Method of estimating sea-surface paleotemperatures through biotic
proxies: A case study in Upper Paleozoic paleoclimatic, paleogeographic
and paleotectonic reconstructions of Siberia
Abstract
1. This study introduces a novel approach for quantitatively assessing
sea-surface paleotemperatures exemplified in the study of the Upper
Paleozoic of Siberia. 2. The method relies on the evaluation of the
taxonomic composition of biota. It utilizes a comprehensive dataset
encompassing the geographic distribution and ecology of various biotic
groups in Siberia and adjacent regions, leveraging the newly developed
PaleoSib database. Fossils collected from individual locations often
exhibit a wide spectrum of paleotemperatures. 3. To address this
variability, we developed an algorithm for calculating average biotic
paleotemperatures in each locality/time slice. Utilizing the PaleoSib
database, our computations have unveiled a coherent pattern of
paleoclimate dynamics, particularly Sea Surface Temperature, across
Siberian basins during the Late Paleozoic era. 4. These findings
significantly contribute to a refined comprehension of paleoclimate and
paleotectonic dynamics in the region during that specific time. To
enhance paleotemperature analyses, we have integrated lithological
indices with biotic ones, fortifying the overall methodology and
furnishing a more robust framework for interpreting paleoclimate data.
We aim to incorporate this method into the Paleobiology Database,
enhancing its accessibility and fostering its adoption by the broader
scientific community.