorado Bend State Park / Texas (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, USA)

2006-07Research permit (principal investigator): Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP, Rocky Mts. NP / National Park Service USA (principal investigator no. GLAC-00089, YELL-05640, ROMO-06017): Variation Trans-latitude migration of climatic zones during the last millennium: inferences from carbon isotopic composition of peat cores.

2005-07Research permit (principal investigator): Big Bend NP / National Park Service USA (principal investigator, no. BIBE-00199): Variation of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen stable isotope composition of biota at different altitudes as a record of the variation of environmental conditions.

2004-05Research grant (principal investigator) Variation of the carbon isotope composition (13C/12C) of selected peat bog plants as an effect of different climatic condition of place of vegetation: temperature and humidity. State Committee for Sciences Research (no 2P04G 004 26, KBN, Poland, 113,200 PLN)

2000-02Research grant (principal investigator) Origin of chrysoprase deposits in the light of oxygen isotope (18O/16O) geochemistry. State Committee for Sciences Research (no 6PO4D07418, KBN, Poland, 138,800 PLN)

1997-98Research grant (principal investigator) Paleoenvironmental analyses of selected peat-bog in Poland based on the spatial variation in the 34S/32S and 13C/12C ratios in the peat profiles. State Committee for Sciences Research, (no. 6PO4D03011, KBN Poland, 42,050 PLN)

Memberships

American Geophysical Union; Mineralogical Society of Poland; Research Association of The University of Western Australia

Honours and awards

2009Best Presenter Award/ 10th Australasian Environmental Isotope Conference, 1-3/12/2009 Curtin University/ Perth / Western Australia

2009Chair of the session Isotopic Signatures in Ecological and Environmental Studies/ European Society for Isotope Research, X Isotope Workshop Scientific Conference

2004Award for education achievement (2003) - Rector of The University of Wrocław

2003Awarded Stipend of Rector for science achievement – one year (The University of Wrocław)

2002Award for organization achievement (2001) - Rector of The University of Wrocław

1999Awarded: One year Scholarship for Young Scientist , Foundation for Polish Science FNP VII ed.

1997“Diploma for merit in rescue of property of the University during the July great flood (1997)” – Rector of The University of Wrocław

Previous positions

2005-07 Researcher/scholar (postdoc) at Laboratory for Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Texas at San Antonio / USA

1999-08 Adjunct (Associated Professor) at The University of Wroclaw / Poland (Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Institute of Geological Sciences

Teaching

Introduction to Isotope Geology, Fundamentals of Environment Science, Technique of environment protection, Methods Applied in Isotope Geology, Application of Geostatistic in Geology, etc. - classes at the University of Wroclaw (1996-2005)
Geochemistry lab classes at the University of Texas at San Antonio (2006-07)

Current external positions

Current Assistant Professor at WABC / School of Plant Biology /UWA founded by John de Laeter Centre of Mass Spectrometry

Useful links

Stable Isotope Facility - West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre: http://www.plants.uwa.edu.au/home/research/research_centres/ergo/wabc

John de Laeter Centre of Mass Spectrometry http://www.jdlcms.org/
Research profile

Current projects

2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) ITRAX high resolution scanning for paleoclimate studies based on the Fortescue Marsh sediments, tree cores from Pilbara and corals from the Great Barrier Reef. - Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., M. McCulloch AINSE ID No 6797 / Australia 3090AUD

2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Radiocarbon dating of peat cores for paleoclimate stable carbon and oxygen isotope reconstructions – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., Dodson J. AINSE ID No 6711 / Australia 9,740 AUD

2010-13European Union project European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Action ES0806: Stable Isotopes in Biosphere-Atmosphere-Earth System Research (SIBAE) lead by Buchmann N. – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F. are members representing non-COST country

2011-2013Research Grant (Co-investigator) the ecological significance of nitrogen sources for differentiation of terrestrial types of arctic tundra. Ministry of Science and Higher Education /Poland. B. Wojtun, G. Skrzypek, A. Samecka-Cymerman, J. Matula, K. Migala (264,281PLN, including funds for 27,950PLN for stable isotope analyses at UWA 5 weeks field work in Spitsbergen).

2010Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Trans-latitude migration of climatic zones during last millennia:
2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) ITRAX high resolution scanning for paleoclimate studies based on the Fortescue Marsh sediments, tree cores from Pilbara and corals from the Great Barrier Reef. - Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., M. McCulloch AINSE ID No 6797 / Australia 3090AUD

2011Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Radiocarbon dating of peat cores for paleoclimate stable carbon and oxygen isotope reconstructions – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., Dodson J. AINSE ID No 6711 / Australia 9,740 AUD

2010-13European Union project European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Action ES0806: Stable Isotopes in Biosphere-Atmosphere-Earth System Research (SIBAE) lead by Buchmann N. – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F. are members representing non-COST country

2011-2013Research Grant (Co-investigator) the ecological significance of nitrogen sources for differentiation of terrestrial types of arctic tundra. Ministry of Science and Higher Education /Poland. B. Wojtun, G. Skrzypek, A. Samecka-Cymerman, J. Matula, K. Migala (264,281PLN, including funds for 27,950PLN for stable isotope analyses at UWA 5 weeks field work in Spitsbergen).

2010Research/Training Grant (Chief Investigator) Trans-latitude migration of climatic zones during last millennia:
inferences from stable isotopic composition of peat cores – radiocarbon dating – Skrzypek G., Grierson P.F., Dodson J. AINSE ID No 5984 / Australia 9,455AUD

Research profile

Research profile and publications