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Deep-sea temperature and circulation changes at the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.

Aradhna Tripati1, Henry Elderfield

  • 1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EQ, UK. atri02@esc.cam.ac.uk

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Global warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was linked to greenhouse gases. Ocean circulation changes, particularly in the North Pacific, likely triggered methane release and sustained warming.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoceanography
  • Climate Science
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a period of rapid global warming.
  • Elevated greenhouse gas levels are the presumed driver of PETM warming.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the oceanographic conditions and circulation patterns during the PETM.
  • To determine the triggers for methane hydrate release and sustained warming.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of foraminiferal magnesium/calcium ratios to reconstruct past ocean temperatures.
  • Reconstruction of ocean circulation patterns through isotopic and geochemical proxies.

Main Results:

  • Bottom waters warmed by 4-5°C, matching tropical surface waters, with no high-latitude amplification.

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  • Intermediate waters warmed prior to the carbon isotope excursion.
  • Evidence suggests North Pacific downwelling and reduced Southern Ocean convection preceded methane release.

    • Conclusions:

    • Ocean circulation changes, specifically in the North Pacific, likely triggered methane hydrate release.
    • A shift to North Pacific deep convection at the PETM onset may have amplified and sustained global warming.