Importance of Quaternary Research

The Quaternary period is a period of geologic time that refers to the three most recent periods in the Cenozoic Era. This period extends from around 2.6 million years ago to the present day Quaternary research, however, involves more than the specifics of geology. While Quaternary research can apply to geologic staples, such as ocean and lake sediments, glaciers, ice cores, and rock formations, this field also extends to studies of the earth’s atmosphere, modern flora, modern fauna, fossils, and pollen. Currently, Quaternary research has become increasingly important due to issues of global climate change. Quaternary researchers delve into this topic by examining terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric relationships, in addition to creating testable computer models for gauging the changes currently taking place on the earth, and its possible outcomes.

The term Quaternary, which mean fourth, was first put forth by Giovanni Arduino in Italy, when he sought to describe alluvial deposits found in the valley of the Po River in the mid-18th century. In the following years, other began to use the name to describe geologic phenomena which occurred during or after the glaciations that occurred during the Pleistocene period. As such, what many refer to as the ice age, is covered under Quaternary research. The period also extends to the present, which is referred to as the Holocene period.
However, as the term gained widespread usage, it was usually restricted to referring to specific local and regional divisions. During the 1970’s, the International Commission on Stratigraphy, or the ICS, began the process of producing a time scale that could describe geologic time internationally. A controversy arose related to the boundaries of the Pleistocene period, and the ICS proposed abolishing the term Quaternary. However, due to pressure from the International Union for Quaternary Research, the term was retained. Officially, however, it was not until the year 2009 that the Quaternary described youngest part of the Cenozoic, from approximately 2.6 million years ago to the present.

The International Union for Quaternary Research began in 1928, and they currently hold international congresses every four years. Many other organizations for the study of this period have existed or have existed since the 18th century. Many others are national groups that study the period in a specific region. In Australia, the Australasian Quaternary Association, AQUA, first met in 1986, and they intend to meet every two years, though meetings sometimes occur every three years. These national meetings usually include a field expedition to a location somewhere in Australasia. They have published a newsletter since 1973, and their website contains an archive of their publications from 1973 to 2000.

Quaternary research is a growing field of study. As the issues of global climate change become more apparent, the study of the current state of the earth, and its recent history, is becoming a very important venture.

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