Late Early Silurian (Wenlockian) paleoclimate using a general circulation model
The Silurian Period (439--409 Ma) is synonymous with organic-rich, graptolitic, black shales. The physical conditions that prevailed during the Mid-Silurian drove the paleoclimate and controlled the deposition of this globally ubiquitous, lithotope. The paleoclimate in turn concomitantly created a paleoceanic environment favorable for the generation, deposition, and preservation of phytoplankton. A study of the relationship of the paleogeographic framework on the paleoclimate conditions that forced the deposition of this unique rock type is a problem suitable for study with a general circulation model. For this study the authors chose the Wenlockian Stage (430--424 Ma), the late Early Silurian. The Wenlockian physical world was composed of an oceanic northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere dominated by the giant continent of Gondwana. The high latitude position of Gondwana placed much of its extensive margin in the mid-latitudes. Laurentia and Baltica occupied a tropical position while Siberia and Kazakh laid to the north. The Silurian fits a paleoatmosphere with an elevated greenhouse effect. Estimated Silurian values of atmospheric CO[sub 2] vary. They chose 1,120 ppm CO[sub 2], a value of 4[times] that of the pre-industrial level. The overall paleoclimate is forced by the diverse paleogeography of the two hemispheres. The northern hemisphere is dominated by strong zonality in all seasons. In contrast, the continental southern hemisphere reactors to the summer heating and winter cooling of Gondwana.
- OSTI ID:
- 5807696
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-921058-; CODEN: GAAPBC
- Journal Information:
- Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States), Vol. 24:7; Conference: 1992 annual meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA), Cincinnati, OH (United States), 26-29 Oct 1992; ISSN 0016-7592
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Quantitative paleogeography and accretionary history, northern Appalachians
A true polar wander model for Neoproterozoic plate motions
Related Subjects
SILURIAN PERIOD
PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
BLACK SHALES
CARBON DIOXIDE
DEPOSITION
GENERAL CIRCULATION MODELS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
PLATE TECTONICS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CLIMATIC CHANGE
GEOLOGIC AGES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PALEONTOLOGY
PALEOZOIC ERA
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SHALES
TECTONICS
580000* - Geosciences