Geological Observations Supporting Dynamic Climatic Changes

Abstract

The Eocene Green River Formation in Wyoming has long served as a standard for lacustrine depositional systems. This lacustrine formation, excluding the culminating phase, was deposited in a closed hydrographic basin. The position of the boundary between lake and mudflat margin was dictated by the inflow/evaporation ratio (inflow greater than evaporation = transgression; inflow less than evaporation = regression). All members of the Green River Formation are characterized by repetitive stratification sequences. In the Tipton and Laney members, the repetitive stratification sequences are laminated, kerogen-rich carbonates with fish fossils overlain by dolostone with numerous desiccation features. In contrast, in the middle member (Wilkins Peak), the typical stratification sequence is trona (evaporate) overlain by dolostone, overlain by kerogen-rich carbonate (oil shale). All these stratification sequences can be explained as products of dynamic climate change and a consequent imbalance between inflow and evaporation which probably resulted from the earth’s processional variations. The evidence for global warming and climate change (prior to anthropogenic green house gas (GHG) emissions) is undeniable. The crucial question is, are anthropogenic GHG emissions accelerating the rate of climate change? The confluence of rising global temperature with substantial increases in GHG emissions since the beginning of the industrial revolution strongly suggests that the answer to this question is yes.