mussels

[Timothy Seiple <seiple@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear readers,  My name is Tim Seiple, I am a student at Dickinson 
College in Carlisle PA.  My paleontology class is conducting a survey 
project on the growth incriments of mussel shells; both on the external 
shell and on the inner muscle layer.  This area of study has sometimes 
been refered to as sclerochronology.  Our study will be concentrated on 
the East Coast, particularlly around the Susquahanna River for 
convience mostly.  My responsibilty is to compile a list of possible 
variables that may affect or cause growth incriments.  How can we 
interpret them.  What are leading theories about these incriments.  
Someone please point me in the right direction.  Thank you.  A learning 
paleotologist.        Timothy Seiple. (Seiple@Dickinson.edu)