Feasibility Study of Eocene to Pliocene Palynological Reconstruction of the Antarctic Peninsula Margin Climate Evolution

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

This project is a preliminary study on piston cores of glacially derived sediment from the Weddell Sea margin of the Antarctic Peninsula. Its goal is to determine if there are sufficient microfossils to extract paleoenvironmental information. This area saw intense glacial activity during the Cenozoic, and studies like this one will help identify the mechanisms that trigger ice sheet formation and influence global climate change. In terms of broader impacts, this award will contribute to development of a climate change museum exhibit and K-12 outreach.