Coupling Organic Microscopy and Palynology to Track Succession in Modern Peats

Theme: Earth science and resources, Environmental management, Geography

Description: Palynology is a commonly used method to decipher plant succession resulting from changing environmental conditions and climate, and more recently anthropogenic influence in peat mires. Although a successful tool, there can be taphonomic bias. Organic microscopy can be utilised to determine plants growing within the mire, and to look at levels of degradation of the organic material. This project proposes to couple both techniques to determine whether there is improved certainty in environmental interpretations. This would be a joint project with Dr Jennifer Cooling.

Contact: Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle