Integrated Paleogeographic and Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions of the Opening of the South Atlantic during the Cretaceous - Paleogene Times

• Grant number: 24/21420-2
• Support Opportunities: FAPESP Program for the South Atlantic and Antarctica (PROASA) - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Geological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Dan Valentin Palcu Rolier
• Grantee: Dan Valentin Palcu Rolier
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Luigi Jovane ; Valdecir de Assis Janasi
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/25463-0 - Integrated Paleogeographic and Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions of the Opening of the South Atlantic during the Cretaceous - Paleogene Times, BP.JP

Abstract

The South Atlantic Ocean represents a unique natural laboratory for understanding key paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental changes during the Cretaceous-Paleogene. This project aims to produce high-resolution reconstructions of the evolutionary phases of the South Atlantic, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including rock magnetism, paleoredox and paleosalinity proxies, and isotopic analyses. The investigation will integrate marine and terrestrial records, focusing on stratigraphic transitions and evaporitic events. A new rock magnetism laboratory will be established at the University of São Paulo to develop and standardize innovative approaches for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. By collaborating with international experts, the study will position the South Atlantic as a global model for ocean connectivity, contributing to broader discussions on climate change, marine ecosystems, and resource exploration. (AU)