Paleoclimatic records based on stable isotope analyses of speleothems

Recently, speleothems from various Korean limestone caves have received special attention as an invaluable paleoclimatic archive for both regional and global aspects. Although recent investigations show distinctive relationships between their stable isotope compositions and surface environmental conditions, the quantitative understanding on the relationship is needed for more accurate and precise reconstructions of past climatic factors (e.g., temperature and precipitation). In particular, stable isotope data with speleothem’s crystal morphology and fluid inclusion studies are necessary to achieve this goal. In this project, I would like to learn about analytical techniques on stable isotopes geochemistry especially for carbon and oxygen isotopes of Korean speleothems. If this project is successfully, I would be able to provide the quantitative data from the Korean peninsula as a typical temperate climate region to the paleoclimatic community.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sang-Tae Kim

Student:

Partner:

Kangwon National University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Sustainability & the Environment; Public Service, Policy, and Governance

University:

McMaster University

Program: