Iris L. J. Arndt

Iris L. J. Arndt is a geochemist specializing in the application of innovative methods for reconstructing past environmental conditions. In her doctoral research, she investigates giant clams using geochemical isotope and trace element analyses to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the Late Miocene with high precision.

Her work utilizes the isotopic compositions of carbon, oxygen, and strontium, together with trace element concentrations such as barium, magnesium, and sodium in clam shells. This approach enables her to reconstruct seasonal temperature variations of up to 4°C, approximately twice the magnitude of present-day seasonal fluctuations in the study region.

Her first publication from this project, currently under review, provides important δ¹⁸O data that can serve as a foundation for future studies on Late Miocene climate dynamics. The next stage of her research will involve dual clumped isotope analyses of modern clam shells to investigate seasonal variations in temperature and seawater δ¹⁸O with even greater resolution.

Her innovative project has the potential to make a substantial contribution to paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Equally noteworthy is her commitment to supporting women in the geosciences. The Beate Mocek Award will not only support her research but also strengthen her scientific career by enabling her to present her methods and results to a broader international audience.