National Training Workshop: Advanced Analytical Techniques, Software, and Field Methods for Quaternary Research

Date: 25^th November - 29^th November, 2024.

Venue: IITM, Pune

Application Link : Closed

The application closing date has been extended to 24 September 2024.

Background

India boasts a rich heritage and remarkable geological, biological, and cultural diversity. The region is significantly influenced by the monsoon system and is home to several unique geological terrains. To support the advancement of Quaternary research in the Indian subcontinent, the Association of Quaternary Research (AOQR) was established. India's unique setting, geology, populace, and interactions among its various spheres contribute to its distinctiveness. Scientists from MoES institutes are actively involved in AOQR's activities.

To foster the development of paleoclimate research in India, it is essential to provide young students and early career researchers with training in various archives, proxies, advanced techniques, statistical tools/software packages, and state-of-the-art instruments. In line with this objective, a training workshop titled “Paleoclimate Archives-Proxies and Measurement Techniques” was held at IITM, Pune, from January 23rd to 27th, 2023.

Building on the success of this workshop, we propose to organize a follow-up training workshop at IITM from November 25^th to 29^th, 2024, specifically for PhD students in India. The proposed workshop, “Training Workshop on Quaternary Research: Analytical Techniques, Data Processing, and Advanced Software,” aims to enhance the capacity and advance paleoclimate research in the country.

PhD students in the early stages of their research would greatly benefit from interactions with leading scientists in the field, as well as hands-on training with state-of-the-art instruments, techniques, and statistical tools/software packages. The overall goal is to cultivate a pool of talented and well-trained young researchers in the field of paleoclimate who can significantly contribute to the development and progress of paleoclimate research in India.

Themes and Topics

This workshop will focus on key and emerging topics related to the physical, chemical, and geological processes that govern climatic variations during the Quaternary period. Themes will include land and aquatic proxies and related measurement techniques, as well as recent advances in statistical methods and software packages. The workshop will feature a mix of plenary lectures, laboratory training, and fieldwork.

The broad topics of the workshop are:

•  Stable Isotope Applications: Preparation of samples (foraminifera, speleothem, tree-ring), analyses using IRMS, data processing, and interpretation.

•  Aqueous and Sedimentary Geochemistry: Sampling, sample processing, and analyses using Q-ICPMS, ion chromatography, and AAS.

•  Dendroclimatology: Cross-dating with C-DENDRO and skeleton plot methods, ARSTAN, RCS-Signal free chronology program, split method.

•  Diatom Identification and Measurement: Modern and Holocene diatom diversity, diatom enumeration using light and scanning microscopy, environmental reconstruction.

•  Archaeology: Surveying archaeological sites, analyzing various archaeological materials (e.g., plants, grains, pollen, animal and human bones), and employing forensic science methods.