What is PUFINS?

 

PUFINS stands for Paleo Unsaturated-alkenone Fluxes In Northwest-Sediments

This research study is a collaboration between the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University, and the Rutgers University Geology Museum.  This 14-day expedition will pair researchers and educators on a deep-sea sediment coring cruise off the coast of New Jersey and Nova Scotia.

Scientists hope to recover cores from the Holocene period (the last ~12,000 years) to reconstruct sea-surface temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean by examining the changes in alkenones recorded in the fossils found in the sediments.  This data will allow researchers to address questions about the “Holocene Conundrum”, an issue hotly debated in the climate community, where cooling trends are observed in the North Atlantic during an otherwise warming world.  

 

Stay Connected with PUFINS

 

Follow the PUFINS team for updates from sea, live-stream events, access to educational material, and other outreach and educational events.  Learn more about the scientists and educators on the team by checking out our “Meet the Team” page and be sure to follow us on social media!

 

Calling all Science Educators

 

Are you an educator looking for resources to use in your classroom? 

• Check out our educational resources page
• Stay updated by signing up for our email notification list.
• Submit a request for a PUFINS educator or researcher to speak to your classroom.  (Spaces are limited and will be booked at the discretion of the PUFINS team.)