This project will examine the spatial and temporal record of terrigenous material in sediments of the deep Atlantic Ocean. Grainsize and geochemical analyses of particles will be analyzed in surface sediments throughout the ocean, in order to distinguish sources (geochemistry) and transport mode (grainsize). Similar analyses will be conducted in a core off West Africa to determine temporal variability of eolian deposition (hence wind strength and continental aridity) from the Sahel and Sahara over the last glacial/ interglacial cycle. The project will be performed by undergraduate students, providing a research experience opportunity at an undergraduate department.
