Preserved Palynomorphs in Ephemeral Hypersaline Lakes
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geology
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
Surface sediments were sampled from Prado Lake (7 samples) and Salty Lake (5 samples) in southern Western Australia for palynological analyses. Light microscopy was utilized in examining the samples for dispersed organic matter (palynofacies) and organic-walled microfossils (palynomorphs). The most abundant dispersed organic components were comminuted and structured phytoclasts; amorphous organic matter was also common. Pollen and spore were more commonly preserved in the Prado Lake samples, as opposed to the Salty Lake samples. An overview of the types of palynomorphs preserved in the samples suggests vegetation comprising mainly aridloving floras. Statistical analysis of the data yields useful information about the paleoenvironmental conditions and overall lake history.
Biography
Brittany is a senior in the Geological Science and Engineering Department, with a minor in Nuclear Engineering. Aside from undergraduate research in palynology, she is also active in Student Union Board as the Promotions Director for the Concert Committee and is a board operator for the KMST station on campus. After graduation, she will be continuing on with geology into graduate school.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
10 Apr 2012, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Preserved Palynomorphs in Ephemeral Hypersaline Lakes
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Surface sediments were sampled from Prado Lake (7 samples) and Salty Lake (5 samples) in southern Western Australia for palynological analyses. Light microscopy was utilized in examining the samples for dispersed organic matter (palynofacies) and organic-walled microfossils (palynomorphs). The most abundant dispersed organic components were comminuted and structured phytoclasts; amorphous organic matter was also common. Pollen and spore were more commonly preserved in the Prado Lake samples, as opposed to the Salty Lake samples. An overview of the types of palynomorphs preserved in the samples suggests vegetation comprising mainly aridloving floras. Statistical analysis of the data yields useful information about the paleoenvironmental conditions and overall lake history.
