Multidisciplinary
Investigation of Late Cretaceous and Paleogene
Stratigraphic Sequences of the High Arctic
Numerical and laboratory simulations suggest that the dynamics of the
geodynamo differ inside and outside the tangent cylinder, that
imaginary cylinder parallel to Earth's spin axis and tangent to the
solid inner core. The high Arctic provides an ideal opportunity to
investigate such processes through the collection of paleomagnetic and
paleointensity data from Paleogene to Late Cretaceous volcanic rocks.
These rocks are also important for understanding the tectonic
evolution of the Arctic Ocean, its margins, the nature the High Arctic
(Strand Fiord) large igneous province and the role of mantle plumes in
producing High Arctic magmatism. In addition, vertebrate fossils from
sedimentary rocks of this age have yielded important polar
paleoclimate information. In particular, they define an interval of
Turonian extreme climatic warmth, and an Arctic that was likely free
of ice.
We are engaged in a multidisciplinary study of these topics linked by
a common field approach: high resolution sampling of well-defined high
Arctic stratigraphic sections. Volcanic rocks are being sampled for
paleomagnetism, geochronology and
geochemistry, whereas fossils are being collected to better
characterize Late Cretaceous-Paleogene polar temperatures.
Expeditions are led by Professor John Tarduno and involve graduate and
undergraduate students. The latest expedition was in 2006, and
represents the latest of 9 expeditions to the High Arctic region by
Professor Tarduno.
Pictures from the 2006 Arctic Expedition
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