About
Elena Turco is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma, Italy, holding this position since 2015 after serving as a University researcher from 2000 to 2015. Her academic foundation includes a post-doctoral fellowship at Utrecht University and doctoral training through a consortium of Italian universities.
Education:
- PhD in Earth Sciences (1995), consortium of Universities of Ferrara, Florence, Parma and Pavia
- Degree in Geological Sciences (1991), University of Parma
Her research centers on high-resolution biostratigraphy and biochronology of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages across the Oligo-Miocene boundary, utilizing astronomical and magnetostratigraphic calibration. She investigates paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic dynamics of Miocene Mediterranean and oceanic environments, with emphasis on sedimentary cyclicity and foraminiferal-sediment facies relationships. Her work integrates micropaleontology with geochemical proxies to reconstruct paleoenvironmental shifts.
Recent publications (2019-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on Neogene stratigraphic refinement, particularly GSSP definitions for Miocene stages and Mediterranean paleoenvironmental evolution. These studies employ integrated methodologies including bio-magnetostratigraphy, stable isotope analysis, and rock magnetism to establish chronostratigraphic frameworks and climate models.
Turco actively participates in national research projects (Prin 2006, Cofin series) and international collaborations (NWO, ESF, EU), including industry partnerships with Petrobras and British Gas. Her leadership roles include Vice-Chair of the Subcommission on Neogene Stratigraphy (ICS/IUGS) since 2020 and prior service as Secretary (2004-2020), directing global efforts to standardize Miocene chronostratigraphy through GSSP working groups.
