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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology (Funding Opportunity Number 16-536)

1) What is this NSF grant opportunity?

This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program titled "Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology", Funding Opportunity Number 16-536. It supports basic research that uses sedimentary rocks and the fossil record to understand how Earth and life have changed through deep time.

2) What kinds of research does the program support overall?

The program supports research that connects geological processes, sedimentary environments, and biological evolution, with an emphasis on extracting information preserved in rock sequences, fossils, and sedimentary deposits.

3) Is this basic research or applied research?

Based on the listing, the program supports basic research.

4) How broad is the scientific scope?

The scope is described as broad, but it is centered on five main themes that relate to sedimentary geology, paleobiology, time in the stratigraphic record, and deep-time Earth systems.

5) What are the five main research themes?

The opportunity centers on these five themes:

1. Deep-time changes in life, ecosystems, environments, and biogeographic patterns using fossil evidence.
2. Studies of the sedimentary lithosphere, including what sedimentary rocks reveal about Earth processes and resources stored in sedimentary sequences.
3. Geochronology and event sequencing in sedimentary and fossil records (dating, rates, and correlation across regions).
4. Production, transport, and deposition of sediments (modern and ancient), including physical and chemical sedimentary processes.
5. Deep-time climate systems before the Holocene, reconstructed using sedimentary and paleobiological evidence.

6) What does the program mean by studying changes in life and ecosystems through geologic time?

This theme includes research that uses fossil organisms as primary evidence to reconstruct ancient communities, track evolutionary and ecological shifts, and connect biological changes to environmental drivers recorded in the stratigraphic record.

7) What types of work fall under the "sedimentary lithosphere" theme?

This theme focuses on what sedimentary rocks reveal about Earth processes and about organic and inorganic resources stored in sedimentary sequences. Examples named in the listing include research on basin histories, stratigraphy, diagenesis, and the formation and distribution of materials preserved in sedimentary archives.

8) What does the opportunity say about geochronology and event sequencing?

The program supports methods and applications that improve how scientists date past events, measure rates of change, and correlate rock and fossil records across different regions, specifically in sedimentary and fossil archives.

9) Does the program support research on modern sedimentary processes, ancient processes, or both?

Both. The listing states support for studies of sediment production, transport, and deposition in modern and ancient contexts.

10) What is included under sediment production, transport, and deposition?

This theme includes research on physical and chemical sedimentary processes that create the stratigraphic record, such as how sediments are generated, moved through landscapes and oceans, and preserved. It also includes how chemical sediments form and what they indicate about past conditions.

11) Does the program support deep-time climate research?

Yes. One theme specifically encourages research that advances understanding of Earth's deep-time climate systems before the Holocene, using sedimentary and paleobiological evidence to reconstruct past climates, climate dynamics, and long-term environmental change.

12) Is there a specific time period emphasis mentioned?

The listing highlights deep time and explicitly mentions climate systems before the Holocene.

13) When can proposals be submitted?

Proposals can be submitted at any time. The listing indicates there is no fixed deadline and proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

14) Approximately how many awards does NSF expect to make?

NSF anticipates making around 30 awards.

15) Is an award ceiling specified?

No. The provided listing states that an award ceiling is not specified.

16) What is the funding mechanism or activity area described in the listing?

The opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant within NSF's Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area.

17) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.050.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility category is listed as "Others". The listing notes that additional eligibility details are referenced in the full announcement.

19) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 16-536.

20) When was the solicitation posted/created?

The solicitation was posted and created on February 3, 2016.

21) What evidence sources does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes information preserved in rock sequences, fossils, and sedimentary deposits, including the stratigraphic record and sedimentary archives.

22) Is the program focused on linking biological evolution to environmental change?

Yes. The description highlights studies that connect biological change to environmental drivers recorded in strata and sedimentary deposits.

23) Does the program mention correlation across regions?

Yes. Under geochronology and event sequencing, the listing includes improving the ability to correlate rock and fossil records across regions.

24) Does this opportunity mention specific sub-disciplines within sedimentary geology?

Yes. It explicitly mentions topics such as basin histories, stratigraphy, and diagenesis as examples within the sedimentary lithosphere theme.