Treasurer , 2017 – 2018

Background

My undergraduate degree was in Geology and I also have an MSc in Geochemistry both obtained at the University of Leeds. During my PhD, undertaken at Cardiff University I primarily analysed benthic foraminifera from deep sea sediment cores for their trace metal content to use as a proxy for ocean temperature and chemistry. This was done with a view to further understanding Cenozoic climate change – particularly the evolution of the Antarctic Cryosphere. After my PhD I stayed on in Cardiff in a technical role before moving to Bristol to start my current research project.

Current Research

In my current research project (CDW25K) I am applying trace metal and stable isotope proxies to foraminifera from sediment cores from the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) to try determine changes in the volume of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) on the ASE continental shelf over the past 25,000 yrs. This is to test the hypothesis that ‘CDW drove past ice sheet changes in the ASE since the Last Glacial Maximum.’ This is of particular importance due to the current rapid thinning and retreat of glaciers in this region and their potential contribution towards sea level rise – insights from the recent past may help us predict future rates of retreat.

Contacts

Email: elaine.mawbey@polarnetwork.org