Pliocene climate and seasonality in North Atlantic shelf seas.
Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci
; 367(1886): 85-108, 2009 Jan 13.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18852093
ABSTRACT
This paper reviews North Atlantic shelf seas palaeoclimate during the interval 4-3Ma, prior to and incorporating the 'Mid-Pliocene warm period' (ca 3.29-2.97Ma). Fossil assemblages and stable isotope data demonstrate northwards extension of subtropical faunas along the coast of the Carolinas-Virginia (Yorktown and Duplin Formations) relative to the present day, suggesting a more vigorous Florida Current, with reduced seasonality and warm water extending north of Cape Hatteras (reconstructed annual range for Virginia 12-30 degrees C). This interpretation supports conceptual models of increased meridional heat transport for the Pliocene. Sea temperatures for Florida (Lower Pinecrest Beds) were similar to or slightly cooler than (summers 25-27 degrees C) today, and were probably influenced by seasonal upwelling of cold deep water. Reduced seasonality is also apparent in the Coralline Crag Formation of the southern North Sea, with ostracods suggesting winter sea temperatures of 10 degrees C (modern 4 degrees C). However, estimates from Pliocene bivalves (3.6-16.6 degrees C) are similar to or cooler than the present day. This 'mixed' signal is problematic given warmer seas in the Carolinas-Virginia, and climate model and oceanographic data that show warmer seas in the 'Mid-Pliocene' eastern North Atlantic. This may be because the Coralline Crag Formation was deposited prior to peak Mid-Pliocene warmth.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Estaciones del Año
/
Bivalvos
/
Clima
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci
Asunto de la revista:
BIOFISICA
/
ENGENHARIA BIOMEDICA
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido