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Millennial-timescale thermogenic CO2 release preceding the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

Author

Listed:
  • Shijun Jiang

    (Hainan University
    Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai))

  • Ying Cui

    (Montclair State University)

  • Yasu Wang

    (Hainan University)

  • Maurizia De Palma

    (Montclair State University)

  • B. David A. Naafs

    (University of Bristol)

  • Jingxin Jiang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Xiumian Hu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Huaichun Wu

    (China University of Geosciences (Beijing))

  • Runjian Chu

    (China University of Geosciences (Beijing))

  • Yangguang Gu

    (Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences)

  • Jiuyuan Wang

    (Peking University)

  • Yizhou Huang

    (University of Bristol)

  • Miquela Ingalls

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Timothy J. Bralower

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Shiling Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • James C. Zachos

    (University of California)

  • Andy Ridgwell

    (University of California)

Abstract

Geologic records support a short-lived carbon release, known as the pre-onset excursion (POE), shortly before the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ~ 56 Ma). However, the source and pace of the POE carbon release and its relationship to the PETM remain unresolved. Here we show a high-temporal-resolution stratigraphic record spanning the POE and PETM from the eastern Tethys Ocean that documents the evolution of surface ocean carbon cycle, redox and eutrophication, confirming the global nature of the POE. Biomarkers extracted from the sedimentary record indicate a smaller environmental perturbation during the POE than that during the PETM in the eastern Tethys Ocean. Earth system modeling constrained by observed δ13C and pH data indicates that the POE was driven by a largely thermogenic CO2 source, likely associated with sill intrusions prior to the main eruption phase of the North Atlantic Igneous Province and possibly biogeochemical feedbacks involving the release of biogenic methane.

Suggested Citation

  • Shijun Jiang & Ying Cui & Yasu Wang & Maurizia De Palma & B. David A. Naafs & Jingxin Jiang & Xiumian Hu & Huaichun Wu & Runjian Chu & Yangguang Gu & Jiuyuan Wang & Yizhou Huang & Miquela Ingalls & Ti, 2025. "Millennial-timescale thermogenic CO2 release preceding the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60939-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60939-3
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