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Proxy evidence for state-dependence of climate sensitivity in the Eocene greenhouse

Author

Listed:
  • E. Anagnostou

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel
    University of Southampton Waterfront Campus)

  • E. H. John

    (Cardiff University)

  • T. L. Babila

    (University of Southampton Waterfront Campus)

  • P. F. Sexton

    (The Open University)

  • A. Ridgwell

    (University of California)

  • D. J. Lunt

    (University of Bristol, University Rd)

  • P. N. Pearson

    (Cardiff University)

  • T. B. Chalk

    (University of Southampton Waterfront Campus)

  • R. D. Pancost

    (University of Bristol)

  • G. L. Foster

    (University of Southampton Waterfront Campus)

Abstract

Despite recent advances, the link between the evolution of atmospheric CO2 and climate during the Eocene greenhouse remains uncertain. In particular, modelling studies suggest that in order to achieve the global warmth that characterised the early Eocene, warmer climates must be more sensitive to CO2 forcing than colder climates. Here, we test this assertion in the geological record by combining a new high-resolution boron isotope-based CO2 record with novel estimates of Global Mean Temperature. We find that Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) was indeed higher during the warmest intervals of the Eocene, agreeing well with recent model simulations, and declined through the Eocene as global climate cooled. These observations indicate that the canonical IPCC range of ECS (1.5 to 4.5 °C per doubling) is unlikely to be appropriate for high-CO2 warm climates of the past, and the state dependency of ECS may play an increasingly important role in determining the state of future climate as the Earth continues to warm.

Suggested Citation

  • E. Anagnostou & E. H. John & T. L. Babila & P. F. Sexton & A. Ridgwell & D. J. Lunt & P. N. Pearson & T. B. Chalk & R. D. Pancost & G. L. Foster, 2020. "Proxy evidence for state-dependence of climate sensitivity in the Eocene greenhouse," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-17887-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17887-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Katherine A. Crichton & Jamie D. Wilson & Andy Ridgwell & Flavia Boscolo-Galazzo & Eleanor H. John & Bridget S. Wade & Paul N. Pearson, 2023. "What the geological past can tell us about the future of the ocean’s twilight zone," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Ian Eisenman & Kyle C. Armour, 2024. "The radiative feedback continuum from Snowball Earth to an ice-free hothouse," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.

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