| title: | Evolution of communities of Silurian corals and jawed polychaetes of Estonia and its climatic and oceanic agents based on isotope analysis |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5042 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.10. Geology |
| status: | completed |
| institution: | Institute of Geology at Tallinn Technical University |
| head of project: | Dimitri Kaljo |
| duration: | 01.01.2002 - 31.12.2004 |
| description: | Main task of the project is elucidation of patterns of evolution of communities of corals (rugosans and tabulates) and jawed polychaetes and finding out the role of biotic and abiotic agents in evolution processes. Very important is applied aspect of the project, i.e. accumulation of bio- and isotope stratigraphy data for solving different problems of geology. In order to achieve these goals, the following studies are planned: 1. A revision of assemblage content of rugose and tabulate corals, modernization of taxonomy used earlier, filling of gaps, description of new taxa; compilation of a list of jawed polychaete taxa together with corresponding taxonomical study. Establishment of stratigraphical ranges of all taxa of both groups. 2. Study of spatial distribution, diversity patterns and development of rugose coral- and jawed polychaete communities; investigation of relationships between the two fossil groups and other fossil organisms. 3. Study of changes of carbon and oxygen stable isotope content in order to estimate climatic and oceanic parameters, and to use environmental events for chronostratigraphical correlation. The same stratigraphical interval and the same sections as mentioned in items 1 & 2 will be studied. In addition, the rocks formed in relatively deep water environments and containing seldom or no coralss and polychaetes will be studied to correlate coral and polychaete bearing rocks with graptolite biozonation. 4. Interpretation of integrated palaeontological and geochemical data, which will, on the one hand, reveal the trends of biological evolution and development of communities of both fossil groups. On the other hand, the expected results include palaeoclimatic and palaeooceanic conclusions on the evolution of the Baltic Basin. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Olle Hints | Inst. Geol., TTU | engineer, PhD student | |
| 2. | Dimitri Kaljo | Institute of Geology at TTU | Head of department | |
| 3. | Tõnu Martma | Inst. Geol., TTU | researcher | |
| 4. | Mari-Ann Mõtus | Inst. Geol., TTU | engineer (part time), PhD stud. | |