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African Hydroclimate During the Early Eocene From the DeepMIP Simulations
Charles J R Williams1,2, Daniel J Lunt1, Ulrich Salzmann3
1School of Geographical Sciences University of Bristol Bristol UK.
Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology
|August 2, 2022
Summary
Early Eocene climate simulations reveal increased precipitation in equatorial and West Africa but drying in the north as carbon dioxide (CO2) rose. Model-data comparisons suggest a better fit at lower CO2 levels.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Climate modeling
- Earth system science
Background:
- The early Eocene epoch (approximately 56-48 million years ago) experienced significantly higher atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and global temperatures compared to present.
- The impact of these conditions on Earth's hydrological cycle, particularly in data-sparse regions like Africa, remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate African hydroclimate dynamics during the early Eocene using advanced climate models.
- To assess the influence of elevated CO2 concentrations on precipitation patterns and atmospheric circulation in Africa.
- To compare model outputs with paleobotanical proxy data for validation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ensemble of climate models from the Deep-time Model Intercomparison Project (DeepMIP) to simulate early Eocene conditions.
- Compared simulations of pre-industrial and early Eocene climates, including adjustments for land-sea mask changes.
- Incorporated quantitative climate estimates derived from paleobotanical proxy data for model-data comparison.
Main Results:
- Model ensemble mean reduces geographical and model-specific biases found in individual simulations.
- Elevated CO2 did not produce a uniform wetting or drying trend across Africa; instead, precipitation increased in equatorial and West Africa while northern Africa experienced drying.
- Simulated dynamical changes include a shift from anticyclonic to south-westerly low-level flow at high CO2 levels.
- Model-data comparison indicated a slightly better agreement with paleobotanical reconstructions at lower CO2 concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Climate model simulations provide insights into the complex African hydroclimate response to early Eocene warming and high CO2.
- Changes in land-sea mask configurations significantly influenced simulated precipitation patterns.
- Paleobotanical proxy data offer valuable constraints for validating paleoclimate model simulations.
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