Using cores recovered during the 2004 Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX), the researchers will construct a magnetostratigraphic record and employ sediment properties (e.g., X-ray imagery, grain size distributions, color imagery, and physical properties logs) proxies to identify the distribution and amount of ice-rafted debris (IRD). These results, coupled with other data from the expedition, will then be used to distinguish between iceberg and sea ice derived material and to construct an IRD chronostratigraphy. The project will contribute to Northern Hemisphere climate reconstructions and the correlations between glaciations and tectonic/oceanographic events. Broader impacts include expanding our understanding of the history of the poorly studied Arctic Ocean and climate change events, maximizing the use of the rare ACEX cores, increasing participation of underrepresented groups in science, and contributing to the University of Rhode Island teacher Armada program.
