Climate-independent paleoaltimetry using stomatal density in fossil leaves as a proxy for CO2 partial pressure

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 2004 Climate-independent paleoaltimetry using stomatal density in fossil leaves as a proxy for CO2 partial pressure Jennifer C. McElwain Jennifer C. McElwain 1Department of Geology, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2004) 32 (12): 1017–1020. https://doi.org/10.1130/G20915.1 Article history received: 21 Jun 2004 rev-recd: 01 Sep 2004 accepted: 04 Sep 2004 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Jennifer C. McElwain; Climate-independent paleoaltimetry using stomatal density in fossil leaves as a proxy for CO2 partial pressure. Geology 2004;; 32 (12): 1017–1020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G20915.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Existing methods for determining paleoelevation are primarily limited by (1) large errors (±450 m), (2) a reliance on incorrect assumptions that lapse rates in terrestrial temperature decrease with altitude in a globally predictable manner, and/or (3) are inherently climate dependent. Here I present a novel paleoelevation tool, based on a predictable, globally conserved decrease in CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) with altitude, as indicated by increased stomatal frequency of plant leaves. The approach was validated using historical populations of black oak (Quercus kelloggii). These analyses demonstrate highly significant inverse relationships between stomatal frequency and pCO2 (r2 > 0.73), independent of ecological or local climatic variability. As such, this is the first paleobotanical method to be globally applicable and independent of long-term Cenozoic climate change. Further, tests on modern leaves of known elevations indicate that species-specific application to the fossil record of Q. kelloggii (= Q. pseudolyrata) will yield paleoelevation estimates within average errors of ∼±300 m, representing a significant improvement in accuracy over the majority of existing methods. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.