scholarly journals Long-term legacy of massive carbon input to the Earth system: Anthropocene versus Eocene

2013 ◽  
Vol 371 (2001) ◽  
pp. 20120006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Zeebe ◽  
James C. Zachos
Keyword(s):  
Mass Extinctions ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Surface Ocean ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Biotic Diversity ◽  
Thermal Maximum ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Carbon Release

Over the next few centuries, with unabated emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), a total of 5000 Pg C may enter the atmosphere, causing CO 2 concentrations to rise to approximately 2000 ppmv, global temperature to warm by more than 8 ° C and surface ocean pH to decline by approximately 0.7 units. A carbon release of this magnitude is unprecedented during the past 56 million years—and the outcome accordingly difficult to predict. In this regard, the geological record may provide foresight to how the Earth system will respond in the future. Here, we discuss the long-term legacy of massive carbon release into the Earth's surface reservoirs, comparing the Anthropocene with a past analogue, the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, approx. 56 Ma). We examine the natural processes and time scales of CO 2 neutralization that determine the atmospheric lifetime of CO 2 in response to carbon release. We compare the duration of carbon release during the Anthropocene versus PETM and the ensuing effects on ocean acidification and marine calcifying organisms. We also discuss the conundrum that the observed duration of the PETM appears to be much longer than predicted by models that use first-order assumptions. Finally, we comment on past and future mass extinctions and recovery times of biotic diversity.

scholarly journals Inclusion of a suite of weathering tracers in the cGENIE Earth system model – muffin release v.0.9.23

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 4187-4223
Author(s):  
Markus Adloff ◽  
Andy Ridgwell ◽  
Fanny M. Monteiro ◽  
Ian J. Parkinson ◽  
Alexander J. Dickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biogeochemical Cycles ◽  
Earth System Model ◽  
System Model ◽  
Earth System ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Isotopic Shifts ◽  
Box Models ◽  
Carbon Release ◽  
Geologic Record

Abstract. The metals strontium (Sr), lithium (Li), osmium (Os) and calcium (Ca), together with their isotopes, are important tracers of weathering and volcanism – primary processes which shape the long-term cycling of carbon and other biogeochemically important elements at the Earth's surface. Traditionally, because of their long residence times in the ocean, isotopic shifts in these four elements observed in the geologic record are almost exclusively interpreted with the aid of isotope-mixing, tracer-specific box models. However, such models may lack a mechanistic description of the links between the cycling of the four metals to other geochemically relevant elements, particularly carbon, or climate. Here we develop and evaluate an implementation of Sr, Li, Os and Ca isotope cycling in the Earth system model cGENIE. The model offers the possibility to study the dynamics of these metal systems alongside other more standard biogeochemical cycles, as well as their relationship with changing climate. We provide examples of how to apply this new model capability to investigate Sr, Li, Os and Ca isotope dynamics and responses to environmental change, for which we take the example of massive carbon release to the atmosphere.

scholarly journals Geosystemics and Earthquakes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo De Santis ◽  
Gianfranco Cianchini ◽  
Rita Di Giovambattista ◽  
Cristoforo Abbattista ◽  
Lucilla Alfonsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical System ◽  
Solid Earth ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Complex Dynamical System ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Earth’S Interior

Abstract. Geosystemics (De Santis 2009, 2014) studies the Earth system as a whole focusing on the possible coupling among the Earth layers (the so called geo-layers), and using universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms. Its main objective is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. In this paper we will deal with earthquakes, considered as a long term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior, but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral and ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern (De Santis et al., 2015a). Some case studies (particular emphasis is given to recent central Italy earthquakes) will be discussed in the frame of the geosystemic approach for better understanding the physics of the underlying complex dynamical system.

The role of the Microbial Conveyor Belt on Earth´s system resilience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireia Mestre ◽  
Juan Höfer
Keyword(s):  
Human Impacts ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Planetary Scale ◽  
Microbial Biogeography ◽  
The Earth ◽  
System Resilience ◽  
Global Biogeochemical Cycles

<p>Despite being major players on the global biogeochemical cycles, microorganisms are generally not included in holistic views of Earth’s system. The Microbial Conveyor Belt is a conceptual framework that represents a recurrent and cyclical flux of microorganisms across the globe, connecting distant ecosystems and Earth compartments. This long-range dispersion of microorganisms directly influences the microbial biogeography, the global cycling of inorganic and organic matter, and thus the Earth system’s functioning and long-term resilience. Planetary-scale human impacts disrupting the natural flux of microorganisms pose a major threat to the Microbial Conveyor Belt, thus compromising microbial ecosystem services. Perturbations that modify the natural dispersion of microorganisms are, for example, the modification of the intensity/direction of air fluxes and ocean currents due to climate change, the vanishing of certain dispersion vectors (e.g., species extinction or drying rivers) or the introduction of new ones (e.g., microplastics, wildfires). Transdisciplinary approaches are needed to disentangle the Microbial Conveyor Belt, its major threats and their consequences for Earth´s system resilience.</p>

scholarly journals Paleocene/Eocene carbon feedbacks triggered by volcanic activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sev Kender ◽  
Kara Bogus ◽  
Gunver K. Pedersen ◽  
Karen Dybkjær ◽  
Tamsin A. Mather ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
Proxy Records ◽  
The North ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Thermal Maximum ◽  
Igneous Province ◽  
Carbon Release ◽  
Carbon Reservoir ◽  
Earth’S Climate ◽  
North Atlantic Igneous Province

AbstractThe Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a period of geologically-rapid carbon release and global warming ~56 million years ago. Although modelling, outcrop and proxy records suggest volcanic carbon release occurred, it has not yet been possible to identify the PETM trigger, or if multiple reservoirs of carbon were involved. Here we report elevated levels of mercury relative to organic carbon—a proxy for volcanism—directly preceding and within the early PETM from two North Sea sedimentary cores, signifying pulsed volcanism from the North Atlantic Igneous Province likely provided the trigger and subsequently sustained elevated CO2. However, the PETM onset coincides with a mercury low, suggesting at least one other carbon reservoir released significant greenhouse gases in response to initial warming. Our results support the existence of ‘tipping points’ in the Earth system, which can trigger release of additional carbon reservoirs and drive Earth’s climate into a hotter state.

scholarly journals Deep-time organizations: Learning institutional longevity from history

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Hanusch ◽  
Frank Biermann
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Political Organizations ◽  
Deep Time ◽  
Initial Design ◽  
Earth System Governance ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Temporal Interdependencies

The Anthropocene as a new planetary epoch has brought to the foreground the deep-time interconnections of human agency with the earth system. Yet despite this recognition of strong temporal interdependencies, we still lack understanding of how societal and political organizations can manage interconnections that span several centuries and dozens of generations. This study pioneers the analysis of what we call “deep-time organizations.” We provide detailed comparative historical analyses of some of the oldest existing organizations worldwide from a variety of sectors, from the world’s oldest bank (Sveriges Riksbank) to the world’s oldest university (University of Al Quaraouiyine) and the world’s oldest dynasty (Imperial House of Japan). Based on our analysis, we formulate 12 initial design principles that could lay, if supported by further empirical research along similar lines, the basis for the construction and design of “deep-time organizations” for long-term challenges of earth system governance and planetary stewardship.

scholarly journals Geosystemics View of Earthquakes

Entropy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo De Santis ◽  
Cristoforo Abbattista ◽  
Lucilla Alfonsi ◽  
Leonardo Amoruso ◽  
Saioa A. Campuzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Earth ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Seismic Sequences ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Earth’S Interior ◽  
Earth's Interior ◽  
Physical Quantities

Earthquakes are the most energetic phenomena in the lithosphere: their study and comprehension are greatly worth doing because of the obvious importance for society. Geosystemics intends to study the Earth system as a whole, looking at the possible couplings among the different geo-layers, i.e., from the earth’s interior to the above atmosphere. It uses specific universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms (e.g., ground, marine or satellite observations). Its main objective is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. Central is the use of entropy, together with other physical quantities that will be introduced case by case. In this paper, we will deal with earthquakes, as final part of a long-term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral or ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern. Particular emphasis will be given to some Italian seismic sequences.

Experimental access to Volcanic Eruptions and their role in the Earth System. 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald B. Dingwell
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Explosive Volcanism ◽  
Hazard Mapping ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Planetary Evolution ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Impact Experiments ◽  
Near Future

<p>Few things are more central to earth history, planetary evolution and the earth system, than volcanism. Explosive volcanism in particular exhibits individual events whose impact can range from local to global. Developing a mechanistic understanding of the inner workings of volcanic systems is essential for understanding their behavior and modelling their impact. Experiments form a fundamental part of our modern scientific approach to volcanic research, an approach which relies heavily on materials characterisation. In the year 2021, we can look back on decades of  novel and highly innovative experimental approaches applied to the investigation of volcanic processes. The focus has ranged from pre-eruptive and eruptive dynamics  all the way to the fate  and importance of volcanic materials in the Earth System. The applied aspects of the work reach, for example, into eruption forecasting, hazard mapping and aviation safety. I will attempt portray the the long term strategy of the approach we have taken as well as providing comments on the likelihood of certain further developments in the near future.</p>

scholarly journals Constraints on the onset duration of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum

2018 ◽  
Vol 376 (2130) ◽  
pp. 20170082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Kirtland Turner
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Carbon Cycle Model ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Geological Past ◽  
Thermal Maximum ◽  
Age Model ◽  
Volcanic Outgassing

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, approx. 56 Ma) provides a test case for investigating how the Earth system responds to rapid greenhouse gas-driven warming. However, current rates of carbon emissions are approximately 10 Pg C yr −1 , whereas those proposed for the PETM span orders of magnitude—from ≪1 Pg C yr −1 to greater than the anthropogenic rate. Emissions rate estimates for the PETM are hampered by uncertainty over the total mass of PETM carbon released as well as the PETM onset duration. Here, I review constraints on the onset duration of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) that is characteristic of the event with a focus on carbon cycle model-based attempts that forgo the need for a traditional sedimentary age model. I also review and compare existing PETM carbon input scenarios employing the Earth system model cGENIE and suggest another possibility—that abrupt input of an isotopically depleted carbon source combined with elevated volcanic outgassing over a longer interval can together account for key features of the PETM CIE. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Hyperthermals: rapid and extreme global warming in our geological past’.

Geosystemics View of Earthquakes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Cianchini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Earth ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Final Part ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Seismic Sequences ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Physical Quantities

<p>Earthquakes, the most energetic phenomena in the lithosphere, often cause danger and casualties: thus, their study and comprehension are greatly worth doing because of the obvious importance for society. Geosystemics intends to offer a way to study the Earth system by viewing it as a whole, looking at the possible couplings among the different geo-layers, i.e., from the earth’s interior up to the ionosphere through the atmosphere. It uses specific universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms (e.g., ground, marine or satellite observations). Its main aim is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. Central is the use of entropy, together with other physical quantities that are introduced case by case. In this paper, we will deal with earthquakes, as final part of a long-term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral or ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern. Particular emphasis will be given to some Italian seismic sequences.</p>

scholarly journals Climate feedbacks in the Earth system and prospects for their evaluation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Heinze ◽  
Veronika Eyring ◽  
Pierre Friedlingstein ◽  
Colin Jones ◽  
Yves Balkanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Models ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Climate Feedbacks ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Cloud Dynamics ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Heterogeneity ◽  
Earth System Models

Abstract. Earth system models (ESMs) are key tools for providing climate projections under different scenarios of human-induced forcing. ESMs include a large number of additional processes and feedbacks such as biogeochemical cycles that traditional physical climate models do not consider. Yet, some processes such as cloud dynamics and ecosystem functional response still have fairly high uncertainties. In this article, we present an overview of climate feedbacks for Earth system components currently included in state-of-the-art ESMs and discuss the challenges to evaluate and quantify them. Uncertainties in feedback quantification arise from the interdependencies of biogeochemical matter fluxes and physical properties, the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of processes, and the lack of long-term continuous observational data to constrain them. We present an outlook for promising approaches that can help quantifying and constraining the large number of feedbacks in ESMs in the future. The target group for this article includes generalists with a background in natural sciences and an interest in climate change as well as experts working in interdisciplinary climate research (researchers, lecturers, and students). This study updates and significantly expands upon the last comprehensive overview of climate feedbacks in ESMs, which was produced 15 years ago (NRC, 2003).

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