Finger Prints of the Gulf Stream Intensity in the Cenozoic - A view on continental climate and biodiversity on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas Hickler, since 11/2011
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 162619559

In the proposed project finger prints of the Northern Atlantic circulation on continental climate and its changing intensity during the Cenozoic is analysed comparing two transects in Western Eurasia and Northern America. Quantitative climate and plant diversity gradients derived from the palaeobotanical record are reconstructed for the Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and early to middle Pliocene in order to identify longitudinal anomalies between both continental areas. Palaeoprecipitation and temperatures are calculated using the Coexistence Approach combined with a calibration procedure recently developed. Biodiversity gradients are reconstructed using bioclimatic affinity groups of arboreal taxa. In order to identify causalities related to the development of the Gulf Stream intensity in the Cenozoic, we perform palaeoclimate modelling sensitivity experiments with an earth system model of intermediate complexity. The comparison of model and proxy data improves the interpretation of the patterns obtained from the fossil record. The analysis of the Gulf Stream and its impact on continental climates in past hothouse phases can provide valuable insights in future system change.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Persons: Professorin Dr. Madelaine Böhme; Yusheng Liu, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Volker Mosbrugger
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Arne Micheels, until 11/2011