ecolmas-course2003-07

December, 01 - 04, 2003, Bremen

Dinoflagellates - their biologic characteristics, ecology, and use for paleoclimate reconstruction

Karin Zonneveld, Henk Brinkhuis, Gerard Versteegh, Helmut Willems (EUROPROX, RCOM)

Objectives
Over the past decades it has become evident that dinoflagellate cysts are accurate tools for reconstructing marine watermass properties and circulation patterns. To date this aspect is increasingly used to establish insight in processes that lead to climatic change. However, to do this, detailed information about the biology and ecology of the species group is essential. Furthermore, insight in processes that lead to fossilisation as well as alternation of the primary fossil signal is required.

The main focus of this course/workshop is the biology and ecology of organic- and calcareous cyst forming dinoflagellates. Central theme forms the effects of environmental conditions on encystment process and cyst morphology. Furthermore, new developments in molecular palaeontology (genetic research, biogeochemistry and fossil biomarkers) and taphonomy of cyst forming dinoflagellates will be discussed. These aspects will be elucidated by recent and fossil examples during lectures, workshops and exercises.

The course will be given by a team of specialists from several European countries; Henk Brinkhuis, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Mark Götchling, Berlin, Germany, Mona Hoppenrath, Helgoland, Germany, Anke Kremp, Helsinki, Finland, Jane Lewis, London, UK, Marina Montresor, Napels, Italy, Gerard Versteegh, Texel, The Netherlands, Helmut Willems, Bremen, Germany and Karin Zonneveld, Bremen, Germany.

Topics
- Dinoflagellate life cycles and environmental effects on encystment/excystment processes
- Environmental influences on cyst morphology (variation within a species)
- Geographic distribution of cysts related to environmental conditions in the upper water column
- Benthic dinoflagellates
- Recent developments in genetic research
- Biogeochemistry of cyst walls and dinoflagellate lipids

Course schedule
Each day morning (9.00-12.30) and afternoon (13.30-17.00) sessions.

Location
Research Center Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, Germany
Am Fallturm 1, 28359 Bremen, Room TAB Seminar 1 (close to Geo Dep.)

To subscribe
mail to: Torsten Bickert ()