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Geographic range of plants drives long-term climate change

Author

Listed:
  • Khushboo Gurung

    (University of Leeds)

  • Katie J. Field

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Sarah A. Batterman

    (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
    University of Leeds
    Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)

  • Simon W. Poulton

    (University of Leeds)

  • Benjamin J. W. Mills

    (University of Leeds)

Abstract

Long computation times in vegetation and climate models hamper our ability to evaluate the potentially powerful role of plants on weathering and carbon sequestration over the Phanerozoic Eon. Simulated vegetation over deep time is often homogenous, and disregards the spatial distribution of plants and the impact of local climatic variables on plant function. Here we couple a fast vegetation model (FLORA) to a spatially-resolved long-term climate-biogeochemical model (SCION), to assess links between plant geographical range, the long-term carbon cycle and climate. Model results show lower rates of carbon fixation and up to double the previously predicted atmospheric CO2 concentration due to a limited plant geographical range over the arid Pangea supercontinent. The Mesozoic dispersion of the continents increases modelled plant geographical range from 65% to > 90%, amplifying global CO2 removal, consistent with geological data. We demonstrate that plant geographical range likely exerted a major, under-explored control on long-term climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Khushboo Gurung & Katie J. Field & Sarah A. Batterman & Simon W. Poulton & Benjamin J. W. Mills, 2024. "Geographic range of plants drives long-term climate change," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46105-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46105-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gavin L. Foster & Dana L. Royer & Daniel J. Lunt, 2017. "Future climate forcing potentially without precedent in the last 420 million years," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, April.
    2. Tais W. Dahl & Magnus A. R. Harding & Julia Brugger & Georg Feulner & Kion Norrman & Barry H. Lomax & Christopher K. Junium, 2022. "Low atmospheric CO2 levels before the rise of forested ecosystems," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. P. Porada & T. M. Lenton & A. Pohl & B. Weber & L. Mander & Y. Donnadieu & C. Beer & U. Pöschl & A. Kleidon, 2016. "High potential for weathering and climate effects of non-vascular vegetation in the Late Ordovician," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-13, November.
    4. Khushboo Gurung & Katie J. Field & Sarah A. Batterman & Yves Goddéris & Yannick Donnadieu & Philipp Porada & Lyla L. Taylor & Benjamin J. W. Mills, 2022. "Climate windows of opportunity for plant expansion during the Phanerozoic," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
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