Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/00970
Understanding the distribution and ecology of ancient polar forests and their influence on climate.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor D Beerling, University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Land - Atmosphere Interactions
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoenvironments
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- The fossil record provides evidence for the enduring nature and high productivity of polar forests, yet their functional ecology, distribution and feedback on climate are all poorly understood. This interdisciplinary project addresses these crucial issues by using new discoveries relating leaf life span to plant carbon balance and by determining leaf life span from fossil growth rings. We will develop a computer model of conifer forest growth, driven by new global palaeoclimate simulations for 100 and 50 Ma to understand the environmental controls on their biogeography in the high latitudes and to simulate their impact on regional climate. Underpinning all predictions will be reconstructions of palaeoclimate and palaeovegetation maps based on analyses of extensive collections of fossil conifer woods from the Northern and Southern hemisphere for each interval.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Sep 2002 - 31 Aug 2005
- Value:
- £132,589 Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NER/A/S/2001/00970
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £132,589
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|
| £89,958 | £1,250 | £41,380 |
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