Ostracods are microscopic bivalved crustaceans that are common in most type of water.
Their shells are readily preserved in sediments and they are extremely valuable Quaternary palaeoenvironmental indicators. Moreover, their low-Mg calcite shells can be used for trace element and stable isotope analyses. The aim of this course is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the role of ostracods in Quaternary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on both marine and non-marine ostracods and their application to Quaternary research. Course outline 1.