Aquaculture-Based Calibration of the M.edulis Isotope Paleothermometer

University Of Maine, Orono ME

Investigators

Abstract

This award is to support research that will develop an aquaculture-based calibration of the M. edulis paleothermometer. A secondary goal is the application of the calibrated paleothermometer to fossil M. edulis shells from coastal Maine. The research team will design and develop aquaculture-based techniques for monitoring M. edulis growth in controlled water conditions. They will then document vital effects due to different age/environmental conditions as well as those arising from different locations (Maine/Greenland). Finally age/location-specific transfer functions will be generated for temperate and polar regions. The broader impacts of this proposed research are that it will lead to a better understanding of an important paleothermometer. Ultimately, better paleotemperature estimates lead to a better understanding of the climate system and our ability to hindcast different climate states and forecast future climate change scenarios.