Temperature variability and paleo-ecological changes during the Cenomanian-Turonian Supergreenhouse

• Applicant: Dr. Jens Wendler
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 104453413

During the Cenomanian-Turonian time interval (~100-89 Ma) Earth experienced unusually warm climate modes suggesting an ice-free world during that time. On the contrary, the record of global sea level change during the same time shows huge fluctuations that can, to our current understanding, only be induced by the waxing and waning of ice sheets. This research proposal aims at studying this controversy. The central research target is the paleo-ecological impact of a Supergreenhouse climate on life (species evolution and extinction). In four major research questions regarding the duration, rates and magnitude of sea level change, paleo-temperature variations and biosphere changes will be investigated using unique, exceptionally well-preserved material from the Tanzania Drilling campaign. These sections represent the first complete and well-preserved record of the Cenomanian/Turonian in the Southern Tethys Ocean. The multi-proxy geoscientific tools central to this study are foraminiferal paleontology and stable isotope analysis combined with carbonate sedimentological measurements. The unusual preservation of the paleontological specimens has the potential to provide an exceptionally reliable paleo-temperature record at high temporal resolution. Furthermore, unusually well preserved morphological details enable unprecedented opportunity for detailed taxonomic studies of some calcareous microfossils.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Dr. Brian T. Huber