Miocene: Prelude to the Ice Ages and Analogue to Future Climate Change

Catalog description

The Miocene Epoch (~23 to 5 Ma) was characterized by a variety of interconnected changes including the tectonic evolution of various ocean gateways, changes in surface and deep-ocean circulation patterns and evolving ocean and atmospheric chemistry. In the Middle Miocene, these conditions resulted in reduced pole-to-equator temperature gradients and global mean annual surface temperatures of ~18°C, equivalent to warming predicted for the next century. These evolving conditions in the Late Miocene set the stage for the initiation of high amplitude northern hemisphere glacial cycles. Study of Miocene climate will yield insight into mechanisms relevant to past and future climate change.