Publications by authors named "Jean M Self-Trail"
The chronology of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ~56 Ma) remains disputed, hampering complete understanding of the possible trigger mechanisms of this event. Here we present an astrochronology for the PETM carbon isotope excursion from Howards Tract, Maryland a paleoshelf environment, on the mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. Statistical evaluation of variations in calcium content and magnetic susceptibility indicates astronomical forcing was involved and the PETM onset lasted about 6 kyr.
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- The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) features a significant negative carbon isotope excursion, indicating a large release of isotopically light carbon, with ongoing debates about its sources and timing.
- Research shows a pre-onset carbon release, marked by a decline in carbon isotopes and an increase in sea surface temperatures by at least 2°C, along with lower ocean pH.
- The observed rapid recovery of carbon isotopes and pH levels suggests that this early release of carbon shares similar characteristics with current human-caused emissions in both volume and speed, differing from the main carbon isotope event.