Dr. Rhea examines a sediment core with 160 pollen grains per layer. She analyzes 6 layers. Each grain takes 45 seconds initially, but 20% of grains in the final two layers (more degraded) take 70% longer due to damage. How many total minutes does the analysis take?

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**How Dr. Rhea Examines a Sediment Core: The Details Behind Pollen Analysis—and What It Reveals About Climate History** In a quiet lab beneath the surface of modern environmental science lies a meticulous process that tells a story far older than human records—one written in microscopic pollen grains embedded in layered sediment. Dr. Rhea compares each grain across six distinct layers, analyzing 160 pollen samples per layer. Petrified in time, these tiny fossils offer clues about past climates, vegetation shifts, and ecological resilience. Understanding how long this painstaking examination takes reveals not just the time investment behind scientific discovery—but also the depth of insight it delivers. --- **Why This Research Captures Attention Across the US**