East Asian climate evolution during the Cenozoic: A review from the modeling perspective

Area of Science:

• Paleoclimatology
• Climate Modeling
• Geological History

Background:

• The Cenozoic East Asian monsoon climate's origin and dynamics are debated.
• Understanding this evolution is crucial for paleoclimate research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review East Asian climate evolution during the Cenozoic from a modeling perspective.
• To elucidate the dynamic mechanisms behind monsoon development.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of model results forced by paleogeographical data.
• Review of climate evolution from the early Cenozoic to the late Miocene.

Main Results:

• Early Cenozoic central Asian drylands retreated westward by the late Eocene, with wetter conditions in eastern China.
• Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations in the early Eocene correlated with a strong summer monsoon and weak winter monsoon.
• Tibetan Plateau growth strengthened the East Asian summer monsoon and aridified Central Asia, leading to modern-like monsoon by the early Miocene.
• Global cooling caused aridification in eastern China during the late Miocene, overriding paleogeographical effects.

Conclusions:

• Paleogeographical changes, especially Tibetan Plateau uplift, were critical drivers of East Asian monsoon evolution.
• Global cooling significantly influenced aridification trends in the late Cenozoic.
• The interplay between paleogeography and global climate shaped the modern East Asian monsoon system.