Project 2513 sy: Training Researchers in Core Analysis with Scanner XRF for South America (TRAC-XSA)

The climate of South America is highly complex, influenced by phenomena like El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), which impact precipitation and temperature across the continent. ​ Sediment cores from lakes, peatlands, marine, and fjord environments serve as valuable archives for understanding long-term climate variability. ​X-ray fluorescence core scanning (XRF-CS) is a non-destructive technique that provides high-resolution geochemical data, aiding in paleoclimate reconstructions. ​ Despite its global relevance, South America has historically lacked access to XRF-CS technology, limiting research output compared to the Northern Hemisphere. ​ The recent acquisition of XRF-CS equipment at the University of Concepción, Chile, offers an opportunity to bridge this gap, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among researchers, particularly Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Developing Country Researchers (DCRs). ​This initiative aims to reduce disparities in Quaternary studies between the Global North and South while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the scientific community. ​