Secrets from a deep reef:Secrets from a deep reef:Structure, biogeography and palaeoclimate reconstruction from Mingulay Reef Complex sediment coresStructure, biogeography and palaeoclimate reconstruction from Mingulay Reef Complex sediment cores

Melanie Douarin (University of Edinburgh), SAGES PhD ProjectMelanie Douarin (University of Edinburgh), SAGES PhD Project

(1) Propose a model of cold-water coral reef build-up(1) Propose a model of cold-water coral reef build-up=> CTscan images=> CTscan images – fossils identification – fossils identification

(3) (3) Document ocean circulation changes Document ocean circulation changes => Coupled U-series and Radiocarbon => Coupled U-series and Radiocarbon

dating on dating on Lophelia sp.Lophelia sp.

(2) Reconstruct the spatial and temporal growth (2) Reconstruct the spatial and temporal growth history of the reefhistory of the reef= > Downcore and surface dating= > Downcore and surface dating

(4) (4) Test if trace/minor elements composition in Test if trace/minor elements composition in Lophelia sp. Lophelia sp. skeleton could be used for palaeo-environmental skeleton could be used for palaeo-environmental reconstructions (i.e Temperature – Salinity) reconstructions (i.e Temperature – Salinity) => High resolution ion microprobe study=> High resolution ion microprobe study