University of Michigan
2005-2006 Distinguished Lecturer
The Once and Future Warm Earth: A Paleoceanographic View

Predictions of climatic warming in the near future, if true, will approximate the very warm conditions of the early to mid Eocene. By studying the early Paleogene world we may learn what may be in store for us, as well as better understand the processes by which such a warm climate is developed—and ended. In the early and mid Eocene the Arctic Ocean was ice-free and subtropical flora and fauna were found in its waters and along it shores. The tropical oceans of the time of peak Eocene warmth give evidence of relatively weak trade winds and a diminished equatorial divergence. It is likely that this increased warmth, especially at high latitudes, was effected by atmospheric heat transport and greenhouse gases rather than by ocean heat transport.

Ted Moore was a shipboard scientist on DSDP Legs 8 and 17. He was Co-Chief Scientist of DSDP Leg 74 and has served as shipboard scientist on ODP Legs 138 and 199. He was also a shipboard scientist on the recent IODP Expedition 302 to the Arctic Ocean.

September 16, 2005 – University of Northern Colorado
September 28, 2005 – Elizabeth City State University
October 7, 2005 – East Carolina University
October 25, 2005 – College of Wooster
November 4, 2005 – University of South Florida
November 9, 2005 – Rutgers University
January 27, 2006 – Florida International University
February 16, 2006 – New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology