Abstract
Middle Eocene climatic reconstruction has long been the focus of geoscientists. However, quantitative temperature records for this interval remain lacking. The easternmost Tethys realm is especially problematic, because the traditional climatic proxies are limited by the presence of widespread and thick evaporite deposits. In this study, we present the first quantitative seawater temperatures records revealed by homogenization temperatures (Th) of primary halite fluid inclusions from the Middle Eocene Xiaokuzibai Formation of the Kuqa Basin in western China. A total of 231 Th data were obtained from two halite samples, with values ranging from 12.8 to 37.3 °C. Average Th values of 22.4 °C and 23.3 °C are in good agreement with the previous studies of climatic proxies. By combining our results with previously reported temperature records, we infer that the entire Tethys realm experienced similar climate conditions during the Middle Eocene, including a maximum seawater temperature above 34 °C, which may be related to the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum.
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