Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar
South Mudd 365
Understanding carbon isotope records during early Paleogene greenhouse conditions
Gerald Dickens,
Professor,
Department of Earth Science,
Rice University,
The early Paleogene, nominally 62 - 58 million years ago, was characterized by major changes in Earth surface temperature. The time included the Early Eocene Climate Optimum (EECO), a multi-million year interval of peak Cenozoic warmth, as well as a series of hyperthermal events, or geological brief episodes of rapid temperature warmth, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) being the outstanding example.
The changes in temperature are associated with large changes in global carbon cycling, likely involving organic carbon. This talk highlights the above, as well as suggesting that much can be explained through a dynamic seafloor methane cycle.
For more information, please contact Kathy Young by phone at 626-395-8732 or by email at [email protected].
Event Series
Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar