Project Info
Millennial Scale Range Orbital Cycles
Piret Plink-Bjorklund
pplink@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Orbital forcers, most notably variations in the amount of solar irradiance reaching Earth, are believed to explain many of the observed climatic variations. Changes in orbital patterns are widely believed to explain cyclicities on the 20,000 to 100,000 year scale, while changes in solar irradiance have effects on the sub-1,000 year scale. However, little work has been done to understand the influence of orbital cycles of periods between these, in the millennial range. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by performing spectral analyses of Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum temperature proxy records to determine if millennial-range orbital cycles have an observable influence on climate dynamics.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Not applicable.
Contact Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu
Primary Contacts:
Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
background in statistics and data analyses
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
up to 5 hours but flexible
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will learn how to set up and conduct research projects, including scientific questions and testable hypothesis, how to plan and conduct work that ensures results, and how to disseminate the results by conference presentations or publications. The students will learn about past climate changes and how the past proxy data can inform our future. The student will also learn statistical and data analyses techniques.
MENTORING PLAN
The student will work closely with me and with a PhD student. We will set up regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings to monitor the progress. We will together develop a research plan and decide on expected outcomes. The student is also invited to join weekly research group meetings and any activities. I will encourage the student to present at the department's yearly science fair as well as at a major conference, and to co-author a publication.
Preferred Student Status
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior