Understanding Ecosystems and Environments of the Distant Past
Module code: GY3433
During this module you'll look at the main evidence for global environmental change during the Quaternary period. A particular focus is placed on understanding the process and pace of glacial and interglacial cycles through the consideration of a number of archives of biotic (e.g. pollen) and abiotic (e.g. sediments) proxies of environmental change.
The module builds on Introduction to Past Glacial Climate Changes from year 2 in providing more specific consideration of regional responses, especially in the low latitudes, and more technical consideration of the theory underlying various climate proxies.
Topics covered
- Evidences from continental and marine sedimentary records
- Rapid climate changes at different temporal and spatial scales
- Evolution of Neotropical flora
- Calibration of radiocarbon ages