Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J016667/1
[ENERGY] Palynology at the limits: investigation of Mesozoic deposits from the Gulf of Mexico offshore, deep-water basin
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor CH Wellman, University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Palynology is the study of organic walled microfossils (palynomorphs) obtained from rocks following acid digestion. The palynomorphs are extremely small (generally 10-100 microns) but occur in vast numbers (measured in thousands per gram of rock). In the Mesozoic palynomorphs comprise predominantly marine phytoplankton--dinoflagellate cysts, and terrestrial plant reproductive organs--spores and pollen. These fossils are extremely useful as vast numbers can be obtained from very small volumes of rock (such as samples of borehole cores and cuttings). They are extremely informative as they allow us to work out the age of a rock (biostratigraphy) and its environment of deposition. They are also interesting palaeontologically as they provide evidence for the palaeobiology of the phytoplankton and terrestrial vegetation of the time (taxonomy, biodiversity, palaeoecology, palaeogeography etc.). Phytoplankton and terrestrial vegetation are the planet's primary producers (through photosynthesis) and thus a key component of the carbon cycle effecting everything from atmospheric composition to weathering rates to climate. The primary scientific hypothesis to be tested is: "What were the marine and terrestrial primary producers in the Mesozoic Gulf of Mexico basin and surrounding areas and how did they effect the palaeoenvironments of the basin, and indeed planet Earth, during this time?". Two sets of samples will be palynologically investigated: (i) Shell will provide samples of Mesozoic core from an offshore, deep-water borehole sunk in the Gulf of Mexico; (ii) A comparative set of samples will be collected from onshore analogues of these deposits exposed on the mainland. Preliminary studies indicate that rich palynomorph assemblages occur in these deposits. The samples will be palynologically processed and examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The palynomorphs (spores, pollen dinoflagellate cysts etc.) will be systematically described (a new taxonomy erected) and quantitative data concerning their occurrence/abundance collected. These data will be utilized in a detailed analysis of the biostratigraphy, palaeoecology, palaeoenvironments and palaeogeography of the deposits. The statistical package PAST will be employed and the presentation package STRATABUGS. Interpretation will be undertaken at the forefront of conceptual advances in scientific and industrial micropalaeontology and stratigraphy including recent advances in sequence stratigraphy and graphic correlation. Scientifically this is a highly interesting project. The sedimentary basin is remote and poorly known. Thus it will have much to inform us regarding Mesozoic life in this part of the world. Furthermore, the information will also be informative to geologists interested in the sedimentary sequence (and hence environments) of the basin, and its palaeogeographical and tectonic setting. The Gulf of Mexico is a structurally complex area with conflicting hypotheses concerning its tectonic setting. Establishing a well age-constrained stratigraphy is an important first step in unravelling its structural/tectonic mysteries. The project is also of commercial interest. The deep-water oil reserves of the Gulf of Mexico are some of the world's most recently confirmed large oil reserves. Further exploration and development are a priority to ensure energy security. Unfortunately oil exploration in such offshore deep-water is technologically challenging, expensive and dangerous. Development of a robust biostratigraphic model for the basin will greatly facilitate future exploration and development activities.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J016667/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £71,864
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,812 | £9,768 | £48,285 |
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