In the southern hemisphere of the Carboniferous Period two climatic belts have been recognized so far, based on their floras. The tropical belt (Amerosinian or Euramerican floral realm) extended into the southern paleo-hemisphere. The cool climatic zone (Gondwana floral realm) is known from fossil floras occurring several thousand kilometers away. The temperate climatic zone has been missing. Based on initial research with Prof. Alleman (Lima, Peru) it is proposed that the enigmatic Carboniferous flora from Paracas, Peru represents the southern temperate climatic belt. In order to test this hypothesis PI will study fossil plants from two areas in Peru. The results will refine the paleoclimatological model of the Carboniferous Period.
