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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements

Published on: September 7, 2019

Elevated Eocene atmospheric CO2 and its subsequent decline.

Tim K Lowenstein¹, Robert V Demicco

¹Department of Geological Sciences and Environmental Studies, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA. lowenst@binghamton.edu

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|September 30, 2006

Summary

Atmospheric carbon dioxide ([CO2]atm) levels during the early Eocene exceeded 1125 ppm, indicating high concentrations coincided with prolonged global warmth. This ancient climate data is crucial for understanding future climate change scenarios.

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Area of Science:

Paleoclimatology
Geochemistry

Background:

Understanding past atmospheric carbon dioxide ([CO2]atm) concentrations is vital for predicting future climate change, especially as anthropogenic emissions approach 1000 parts per million by volume (ppm).
The early Eocene epoch (56-49 million years ago) represents a period of prolonged, high global temperatures in Earth's recent history.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify atmospheric CO2 concentrations during the early Eocene warm period.
To establish a link between high atmospheric CO2 and Eocene warmth.

Main Methods:

Analysis of sodium carbonate minerals (nahcolite and halite) precipitated in saline lakes.
Geochemical examination of mineral samples preserved in the Green River Formation.

Main Results:

Coprecipitation of nahcolite (NaHCO3) and halite (NaCl) indicates atmospheric CO2 levels greater than 1125 ppm.
This concentration is over four times preindustrial levels.

Conclusions:

High atmospheric CO2 concentrations were present during the early Eocene.
The findings confirm that elevated CO2 levels coincided with the prolonged warmth of the Eocene epoch.