Ajay B. Limaye
Assistant Professor
Limaye studies the evolution of landscapes on Earth and other planets, focusing on the role of rivers. Current research topics include river forms, dynamics and deposits; landscape and sedimentary records of climate on Mars and Titan; and feedbacks between landslides and ecology in central Virginia. Tools for this work include remote sensing, geospatial analysis, numerical modeling and laboratory experiments.
Publications
- A geometric algorithm to identify meander bends: 1. Effect of perspective
2025; Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface; AB Limaye - A geometric algorithm to identify meander bends: 2. Test for characteristic shapes
2025; Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface; AB Limaye - Effect of standing water on formation of fan-shaped sedimentary deposits at Hypanis Valles, Mars
2023; Geophysical Research Letters; AB Limaye | JB Adler | AJ Moodie | KX Whipple | AD Howard - River sinuosity describes a continuum between randomness and ordered growth
2021; Geology; AB Limaye | ED Lazarus | Y Li | J Schwenk - The shaping of bedrock landscapes by internal dynamics
2020; Nature Reviews Earth and Environment; JS Scheingross | AB Limaye | SW McCoy | AC Whittaker
For a full publication list see www.ajaylimaye.com/publications
Teaching
Fundamentals of Geology (EVSC 2800)
This introductory class for geosciences studies the composition and structure of the Earth; the organizing framework of plate tectonics; Earth resources and hazards; and how the perspective of deep time can inform contemporary environmental challenges.
Planetary Geology (EVSC 4890 / ASTR 3880)
This course sets out for the cosmos in search of what makes planets tick. Using a combination of astrophysics and geoscience, we seek out new worlds, consider life in the universe, peer into planetary interiors, and search planetary surfaces for clues to their geologic history. Students in the concurrent laboratory section work with planetary datasets for Mars and beyond. Cross-listed with the Department of Astronomy.
Geomorphology (EVGE 5820)
Examines the processes that shape Earth’s surface, using a mechanistic and quantitative approach to study rivers, hillslopes, and whole landscapes. Students engage in lab sessions to develop skills in geospatial analysis and numerical modeling, and field trips to observe dynamic landscapes in Virginia.
Topics in Landscape Evolution (EVSC 4542 / EVGE 7542)
A seminar class organized around close reading and discussion of scientific papers in the field of landscape evolution. Recent topics include the geomorphic history of the Appalachian Mountains and interactions between landslides and ecology.