12) Palynology…… the study of pollen and similar life forms! ~ applications to geoscience, palaeo-botany, climates and sea level….. case studies from deltas from around the world ~

Abstract of talk presented at Delft University, December 2008

KEITH RICHARDS
KrA Stratigraphic, Deganwy, UK

SPARKS is a series of brown bag colloquia with the objective to provide impetus for research in our department facing the challenges of tomorrow's world. In order to gain inspiration and be exposed to high-impact research areas with potential for key scientific innovation, we invite scientists from outside our department / the TU. The idea is to open up our minds and listen to these 'out-of-our-box' topics. After each lecture there will be sufficient time for discussion with the guest speaker. Together we will strive to come up with brilliant ideas leading to collaborations for future research with a high societal relevance. There will be special incentives for those who can make use of these colloquia and work their ideas out to a proposal.
“From a little spark may burst a flame.” - Dante Alighieri

Wednesday 17-12-08, 12:30-13:30, room 02.110
Keith Richards, Independent Palynologist
Palynology…… the study of pollen and similar life forms! ~ applications to geoscience, palaeo-botany, climates and sea level….. case studies from deltas from around the world ~

Palynology is perhaps one of the least known but most varied and applied scientific disciplines. Uses range from geological and botanical research, to anthropological and forensic studies. Pollen from plants is very resistant to decay and is almost always preserved in the sedimentary record, and thus gives a “fingerprint” for stratigraphic research. Other similar “micro-fossils” are often also preserved: these include marine microplankton, lake / freshwater algae, fungal spores, as well as plant debris (kerogen). Studied together, these assemblages can reveal secrets of the sedimentary record and can help to understand cycles of sea level change, climatic variations and plant / vegetation distributions over time. This talk summarises more than 10 years of research into the palynology of deltas around the world. Specific examples are shown, using un-published data from the Amazon, Niger, Nile, Volga, Rhone and Mekong deltas, that illustrate the patterns and style of delta deposition and their associated palaeo-climates and vegetation.

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