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A Paleolatitude Calculator for Paleoclimate Studies
Douwe J J van Hinsbergen1, Lennart V de Groot1, Sebastiaan J van Schaik2
1Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|June 11, 2015
Summary
Accurate paleolatitude is essential for paleoclimate studies. Using a paleomagnetic reference frame, rather than a mantle reference frame, avoids significant paleolatitude errors, as demonstrated by a new online calculator.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Paleoclimatology
- Plate Tectonics
Background:
- Paleoclimatic reconstructions require accurate paleolatitude relative to Earth's spin axis.
- Solar energy received at a location depends on its paleolatitude.
- Tectonic plate reconstructions are used to determine past locations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of paleomagnetic reference frames over mantle reference frames for paleoclimate studies.
- To introduce a new online paleolatitude calculator for the last 200 million years.
- To demonstrate how paleolatitude errors can affect paleoclimate interpretations.
Main Methods:
- Summarized plate tectonic reconstruction theory and reference frames for paleoclimate applications.
- Developed an online paleolatitude calculator using state-of-the-art plate reconstructions and global apparent polar wander paths.
- Incorporated error bars for paleolatitude estimates in the calculator.
Main Results:
- Mantle reference frames can introduce paleolatitude errors exceeding 15° (>1500 km) compared to paleomagnetic reference frames.
- The new calculator provides user-friendly paleolatitude estimates with associated error bars for the past 200 million years.
- A wider paleolatitudinal distribution of sites may explain previously observed Eocene sea surface temperature variations.
Conclusions:
- Accurate paleolatitude determination using paleomagnetic reference frames is critical for reliable paleoclimate reconstructions.
- The developed online calculator offers a valuable tool for researchers by providing accurate paleolatitude estimates with uncertainties.
- This tool can help refine our understanding of past climate dynamics and environmental conditions.
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