– Paleoclimatology of the African Tropics
Our research group generates geological records of ancient climates in the African tropics through scientific drilling (Lake Malawi – 2005, Lake Bosumtwi – 2004, Lake Tanganyika – forthcoming) and analyses of ancient lake deposits. We also study records of past geological changes in the East African Rift through the acoustic imaging of the Great Lakes of the African Rift Valley using seismic reflection methods at various scales.
– Stratigraphic Evolution of the East African Rift
By examining seismic reflection data our research team is able to document the subsurface structure and stratigraphic and sedimentary facies architecture of the East African Rift System. We accomplish this by using marine-type geophysical and geological tools on many of Africa’s Great Lakes.
– Lacustrine Carbonates of the Basin & Range
Lacustrine carbonate deposits are important records of past conditions in ancient lakes. We use geological, geochemical, geophysical, and paleolimnological methods to study these remarkable deposits, which also form important hydrocarbon reservoir facies in places such as the South Atlantic Ocean and China. We are carrying out studies of lacustrine carbonates of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan in Winnemucca Dry Lake and Walker Lake, Nevada.
– Late-Quaternary Paleoclimatology of Oneida Lake & Glacial Lake Iroquois
We are currently studying the past history of Oneida Lake (New York) and its predecessor, Glacial Lake Iroquois, to better understand the termination of the last glaciation in northeastern North America. Accompanying ice sheet collapse was the release of large amounts of cold, fresh water to the Atlantic Ocean, which may have contributed or caused disruptions in ocean circulation, contributing to rapid changes in global climate.