
Dr. Koltai from the Department of Geology at the University of Innsbruck spent five days at the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University, working on cave deposits in the laboratory.
She and her research colleagues analysed a stalagmite from an Austrian cave that was deposited at during the last deglaciation, a very interesting period characterized by large climate swings. They were interested in whether this stalagmite retains a volcanic signal related to the Laacher See volcanic eruption. Furthermore, they performed high-resolution trace element analyses of cave deposits, cryogenic cave carbonates to gain further insight into their formation mechanisms.
Moreover, Dr. Koltai gave a public lecture about her ongoing research on cryogenic cave carbonates that was followed by inspiring discussions with other members of the faculty which may lead to future collaborations. They will present these results at a conference (EGU 2023) and continue this research collaboration.
Dr. Koltai summed up her research visit by saying: "Prof. Baldini was extremely helpful and supportive; I had a very inspiring time at the University of Durham. I appreciate the financial support provided by the BritInn, the Faculty of Geology and Atmospheric Sciences, and the Research Center Geodynamics and Geomaterials."
Read the full report here:
BritInn Fellow Report
