Master Project Example - Refining stalagmite microthermometry: Testing for spatial heterogeneity across growth layers

Stalagmites are valuable archives to reconstruct past climate as they cover large time intervals and can be dated accurately. Microthermometry is a method that allows to reconstruct past temperature by determining the density of fluid inclusions (microscopic cavities filled with ancient drip water) through cooling/heating under a microscope. This method yields uniquely precise temperature estimates that greatly improve our understanding of continental past climate. As the method is gaining momentum and more samples have been successfully analyzed, key methodological questions remain.The aim of this master’s thesis is to contribute to the ongoing development of this innovative method by investigating non-thermal factors that may impact the results of microthermometry. Specifically, this project will focus on a potential variation of the temperature distributions measured within a same layer but across different part of a stalagmite to assess whether any systematic differences can be found with distance from the growth axis, proximity to fractures, etc. If patterns are identified, potential causes will be explored.

Project description

Research Questions

  • Are the temperatures recorded at the center of a stalagmite the same as those recorded on the sides?
  • Can sample preparation techniques have an impact on the temperature measured (e.g., extent of shattering in the sample)?
  • Could natural processes account for any observed differences (e.g., dynamics of crystallization)?
Speleothems
Photo: Robbie Shone

 

Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
Proposed courses, can be discussed:
Fall semester H25:
GEOV222 (10P)
GEOV324 (5P)
free choice (10P)

Spring semester V26:
GEOV302 (10P)
GEOV329 (10P)
GEOV342 (10P)

Fall semester H26:
GEOV300 (5P)

Field-, lab- and analysis work
Approximately 6 months with laboratory work, including sample preparation, petrographic analyses and microthermometry measurements on stalagmites from different locations and showing diverse fabrics, as well as statistical treatment of the data to assess whether or not the temperature distributions are significantly different. The candidate will also conduct optical, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analyses to further constrain the factor(s) inducing potential differences.

Supervisors

Nele Meckler (main supervisor)

Camille Afonso, UiB-GEO

Leonardo Pasqualetto, UiB-GEO

Last updated: 16.12.2025