Laboratory of aquatic paleoecology
In this laboratory, research is carried out in the fields of paleolimnology and paleoceanography. Paleolimnological research focuses on the analysis of fossil diatoms (top photo) and chironomid larvae preserved in sedimentary deposits of northern lakes, ponds, and peatlands (Labrador, Nunavik, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon), which serves to reconstruct Pleistocene and Holocene climatic and environmental changes close to arctic tree line. Marine diatom valves are used for such applications as reconstructing oceanic paleocurrents along the Canadian West Coast, as well as sea level fluctuations in the Beaufort Sea (southern Arctic Ocean) and in coastal regions of the Atlantic provinces. In addition, diatoms are applied as bioindicators of agricultural pollution in rivers and as indicators of water quality in lakes and drinking water reservoirs.
Laboratory of terrestrial paleoecology, palynology and anthracology
Soil micromorphological analyses (bottom photo), macrofossil (plant or insect parts) and microfossil (pollen grains and spores) analyses of peat and lake sediments, as well as studies based on charcoal allow us to better understand the Holocene evolution of northern terrestrial ecosystems and of the vegetation since the last ice age. The research in this section of the laboratory focuses on the following themes: climate change, environmental change, fire, insect outbreaks, isostatic rebound, paludification, and anthropogenic disturbances. Moreover, analyses of archaelogical sediments is used to reconstruct past environmental conditions of archaeological sites.
Laboratory equipment
- various sediment coring and sampling equipment
- equipment necessary to prepare samples (precision electronic scale, centrifuge, etc.)
- microcopes allowing magnification up to 1000x
- photomicrographic system for microscopes
- digital camera system for microscopy
- stereomicroscopes
- drying oven
- freeze-dryer
The laboratories also possess reference collections (diatom and chironomid slides, recent and fossil plant and insect parts, charcoal) and several identification guides some in electronic form.
Laboratory of aquatic paleoecology
Contact: Reinhard Pienitz
Room 4131
Abitibi-Price Building
Université Laval
2405 rue de la Terrasse
Québec, Canada
G1V 0A6
Phone: (418) 656-2131 ext. 6630
Laboratory of terrestrial paleoecology, palynology and anthracology section
Contact: Élisabeth Robert
Room 4101 and 0144
Abitibi-Price Building
Université Laval
2405 rue de la Terrasse
Québec, Canada
G1V 0A6
Phone: (418) 656-2131 ext. 6489 or 6174
|