Title
Evidence for Increased Latent Heat Transport During the Cretaceous (Albian) Greenhouse Warming
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2004
Department
Geography and Geology
Abstract
Quantitative estimates of increased heat transfer by atmospheric H2O vapor during the Albian greenhouse warming suggest that the intensified hydrologic cycle played a greater role in warming high latitudes than at present and thus represents a viable alternative to oceanic heat transport. Sphaerosiderite δ18O values in paleosols of the North American Cretaceous Western Interior Basin are a proxy for meteoric δ18O values, and mass- balance modeling results suggest that Albian precipitation rates exceeded modern rates at both mid and high latitudes. Comparison of modeled Albian and modern precipitation minus evaporation values suggests amplification of the Albian moisture deficit in the tropics and moisture surplus in the mid to high latitudes. The tropical moisture deficit represents an average heat loss of ∼75 W/m2 at 10°N paleolatitude (at present, 21 W/m2). The increased precipitation at higher latitudes implies an average heat gain of ∼83 W/ m2 at 45°N (at present, 23 W/m2) and of 19 W/m2 at 75°N (at present, 4 W/m2). These estimates of increased poleward heat transfer by H2O vapor during the Albian may help to explain the reduced equator-to-pole temperature gradients.
Publication Title
Geology
Volume
32
Issue
12
First Page
1049
Last Page
1052
Recommended Citation
Ufnar, D.,
Gonzalez, L.,
Ludvigson, G.,
Brenner, R.
(2004). Evidence for Increased Latent Heat Transport During the Cretaceous (Albian) Greenhouse Warming. Geology, 32(12), 1049-1052.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2954