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Towards interactive global paleogeographic maps, new reconstructions at 60, 40 and 20 Ma
- Source :
- Earth-Science Reviews, Earth-Science Reviews, 2021, 214, 214, pp.103508. ⟨10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103508⟩, Earth-Science Reviews, Elsevier, 2021, 214, 214, pp.103508. ⟨10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103508⟩, Earth-Science Reviews, 214, 1. Elsevier
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- HAL CCSD, 2021.
-
Abstract
- International audience; Paleogeographic maps are essential tools for understanding Earth system dynamics. They provide boundary conditions for climate and geodynamic modelling, for analysing surface processes and biotic interactions. However, the temporal and spatial distribution of key features such as seaways and mountain belts that govern climate changes and biotic interchange differ between various paleogeographies that require regular updates with new data and models. We developed a reproducible and systematic approach to paleogeographic reconstruction and provide a set of worldwide Cenozoic paleogeographic maps at 60, 40 and 20 Ma. We followed a six-stage methodology that integrates an extensive review of geological data into a coherent plate tectonic model using the open source software GPlates. (1) We generated a global plate kinematic model, and reconstructed intensely-deformed plate boundaries using a review of structural, paleomagnetic and other geologic data in six key regions: the Andes, the North American Cordillera, the Scotia Arc, Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Tibetan-Himalayan collision zone. (2) We modified previously published paleobathymetry in several regions where continental and oceanic crust overlap due to differences in the plate models. (3) We then defined paleoshorelines using updated fossil and geologic databases to locate the terrestrial to marine transition. (4) We applied isostatic compensation in polar regions and global eustatic sea level adjustments. (5) Paleoelevations were estimated using a broad range of data including thermochronology and stable isotopes, combined with paleobotanical (mostly pollen and leaf physiognomy), structural and geomorphological data. We address ongoing controversies on the mechanisms and chronology of India-Asia collision by providing alternate reconstructions for each time slice. We finally discuss the implications of our reconstructions on the Cenozoic evolution of continental weatherability and review methodological limitations and potential improvements. Future addition of new data, tools and reconstructions can be accommodated through a dedicated interactive website tool (https://map.paleoenvironment.eu/) that enables users to interactively upload and download data and compare with other models, and generate their own plots. Our aim is to regularly update the models presented here with new data as they become available.
- Subjects :
- Paleomagnetism
010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences
Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
Climate change
Tibetan-Himalayan orogen
010502 geochemistry & geophysics
01 natural sciences
Eocene-Oligocene transition
Paleontology
Oceanic crust
Paleoclimatology
paleoclimate
Sea level
0105 earth and related environmental sciences
[SDU.STU.TE]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Earth Sciences/Tectonics
Cenozoic
Paleoelevation
15. Life on land
Collision zone
Paleogeographic maps
Earth system science
Plate tectonics
13. Climate action
[SDU.STU.CL]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Earth Sciences/Climatology
General Earth and Planetary Sciences
Geology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00128252
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Earth-Science Reviews, Earth-Science Reviews, 2021, 214, 214, pp.103508. ⟨10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103508⟩, Earth-Science Reviews, Elsevier, 2021, 214, 214, pp.103508. ⟨10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103508⟩, Earth-Science Reviews, 214, 1. Elsevier
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....ad50998969711b83920c7c042392140c