W1: Marine proxy research

(H. Willems, T. v. Dobeneck, K. Zonneveld, Bremen)

Detailed information about mechanisms and consequences of global and regional environmental evolution during Earth’s history helps to quantify natural variations and to predict system adaptations. Much of the paleoenvironmental knowledge presently available is based on reconstructions of past ocean conditions. While direct observations only exist for the last several decades, indirect, so-called proxy records extend deep into geological time. Expanding the range and reliability of proxy methods represents a worldwide research topic. Since 2002, the DFG International Graduate College »Proxies in Earth History« (EUROPROX) unites Bremen, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Newcastle, Paris, Southampton and Vigo marine scientists in developing, testing, improving and teaching marine proxy methods. The annual workshop brings all scientists involved in EUROPROX together to report on and discuss the latest developments in proxy research.