PHYSICS
SEMINAR
Bruce
E. Dod
Department of Physics
Mercer University
Wednesday,
January 28, 2004
Willet Science Center 101
"Palynostratigraphy -
Rock Age Determination Using Fossil Pollens and Spores"
Abstract:
For years there was debate on the age of the Rico Formation in Southeast Utah.
Several studies of the rock strata (starting in the late 1800’s) using
macrofossils had conflicting results. Some
had the age as Permian while others found it to be Pennsylvanian. Research (done
by the presenter in 1970) was able to resolve the problem using PALYNOLOGY…the
study of fossil pollens and spores. Discussion
will cover the geology of the area, techniques for sample collecting and
extracting fossil palynomorphs from the rock samples, taxonomy of
palynomorphs, data analyses, and conclusions.
Please
join us for light refreshments outside WSC 109 at 4:15.
Mercer
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