PDF opportunity - Beetles/Paleoclimate New Zealand

[Tim Barrows]

Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 16:40:00 -0700
:
From: James Shulmeister <james.shulmeister at canterbury.ac.nz>


Application of fossil beetle research to reconstructing the variability in 
New Zealand climates at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)




Fossil beetle research has emerged as a high resolution tool for 
paleoecological and paleoclimatological work in the last few decades. In 
New Zealand, paleoclimate reconstructions have been severely limited 
because instrumental records are of very short duration and the biological 
proxies that are most widely applied (notably pollen) are notoriously 
insensitive to climate change in this region, probably because of the 
extremely maritime nature of the climate.  We need a high resolution 
paleoclimate indicator that works in New Zealand conditions to reconstruct 
regional climate changes and to test models of global climate 
change.  Recent work has demonstrated the potential of beetles for high 
resolution climate and environmental reconstructions in New Zealand.



Over the northern 2/3rds of New Zealand the onset of the LGM is marked by a 
major, easily identifiable, volcanic airfall deposit, the Kawakawa tephra. 
In many South Island areas, the LGM is also well defined by glacial 
deposits. Consequently, the LGM is probably the easiest past time marker to 
define in geological outcrops.  Many of the sites are clearly identified in 
published literature and contain deposits that should contain beetle 
remains. By comparing a large number of (>10) LGM sites around the country, 
the pattern of climate change in New Zealand at the LGM will be resolved. 
Climate parameters will be quantified using a bioclimatic and/or maximum 
likelihood envelope approach. Because of the strong topographic 
compartmentalization of New Zealand, the results should provide a 
significant test for global climate reconstructions of the LGM.



The work involves field collections of samples from LGM sites, analyses of 
the fossil beetle material and modeling work related to refining the 
quantification of the past climates. It will involve the development of 
maximum likelihood envelope and bioclimatic modeling methods to 
discontinuous data sets.



Experience working on fossil beetle material is essential.  Familiarity 
with New Zealand beetle faunas is an advantage. General computer competence 
is essential and familiarity with bioclimatic modeling and/or MLE a plus.



The PDF will be expected to contribute a seminar to a graduate course and 
to provide at least two departmental research seminars over the two years. 
The Post-Doc will be permitted to contribute more substantive teaching if 
they express a desire to do so for professional development purposes.



Applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of their most significant 
publication along with their CV. Three referees should also submit reports 
directly to the Human Resources Department to arrive by the specified 
closing date.



Academic enquiries to Dr Jamie Shulmeister 
(james.shulmeister at canterbury.ac.nz).

Applications, quoting vacancy number U2039, close 13th December 2002 with 
the Human Resources Manager, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, 
Christchurch, New Zealand.







Jamie Shulmeister

Senior Lecturer

Department of Geological Sciences

University of Canterbury

Private Bag 4800

New Zealand



fax +64-364 2769

work phone +64-3-3642762

Home phone +64-3-3511244


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