Dr. Duncan Dale

Distinguished Professor

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Biography

Duncan Dale is a PhD student at ETH Zurich, specializing in tracer oceanography with a background in Earth sciences, geology, geochemistry, and physical oceanography. His research focuses on understanding the ocean's role in the Earth's climate system, particularly through the study of past changes in ocean geochemistry. He investigates the circulation patterns in the Arctic and North Atlantic, which are crucial for deep water formation that fuels the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. His work employs a variety of anthropogenic and natural tracers such as uranium isotopes, tritium, and dissolved inorganic radiocarbon to uncover the dynamics of water mass provenance, mixing, and transport pathways over extended timescales. His research involves extensive sea-going expeditions to collect samples from strategically chosen locations, enhancing the scientific value of the data collected. Dale analyzes these samples at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, utilizing advanced Accelerator Mass Spectrometry techniques to detect radionuclides in minute concentrations. His research aims to further elucidate the circulation processes that connect the Arctic and North Atlantic regions and their implications for future climate scenarios.

Research Interests

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.