Fossilized Pollen Reveals Climate Clues

[Still Waters]

Fossilized pollen is sometimes used to determine what sort of vegetation grew as Earth's climate changed over time. But until recently, samples could only be dated back about 500,000 years, a relatively narrow window for study. But now researchers in Australia have found a way to date and examine pollen found in stalagmites of any age.

A new technique developed at the University of Melbourne allows researchers to date speleothems (stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones) and then dissolve them to examine the pollen inside.

http://news.discover...lues-160209.htm