News From the Field
Rare Antarctic Fossils Reveal Extinction of Tundra Before Full Polar Climate Arrived

August 5, 2008

An unusual and amazing discovery of fossilized plants and insects in an ice-free region of Antarctica reveals the last traces of tundra before a dramatic and abrupt cooling some 14 million years ago. An international team, led by earth scientist Robert Marchant of Boston University, documented the magnitude and the timing of the climate change. Their research suggests that climate conditions over a considerable portion of Antarctica seem impervious to moderate global warming. Full Story

Source
Boston University

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, its budget was $7.0 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 50,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $593 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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