PALYNOLOGY OF THE HANNA BASIN, WY DURING THE PALEOCENE EOCENE THERMAL MAXIMUM

The Paleocene-Eocene (P-E) Boundary is marked by a global climatic event known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. It has been suggested that this period is the best known analogue for modern climate change. Therefore understanding the ecological and environmental impacts of the PETM may provide insight into the future of modern climate change. The Hanna Basin in Southern Wyoming is host to a relatively unexplored P-E boundary section. Preliminary palynological studies suggest that the Hanna Basin PETM flora may have been more similar to subtropical Gulf Coast floras, than to the well studied Northern Wyoming Bighorn Basin Floras. In addition, alder pollen average pore number shifts from tetra- to penta-porate near the P-E Boundary, possibly indicating a change in local humidity. Deepening our understanding of past climate events and ecological affects is essential in preparing for potential ecological affects of modern climate change.