The next Climate-Sustainability Lecture Series talk will touch upon the topic of marine-ecosystem sustainability. Whether you’ve submerged yourself in the subject or you’ve yet to wet your feet, you’re invited to join this discussion hosted by the NSU Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences.
“Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in Response to Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluctuations: From Paleorecords to Isotope Chemistry”
Climate-Sustainability Lecture Series | Amy Hirons, Ph.D., assistant professor
Wednesday, Oct. 23
12:05–12:55 p.m.
Mailman-Hollywood Building | Second Floor Auditorium
About the Talk
Changes in primary ocean productivity play a key role in determining the structure and biomass yield of the marine ecosystem. The paleorecord of phytoplankton production, in response to changes in atmospheric and oceanic fluctuations, is reflected in the stable isotope composition of marine-vertebrate remains.
An analysis of marine-mammal bone and tooth collagen samples collected in the North Pacific over a 6,000-year period has indicated specific patterns and relationships in stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. These, in turn, provide information about changes in food web dynamics and marine productivity levels and, through inference, about ecosystem changes. Hirons’s talk cover these issues.
About the Series
Hosted by the college’s Division of Math, Science, and Technology, the Climate-Sustainability Lecture Series aims to increase the understanding of the science, technology, and policies relating to climate change and sustainable development. Experts in related fields from within NSU and other institutions are featured speakers. These lectures give faculty members and students the opportunity to discuss the scientific, technological, social, and policy aspects of sustainability-related issues.
For more information, contact Song Gao, Ph.D., associate professor at the NSU Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, at (954) 262-8388.
