This training workshop, was held at the University of Cambridge on 28th to 30th September 2009, focused on the foraminiferal proxies available to reconstruct past variability of ocean chemistry. It aimed at non-specialists in order to develop understanding between scientists dealing with oceanographic proxies, experimental and mesocosm systems and modelling.

The workshop consisted of a mixture of lectures, demonstrations and "hands on" experience in the treatment and sampling of sediment cores, the development of age models,  identification and sampling of foraminifera and procedures involved in the determination of stable isotope and trace metal proxies. It demonstrated the fundamentals of proxies and proxy calibrations, the features and limitations of available proxies such as δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C, δ¹¹B, size normalised weight and trace element/Ca ratios (B/Ca, Mg/Ca, Cd/Ca etc.).

Download the workshop summary notes (for further information regarding the presentations please contact the speakers in person).

Download the workshop poster.

Schedule of the meeting

Monday 28th September

13:00 – 14:00    Arrive in Cambridge, sandwich lunch provided

14:00 - 14:30     Lecture 1: Introduction to paleoceanographic proxies and insights from the geological record. Harry Elderfield.

14:30 – 15:30    Lecture 2: Stable isotope systematics. David Hodell.

15:30 – 16:00    Tea break

16:00 – 17:00    Lecture 3: Secondary influences on foraminiferal stable isotopes. Babette Hoogakker.

17:00 – 18:00    Lecture 4: Proxies for temperature. Caroline Dawber.

Tuesday 29th September

09:00 – 10:00    Lecture 5: Constructing an age model. Nick McCave.

10:00 – 11:00    Lecture 6: Proxies for carbonate system parameters. Harry Elderfield.

11:00 – 11:30    Coffee break

11:30 – 12:30    Lecture 7: Proxies for biological productivity export production. Harry Elderfield.

12:30 – 13:30    Lunch

13:30 – 14:45    Practical rotation 1

14:45 – 16:00    Practical rotation 2

16:00 – 16:30    Tea break

16:30 – 17:45    Practical rotation 3

18:30 onwards    Workshop dinner

Wednesday 30th September

09:00 – 09:15    Presentation: Data archiving. Anne-Marin Nisumaa.

09:15 – 10:30    Practical rotation 4

10:30 – 11:00    Coffee break

11:00 – 12:00    Lecture 8: Proxies for tracing patterns & rates of ocean circulation. Alex Piotrowski

12:00 – 13:00    Lecture 9: The sedimentary system: cautionary tales. Nick McCave.

13:00                 Final thoughts: Harry Elderfield.

13:00 – 14:00    Lunch, and leave Cambridge.

Gallery:

Paleo-proxy workshop