古海洋学及古气候替代性指标探讨.doc

Paleoceanography Introduction Paleoceanography is the study of the history of the oceans. It encompasses aspects of oceanography, climatology, biology, chemistry and geology. The main sources of information are biogenic and inorganic marine sediments, as well as corals. Biogenic sediment includes planktonic and benthic fossils whereas inorganic sediment includes ice-rafted debris and dust. On land, paleo-shorelines and erosional features as well as outcroppings of paleomarine sediments are the principal sources of proxy data. Glaciological records can also give indirect information about paleoceans. The oceans high heat capacity and its ability to transport energy and to sequester and release greenhouse gases give it an important role in helping to determine the state of the planets climate. Thus, paleoceanographic research is also intimately linked to paleoclimatology. Methods The reconstruction of paleocean characteristics and dynamics requires climatic detective work. It involves the dating and interpretation of paleoclimatic records as well as the definition of physical and dynamical constraints which specify possible circulation patterns and characteristics. Reconstructions (Proxy Data) Direct measurements of the quantities of interest to oceanographers extend only into the relatively recent past and in most cases do not go further back than the mid-nineteenth century. To study the ocean during periods for which there are no direct measurements one must rely on indirect evidence. Historical documents can be used as sources of data. Ship logbooks and sailing times across frequently traveled routes have provided estimates of the directions and strengths of past prevailing winds (Brazdil et al., 2005). The frequency and intensity of El Ni?o events since the 1500s have been reconstructed based partially on historical accounts of large floods and crop losses (Quinn and Neal, 1987). This type of analysis furnishes qualitative descriptions of the past. Quantitative re