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Tectonic degassing drove global temperature trends since 20 Ma
Timothy D Herbert1, Colleen A Dalton1, Zhonghui Liu2
1DEEPS, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 30, 2022
Summary
The Miocene Climatic Optimum saw warmer global temperatures due to increased tectonic activity. This study links ocean crustal production to climate shifts, explaining long-term temperature changes.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Geophysics
- Oceanography
Background:
- The Miocene Climatic Optimum (~17-14 Ma) was a warm period interrupting Cenozoic cooling.
- Global temperatures during this epoch were significantly warmer than today (~10°C).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the drivers of the Miocene Climatic Optimum.
- Reconstruct past ocean crustal production as a proxy for tectonic carbon degassing.
- Correlate tectonic activity with global temperature trends.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized marine paleotemperature records.
- Developed a high-resolution global reconstruction of ocean crustal production.
- Analyzed the relationship between crustal production rates and global temperature evolution.
Main Results:
- Ocean crustal production rates were ~35% higher than modern rates until ~14 Ma.
- A steep decline in crustal production after ~14 Ma coincided with falling global temperatures.
- Inferred changes in tectonic degassing explain major long-term climate shifts since 20 Ma.
Conclusions:
- Tectonic degassing significantly influenced Miocene climate.
- Changes in ocean crustal production are a primary driver of long-term global temperature and ice sheet evolution.
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