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Transient Middle Eocene atmospheric CO₂ and temperature variations
Peter K Bijl1, Alexander J P Houben, Stefan Schouten
1Biomarine Sciences, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, Netherlands. p.k.bijl@uu.nl
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 6, 2010
Summary
During the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum, rising carbon dioxide levels correlated with significant global warming. This suggests carbon dioxide (CO2) is a key driver of transient climate change.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The Eocene epoch was characterized by warmth, often linked to high atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
- A direct link between CO2 and short-term climate shifts remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between atmospheric CO2 and temperature during the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO).
- To reconstruct climate dynamics during a transient global warming event.
Main Methods:
- Utilized organic molecular paleothermometry to reconstruct sea surface temperatures (SSTs).
- Developed reconstructions of atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2).
Main Results:
- Southwest Pacific SSTs increased by 3° to 6°C during the MECO.
- Atmospheric pCO2 levels rose by a factor of 2 to 3 concurrently.
Conclusions:
- A strong correlation between rising SSTs and increasing pCO2 was observed during the MECO.
- Elevated pCO2 likely played a significant role in driving global warming during this period.
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