Hot Times in the Eocene – #365papers – 2017 – 12

#365papers for January 12, 2017

Methner, Mulch, Fiebig, Wacker, Gerdes, Graham, and Chamberlain, 2016, Rapid Middle Eocene temperature change in western North America: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 450, p. 132-139.

What’s it about?

This paper discusses the use of multiple geochemical methods to study an episode of extreme warmth in Earth’s history. The authors were able to determine the magnitude of the warming and used multiple methods to assign ages to the rocks involved. Using other chemical and geological methods, the authors were also able to show how this warming and subsequent cooling changed the overall climate in the interior of North America.

Why does it matter?

Such studies are helpful for us to understand the impacts of rapid global warming. In this case, the region got both warmer and wetter.

Why did I read this?

This paper is important to some research I’m doing about climate change during the Middle Eocene. It was a no-brainer..