Collaborative Research: Reconstructing the High Latitude Permian-Triassic: Life, Landscapes, and Climate Recorded in the Allan Hills, South Victoria Land, Antarctica

该项目研究南极洲艾伦山地区两三亿年前岩石的化石。 低纬度地区的类似沉积物被用来建立二叠纪-三叠纪气候模型，其中二叠纪早期大陆冰川的融化导致在寒冷潮湿的气候中建立森林。 到三叠纪早期，气候变得更加温暖和干燥，抑制了植物的生长，直到三叠纪晚期湿润的气候使植物再次繁荣。 该项目将测试和完善这一模型，并利用艾伦山地区独特的暴露和保存完好的化石和沉积物记录，调查气候变化对景观和生态系统的一般影响。 将在该地区寻找在南极洲其他地区发现的森林化石、脊椎动物足迹和洞穴、节肢动物足迹和水下生物结构。 这些发现将与以前的古生物学研究相结合，以重建和解释生态系统及其变化。 结构和岩石类型记录大陆冰川和其他主要的幕式沉积的结束阶段也将被描述和解释。 该项目有助于了解：（1）陆地和淡水生态系统的演化及其如何受到二叠纪末灭绝的影响，（2）高纬度陆地和水生节肢动物的丰度和多样性，（3）由痕迹和身体化石记录的脊椎动物和无脊椎动物的古地理分布和演化;（3）景观对气候变化的响应。就更广泛的影响而言，本项目将为研究生和本科生提供一个优秀的实地研究介绍，并为几个本科生提供相关的机会。 它还将促进研究机构和主要是本科院校之间的思想交流。 还计划举办新颖的外展活动，向公众传达地球历史，包括一部关于研究过程和产品的短片，以及专业科学插画家绘制的Permo-Traissic景观和生态系统的画作。

This project studies fossils from two to three hundred million year old rocks in the Allan Hills area of Antarctica. Similar deposits from lower latitudes have been used to develop a model of Permo-Triassic climate, wherein melting of continental glaciers in the early Permian leads to the establishment of forests in a cold, wet climate. Conditions became warmer and dryer by the early Triassic, inhibiting plant growth until a moistening climate in the late Triassic allowed plant to flourish once again. This project will test and refine this model and investigate the general effects of climate change on landscapes and ecosystems using the unique exposures and well-preserved fossil and sediment records in the Allan Hills area. The area will be searched for fossil forests, vertebrate tracks and burrows, arthropod trackways, and subaqueously produced biogenic structures, which have been found in other areas of Antarctica. Finds will be integrated with previous paleobiologic studies to reconstruct and interpret ecosystems and their changes. Structures and rock types documenting the end phases of continental glaciation and other major episodic sedimentations will also be described and interpreted. This project contributes to understanding the: (1) evolution of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and how they were affected by the end-Permian extinction, (2) abundance and diversity of terrestrial and aquatic arthropods at high latitudes, (3) paleogeographic distribution and evolution of vertebrates and invertebrates as recorded by trace and body fossils; and (3) response of landscapes to changes in climate.In terms of broader impacts, this project will provide an outstanding introduction to field research for graduate and undergraduate students, and generate related opportunities for several undergraduates. It will also stimulate exchange of ideas among research and primarily undergraduate institutions. Novel outreach activities are also planned to convey Earth history to the general public, including a short film on the research process and products, and paintings by a professional scientific illustrator of Permo-Traissic landscapes and ecosystems.