Paleoclimatologists refer to the Last Interglacial, about 125,000 years ago, as “the last time it was warm.” It represents the most recent interval (before the last ice age) in which global climate was similar to or even warmer than today, with sea levels several meters higher. The precise impact of this past warmth on the Eastern US, and its lessons for near-future climate change, are not well understood.
In this talk, Ian Winkelstern, Professor of Geology at GVSU, will present ongoing work investigating the Last Interglacial across sites in the Eastern US, Bermuda, and The Bahamas. At each site the geochemistry of fossil shells is used to reconstruct ancient conditions. Bivalve and gastropod carbonate can preserve remarkably high-resolution temperature records, enabling an unprecedented look at how a warmer world impacted these sites.
This is an online program. You’ll get the Zoom link and passcode via email with your registration confirmation.
NHSM’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to share knowledge and discuss fossil identification, fossil locations, and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers both from within the club and from outside organizations. We also strive to schedule frequent collecting trips to various locations.
Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.
If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Club Coordinator.
Location
Online via Zoom