Upgrade of University of New Hampshire Paleomagnetism Laboratory

University Of New Hampshire, Durham NH

Investigators

Abstract

0841586 Clyde This grant supports acquisition of a new generation 2-G superconducting rock magnetometer with pulsed tube cryocooler that does not require liquid He, a magnetic susceptometer, and core drill by the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. The SRM and other paleomagnetic equipment will support PI research on the evolution of mammals in response to changes in climate and tectonics. PI research relies on magnetostratigraphic correlation of polarity reversals across spatially distributed cores, some with vertebrate fossil bearing sections, others without, some continental, others marine. Environmental proxies recorded in cores allow inferences regarding the effects of regional and/or global climate change and related tectonics on biological evolution. Studies of the evolution of mammals on the North American continent as recorded in Paleocene/Eocene fossils of the Big Horn Basin, studies of the synchroneity of Paleocene/Eocene land mammal evolution between North America and Asia, and studies of the effects of Himalayan uplift on biologic evolution will all benefit from the requested SRM. PI studies will involve significant U.S. academic and foreign collaborations and student involvement.