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Estimates of cenozoic oceanic sedimentation rates
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 1, 1977
Summary
Global ocean sedimentation rates show synchronous Cenozoic fluctuations, varying significantly between Paleocene-early Eocene and middle Eocene periods. These shifts suggest changes in continental weathering and atmospheric circulation patterns, impacting global precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Paleoceanography
- Climate Science
- Geology
Background:
- Oceanic sedimentation rates provide insights into Earth's past climate and geological processes.
- Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago to present) experienced significant climatic shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global synchronous fluctuations in Cenozoic ocean sedimentation rates.
- To investigate the link between sedimentation rates, continental weathering, and atmospheric circulation.
Main Methods:
- Estimation of average Cenozoic sedimentation rates for major oceans (Atlantic, Indian, Pacific).
- Comparative analysis of sedimentation rates across different Cenozoic epochs.
Main Results:
- Identified synchronous fluctuations in sedimentation rates across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
- Observed significantly lower rates during the Paleocene-early Eocene and late Eocene-early Miocene compared to the middle Eocene and middle Miocene-Recent.
- These variations suggest distinct modes of continental weathering and altered atmospheric circulation.
Conclusions:
- Cenozoic ocean sedimentation patterns reflect global climate and geological events.
- Changes in weathering and precipitation are key drivers of observed sedimentation rate fluctuations.
- Alternate states of atmospheric circulation may explain the observed synchronous changes.
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