Permian climates: Evaluating model predictions using global paleobotanical data

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 1999 Permian climates: Evaluating model predictions using global paleobotanical data Peter McA. Rees; Peter McA. Rees 1Department of Earth Sciences, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK2Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, 5734 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark T. Gibbs; Mark T. Gibbs 3Center for Climatic Research, University of Wisconsin, 1225 West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Alfred M. Ziegler; Alfred M. Ziegler 2Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, 5734 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John E. Kutzbach; John E. Kutzbach 3Center for Climatic Research, University of Wisconsin, 1225 West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Pat J. Behling Pat J. Behling 3Center for Climatic Research, University of Wisconsin, 1225 West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1999) 27 (10): 891–894. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<0891:PCEMPU>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Peter McA. Rees, Mark T. Gibbs, Alfred M. Ziegler, John E. Kutzbach, Pat J. Behling; Permian climates: Evaluating model predictions using global paleobotanical data. Geology 1999;; 27 (10): 891–894. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<0891:PCEMPU>2.3.CO;2 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 The most recent global icehouse–hothouse climate transition in Earth history occurred in the Permian. Warmer polar conditions relative to today existed from the middle Permian through the Mesozoic and into the Cenozoic. We focus here on one particularly well-correlated middle Permian stage that postdated the deglaciation, the Wordian (267–264 Ma), integrating floral and lithological data to determine Wordian climates globally. Paleobotanical data provide the best means of interpreting terrestrial paleoclimates, often revealing important information in the continuum between "dry" and "wet" end-member lithological indicators such as evaporites and coals. New statistical analyses of Wordian floras worldwide have enabled a greater understanding of original vegetation patterns and prevailing climate conditions. The derived climate interpretations are compared with new Wordian atmospheric general circulation model simulations. The model matches the data well in the tropics and northern high latitudes, but predicts colder conditions in southern high latitudes. We discuss possible reasons for this discrepancy. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.