Projects / Programmes
Paleontology and Sedimentary Geology
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P006 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Palaeontology |
Paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology; diatoms, silicoflagellates, radiolarians, moluscs, echinoderms, vertebrates; Mesozoic, Cenozoic; carbonates, clastics.
Researchers (9)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The goal of the present program is to continue current investigations on biochronology, evolution, paleoecology, and biogeography of selected fossil groups. Because an adequate time and environmental framework is necessary for interpreting taxonomic structure of fossil assemblages, the program will include detailed studies on stratigraphy, sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. In addition, this integrated approach will allow us to reconstruct sedimentary evolution and paleogeography of the studied sedimentary basins.
In the next five years, our research will be focused on the following topics:
1. Jurassic-Cretaceous sedimentary evolution of the Julian Nappe and correlation with neighbouring basins in Slovenia and Italy; comparison between the evolution of the south Tethyan continental margin in a divergent (Jurassic) and convergent regime (Cretaceous).
2. Catalog and biochronology of Pliensbachian, Toarcian and Aalenian Radiolaria; detection of major global radiolarian faunal turnovers, comparison with extinction/radiation events of other fossil groups and correlation with contemporaneous paleoceanographic changes.
3. Mesozoic sedimentary evolution of the Hawasina Basin in Oman.
4. Systematics, taphonomy and paleobiogeography of Late Cretaceous vertebrate assemblages from Kozina and Stranice; implications for paleogeographic reconstruction of the western Tethys in the Late Cretaceous.
5. Miocene diatoms and silicoflagellates of Slovenia; paleoecologic evolution of Miocene sedimentary basins in Slovenia; paleogeographic reconstruction of the Central Paratethys.
6. Tertiary mammals of Slovenia - systematics, paleobiolgy and paleoecology.
7. Cave bear from Slovenian sites - paleobiology and population dynamics.
Significance for science
The research program brought new insights into biology, ecology and evolution of the studied fossil groups (siliceous algae, radiolarians, molluscs, echinoderms, dinosaurs and mammals) as well as into sedimentary processes in corresponding paleoenvironments. The results provide new paleontologic and stratigraphic data for the geographic regions which have previously not been systematically investigated, and will contribute to a global reconstruction of Mesozoic and Cenozoic paleogeography. Though primarily aimed at contributing to basic geological research, the results are potentially also useful in other disciplines, e.g. environmental sciences.
Significance for the country
An important goal of the research program is to advance the activities related to the Slovenian natural heritage. The results provide a background for the evaluation of geological sites in terms of protection and their potential use in natural history education. New fossil collections were presented at exhibitions in Slovenian Museum of Natural History. Among the activities, directly linked to the natural heritage management, the program group takes part in the projects of geological monitoring of the motorway construction, funded by DARS (Motorway Company in the Republic of Slovenia). Our provenance studies of archeological raw materials contribute to the research of Slovenian cultural heritage. The economic significance of the research lies in the application of stratigraphic and sedimentologic results in exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, and geological mapping. A part of the research is focused on investigation of soil pollution, thus directly contributing to environmental and health protection issues. Four researchers of the program group are faculty members at the University of Ljubljana. They are involved in teaching in 16 undergraduate modules and 10 postgraduate modules (see list of subjects listed in Section 17), and act as supervisors in BS, MS and PhD theses.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
