Effect of global warming at the CTBE on mid-latitude vegetation: Insights from palynology and organic-geochemical proxies.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Heimhofer
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2008 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 108830515

A critical assessment of terrestrial palaeoclimate proxy records is essential to better understand the impact of mid-Cretaceous extreme warmth on continental environments and ecosystems. The proposed pilot study will focus on spore-pollen assemblages and soilderived bacteria biomarkers (MBT index) from a site covering the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary event (CTBE). The study is designed (1) to establish a continental mean annual temperature (MAT) record based on the newly developed MBT biomarker proxy across the onset of the Cretaceous Thermal Maximum and (2) to test the response of mid-latitude plant communities to the climatic and environmental perturbations associated with the CTBE. A continuous 300 m section from the Southern Provence Basin, SE France will allow to study mid-latitude terrestrial temperature evolution and the associated vegetation response at a high time resolution and will be compared in detail with existing marine-derived proxy data on temperature evolution. The achievement of these goals is expected from a combined approach including organic geochemical and palynological investigations.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Netherlands, Switzerland
• Participating Persons: Privatdozent Dr. Thierry Adatte; Professor Dr. Stefan Schouten