Palynology Laboratory
The
S.M.U. Palynology Laboartory is part of the Department of Geological Sciences
and under the auspices of the Shuler Museum of Paleontology. The lab is
maintained by Dr. Bonnie Jacobs.
Palynological research conducted in the lab consists of the chemical and/or physical separation of pollen and spores from sedimentary matrix, the microscopic analysis of pollen and spores for identification and quantification within a sample, and the interpretation of the results of analysis. Pollen analyses usually focus on understanding environments of deposition and the reconstruction of past vegetation and climate.
Research projects currently in progress in the pollen laboratory include:
-
Pollen in a sediment core from Bellisle Lake, Johnson Mesa, New Mexico, is being analyzed in order to understand the vegetation and climate history of the northeastern corner of the state. Bellisle Lake is near the Late Pleistocene Folsom Paleoindian type site and will provide information about the environment around Folsom at the time of occupation. This project is in collaboration with David Meltzer, SMU Department of Anthropology.
-
Pollen from an archaeological context has been analyzed in conjunction with work at the Chaves - Hummingbird site near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pollen samples from fill deposits demonstrate the existence of a pond near the site, which may help to explain the presence of people there 700 years ago. The sediments also contain abundant pollen from cultigens such as corn. Continued research will focus on seeking out and sampling pond sediments to assess the general environment around the site. This work is in collaboration with Mike Adler, SMU Department of Anthropology.
Contact Us
Those interested in services provided by the Palynology Laboratory should contact:
Bonnie Jacobs
Email: bjacobs@smu.edu