(24 July 2017) Claudia Agnini is the only Italian university researcher selected for the “Expedition 371”, one of the most important international associations (USA – Japan – Europe) for deep ocean perforations called IODP – International Ocean Discovery Program. Expedition 371’s scientific purpose is twofold: studying tectonic plates in this particular geographic area and solving the paleo climatic enigma. It is Agnini’s second research experience after her first one in 2012 where she studied the perforations of the Northwest Atlantic area south of Newfoundland in Canada. Agnini is a researcher from the Department of Geosciences at the University of Padua. She will depart on July 27 from Townsville, Australia on-board of the Joides Resolution ship. Selected as a paleontologist and expert in calcareous nano-fossils, the professor of micropaleontology and paleoclimatology in Padua, Agnini is one of the 31 researchers part of the “Tasman Frontier Subduction Initiation and Paleogene Climate” mission that will end in Hobart, Tasmania on September 26th (Expedition 371 – 2017). As a micropaleontologist, her role will be to classify calcitic microfossils to date the sediments recovered in the coring during the expedition. This expedition represents a prestigious and fundamental experience because “today’s study of what happened 50-60 million years ago, will allow us to understand how the climate will be on Earth and our near future” states Agnini. (Red)
