Abstract
As the most significant carbon isotope excursion in the past ∼10 Ma, the Late Miocene Carbon Isotope Shift (LMCIS, ∼7.65 to 6.5 Ma) offers a great opportunity to investigate the carbon-climate dynamics in a warmer-than-today world. However, the driving mechanisms of the LMCIS remain controversial. In this study, we used a 7-box biogeochemical model to simulate the long-term sea water δ13C and atmospheric CO2 changes during the late Miocene. Based on quantitative parameterization of two terrestrial processes (C4-grasses expansion and enhanced weathering input) during the late Miocene, our results show that the synergy between the two terrestrial processes may ultimately result in the LMCIS via the perturbation of the land-sea carbon fluxes. Moreover, our results reveal that the re-partitioning of alkalinity and nutrients between the land and the ocean may have influenced the long-term atmospheric CO2 change during the late Miocene.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call