Current Research Projects
Large-scale integrated Cretaceous biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic correlations and paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions across the Boreal realm: Contemporary climate change has generated unprecedented political and scientific interest in the Arctic regions. The Cretaceous Arctic allows to study a polar ecosystem under greenhouse conditions We have conducted now five field seasons in the High Arctic, Mackenzie Delta region and Eagle Plain to collect material for bio- and chemostratigraphic analyses. These studies address the paleoenvironmental history of the Cretaceous Polar Sea and its paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic conditions. We also study faunal exchange between the Western Interior and Polar seas. Several multidisciplinary projects provide exceptional opportunities to establish regional integrated Cretaceous biostratigraphic frameworks by bringing together multiple fossil groups and calibrate those with isotope stratigraphy. Ultimately we want to refine existing paleogeographic and paleoclimatic reconstructions of the Cretaceous Polar realm. The project provides an excellent component for student training with multidisciplinary field and laboratory based research. University partners in my project are the Goethe University Frankfurt Germany, Durham University UK, Newcastle University UK, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln USA in addition to the Geological Survey of Canada.
Funded by: NSERC, Geological Survey Canada GEM, ConocoPhillips, Polar Continental Shelf Program, German Research Foundation.
Funded by: NSERC, Geological Survey Canada GEM, ConocoPhillips, Polar Continental Shelf Program, German Research Foundation.
The Cretaceous Western Interior Sea, sea-level history, stratigraphy and paleoecology: Much of our work has focused on stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstructions of the Cretaceous Western Interior Basin. Over the years we have proposed a new stratigraphic framework for the Colorado Group utilizing outcrop and subsurface well cores. Utilized fossil groups include foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, dinoflagellates, macrofossils and vertebrates in addition to carbon isotope stratigraphy. Presently, we focus on ecological response to catastrophic events that have impacted the Western Interior Sea.
Funded by: NSERC
Funded by: NSERC
Evolution of estuaries and coastal valleys in New South Wales, Eastern Australia:
Estuaries along the coast of New South Wales are well defined sedimentologically and offer an ideal subject for foraminiferal studies. These settings preserve a Quaternary climate and sea-level history and serve as modern analogs for studies of incised valleys within Mesozoic basins.
I am working on Port Stephens, Tuggerah Lake and Fullerton Cove, three estuaries of different ecological settings.
Funded by: NSERC
Estuaries along the coast of New South Wales are well defined sedimentologically and offer an ideal subject for foraminiferal studies. These settings preserve a Quaternary climate and sea-level history and serve as modern analogs for studies of incised valleys within Mesozoic basins.
I am working on Port Stephens, Tuggerah Lake and Fullerton Cove, three estuaries of different ecological settings.
Funded by: NSERC