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  • Estimates of late Early Cretaceous atmospheric CO 2 from Mongolia based on stomatal and isotopic analysis of Pseudotorellia
Title: Estimates of late Early Cretaceous atmospheric CO 2 from Mongolia based on stomatal and isotopic analysis of Pseudotorellia
Abstract PremiseThe Aptian–Albian (121.4–100.5 Ma) was a greenhouse period with global temperatures estimated as 10–15°C warmer than pre‐industrial conditions, so it is surprising that the most reliable CO2estimates from this time are <1400 ppm. This low CO2during a warm period implies a very high Earth‐system sensitivity in the range of 6 to 9°C per CO2doubling between the Aptian‐Albian and today. MethodsWe applied a well‐vetted paleo‐CO2proxy based on leaf gas‐exchange principles (Franks model) to twoPseudotorelliaspecies from three stratigraphically similar samples at the Tevshiin Govi lignite mine in central Mongolia (~119.7–100.5 Ma). ResultsOur median estimated CO2concentration from the three respective samples was 2132, 2405, and 2770 ppm. The primary reason for the high estimated CO2but with relatively large uncertainties is the very low stomatal density in both species, where small variations propagate to large changes in estimated CO2. Indeed, we found that at least 15 leaves are required before the aggregate estimated CO2approaches that of the full data set. ConclusionsOur three CO2estimates all exceeded 2000 ppm, translating to an Earth‐system sensitivity (~3–5°C/CO2doubling) that is more in keeping with the current understanding of the long‐term climate system. Because of our large sample size, the directly measured inputs did not contribute much to the overall uncertainty in estimated CO2; instead, the inferred inputs were responsible for most of the overall uncertainty and thus should be scrutinized for their value choices.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2121540
PAR ID:
10587211
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Botanical Society of America
Date Published:
Journal Name:
American Journal of Botany
Volume:
111
Issue:
7
ISSN:
0002-9122
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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