Signs of Change: Evidence for Ecological Disturbances in the Micro-Fossils of a Local Lake

Presenter Information

Robert Haselwander

Department

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Major

Geological Sciences and Engineering

Research Advisor

Oboh-Ikuenobe, Francisca

Advisor's Department

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Funding Source

Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program

Abstract

Analysis of dispersed organic matter (palynofacies) and palynomorph data for the Bray Conservation Area Lake show low levels of pollen, high levels of spores and fungal matter, and increased opaque content from a depth of ~10-18cm. This suggests that some kind of major disturbance occurred in the recent past. This event may be related to the clearing of Missouri forests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The results of this analysis will be used to try to understand the nature of the disturbance and ascertain whether or not the disturbance is related to the clearing of forest. If possible, it will also be compared to Carbon-14 dates obtained from the core to establish the true time relationship.

Biography

Robert is a senior in Geology and Geological Engineering. He looks forward to completing his degree and moving on to graduate work in the fall.

Research Category

Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Document Type

Poster

Location

Upper Atrium/Hallway

Presentation Date

06 Apr 2011, 9:00 am - 11:45 am

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Apr 6th, 9:00 AM Apr 6th, 11:45 AM

Signs of Change: Evidence for Ecological Disturbances in the Micro-Fossils of a Local Lake

Upper Atrium/Hallway

Analysis of dispersed organic matter (palynofacies) and palynomorph data for the Bray Conservation Area Lake show low levels of pollen, high levels of spores and fungal matter, and increased opaque content from a depth of ~10-18cm. This suggests that some kind of major disturbance occurred in the recent past. This event may be related to the clearing of Missouri forests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The results of this analysis will be used to try to understand the nature of the disturbance and ascertain whether or not the disturbance is related to the clearing of forest. If possible, it will also be compared to Carbon-14 dates obtained from the core to establish the true time relationship.