Update on paleontological and geochemical studies of the BR05DD01 core

Abstract

Core BR05DD01 was sampled as part of a larger, National Science Foundation-funded project to study the relationship between biological, geochemical, and climatic evolution during the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian interval (850 to ~630 million years ago) as recorded in mainland Australia, Tasmania, and Svalbard. One hundred and eighty samples were taken from depths between 126-1177 meters, and were shipped to Porter's and Hurtgen's laboratories in the United States. So far, thirty samples have been processed either for geochemical analyses d34S) or paleontology, or both. Of the ten samples that have been examined under the microscope, four contain identifiable fossils; two of those contain a diversity of well preserved fossils (see attached photographic plates). d34S data are coming soon.