Ian
Harding: Research Interests
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Harding: Research Interests |
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Major research interests lie in the fields of high resolution morphological/taxonomic, biostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental studies of palynomorphs (organic-walled microfossils) and palynofacies. My research concentrates on Mesozoic/Cenozoic dinocysts (unicellular phytoplankton, both organic-walled and siliceous), from NW Europe. Clarification and stabilisation of dinocyst systematics is being achieved by the use of high-resolution electron microscopy and refining the Early Cretaceous dinocyst biostratigraphic framework for Boreal western Europe by applying computer-based methods (quantitative biostratigraphy). Interdisciplinary neontological/palaeoenvironmental research is being conducted with colleagues at the University of Westminster and the Geological Survey of Canada, on a major NERC-funded project (Grant No. GR3/10803) entitled 'Neontological investigation of the dinoflagellate cyst group Spiniferites and the implications for its palaeoecological utility'. Other palynological investigations are being conducted to elucidate the early evolution of the angiosperms as shown by their pollen and mesofossil record, in Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Isle of Wight and the Weald (in conjunction with colleagues at the University of Wales Aberystwyth, University of Reading, Maidstone and Warwick museums). Further research efforts are directed towards determining the causative processes and taphonomic state of exceptionally preserved fossil biotas (e.g. Burgess Shale, Santana Formation, Lake Florissant), and investigating the micropalaeontological record preserved within the host deposits. Another major NERC-funded research theme centres around fossil chemosynthetic cold seep faunas and their associated authigenic carbonates, notably the cold seep carbonates and mud mélange-hosted faunas of Barbados, Wn. USA and the Italian Appenines. Research links in this field are established with Louisiana State University, University of Auckland, NASA Ames Research Centre and IFREMER, Brest.
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Author: Ian Harding. Last Updated: February 2000 SOC Home | SOES Home | University Home |
