From June 2nd to 6th a workshop investigating Middle Jurassic strata in an international team effort on the frame of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Project (ICDP) was held in Figueira da Foz in Portugal. This included the possibility of drilling a dedicated core in Portugal and/or in other location(s). The workshop included lectures, discussion rounds, and an excursion in excellent weather to look at possible localities for further investigations.
Middle Jurassic strata, sometimes including marl-limestone alterations, are scientifically interesting because of numerous aspects. These were deposited under similar to recent CO2 concentrations and may provide further information on how Earth’s climate systems works under similar conditions. Their timing of deposition is generally little understood, as is the polarity time scale; absolute dated sections are sparse. At LIAG, a key focus lies in comparing rock magnetic and downhole logging data with datasets jointly acquired with BGR from German reference sections. Meanwhile, the Geology Section (IESW, LUH) is concentrating on the application and interpretation of geochemical proxies to reconstruct environmental changes during the Middle Jurassic. A joint proposal for the DFG to work on the rocks seen in Portugal is planned – and an assessment in comparison to data from German strata of similar age.
