Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 11:07
Forums
Geologic Climate Research in Siberia

Question:

What changes in the interpretation and observation of the data you collect on this trip if the dating models that are presupposed to be true are found to be false during or before the completion of the summary of your expedition?

Could you direct me to a resource that grounds the foundational dating methodology for ice formation dating? I am curious about your dating presuppositions as a foundation for your research.

Thanks!

Sterling VanDerwerker Greensboro, NC

Thu, 03/26/2009 - 09:40

Tim Martin

Sterling,Very good questions... (I waited to reply until I could sit down and discuss your questions with Julie.)Your first question was about changes that may be necessary to the initial models? This is an ongoing challenge and one that we are facing today. In the drilling the other day, the crew out at the lake came across some unexpected sediment layers. Consequently, the science team is trying to explain these new observations. (Unfortunately, I cannot go into scientific detail at this point, but explaining these new discoveries will be important to understanding the geologic history of the lake.)
As far as dating, we will use several methods to date the climate information, including C14, magnetic properties, and stimulated luminescence. We are unsure about your question regarding ice formation dating. Are you asking about the formation of surface ice on the lake? Because the lake ice is a seasonal phenomenon our drilling objective is sediment, not ice. If you would like to read more about this, and a basic overview of the lake, may I suggest: Journal of Paleolimnology(2007) Vol 37 pp 17-35
Tim Martin