A complete high-resolution Paleocene benthic stable isotope record for the central Pacific (ODP Site 1209)

• Published in: Paleoceanography 2011-06, Vol.26 (2), p.np-n/a
• Main Authors: Westerhold, Thomas, Röhl, Ursula, Donner, Barbara, McCarren, Heather K., Zachos, James C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide; Carbon isotopes; Deep sea; Eocene; Miocene; Ocean Drilling Program; Oligocene; Paleocene; Paleoclimate; Stable isotopes
• ISSN: 0883-8305; 2572-4517; 1944-9186; 2572-4525
• DOI: 10.1029/2010PA002092

We have compiled the first stratigraphically continuous high‐resolution benthic foraminiferal stable isotope record for the Paleocene from a single site utilizing cores recovered at Pacific ODP Site 1209. The long‐term trend in the benthic isotope record suggests a close coupling of volcanic CO2 input and deep‐sea warming. Over the short‐term the record is characterized by slow excursions with a pronounced periodic beat related to the short (100 kyr) and long (405 kyr) eccentricity cycle. The phase relationship between the benthic isotope record and eccentricity is similar to patterns documented for the Oligocene and Miocene confirming the role of orbital forcing as the pace maker for paleoclimatic variability on Milankovitch time scales. In addition, the record documents an unusual transient warming of 2°C coeval with a 0.6‰ carbon isotope excursion and a decrease in carbonate content at 61.75 Ma. This event, which bears some resemblance to Eocene hyperthermals, marks the onset of a long‐term decline in δ13C. The timing indicates it might be related to the initiation of volcanism along Greenland margin. Key Points High‐resolution benthic foraminiferal stable isotope record for Paleocene Pacific On the short term, orbital forcing is the pace maker for Paleocene paleoclimate On the long term, close coupling of volcanic CO2 input and deep sea warming