NSF Org:	BCS Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences
Recipient:	UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
Initial Amendment Date:	May 13, 1996
Latest Amendment Date:	May 13, 1996
Award Number:	9628765
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Ngoc Linh Lam BCS  Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences SBE  Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences
Start Date:	June 1, 1996
End Date:	October 31, 1998 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$9,975.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$9,975.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 1996 = $9,975.00
History of Investigator:	George Brook (Principal Investigator) gabrook@uga.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc 310 E CAMPUS RD RM 409 ATHENS GA  US  30602-1589 (706)542-5939
Sponsor Congressional District:	10
Primary Place of Performance:	University of Georgia 623 BOYD GRADUATE RESEARCH CTR ATHENS GA  US  30602-0001
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	10
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	NMJHD63STRC5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	Geography and Spatial Sciences
Primary Program Source:	app-0196
Program Reference Code(s):	9179, SMET
Program Element Code(s):	135200
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.075

ABSTRACT

Webster, James W U of Georgia This proposal examines late quaternary climatic variation within the Maya Lowlands, Belize as evidenced by variations in speleothem deposition. Currently available paleoclimatic records for the Maya Lowlands of Central America are inadequate because detailed paleoclimate proxy data are difficult to obtain in humid, tropical areas. Speleothems are thought to be a source of high resolution paleoclimate data. The aims of the research are to examine speleothems as a source of paleoclimate proxy data and construct a regional, high resolution proxy record of climatic variation for up to 2000 years B.P. In addition, an attempt will be made to establish whether climate variation may have contributed to the decline of the Mayan civilization. Such results may allow prediction of future climate fluctuations for the region. Speleothems from the study area will examined petrographically and by digital image analysis. Spectral methods will then be used to analyze the observed record and compare it with existing climate data. The research is significant because it is the first high-resolution record of paleoclimate for Central America. The results will contribute to our understanding of the Maya collapse and add to the growing body of knowledge concerning speleothems in climate research.

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