A comprehensive database was created to gather information on various indicators used to study the ocean's past climate. These indicators include measurements of sea surface temperature, as well as stable isotopes of marine organisms and carbon content in sediment. Advanced computer algorithms were used to analyze the data and organize the database. This comprehensive resource, used in conjunction with other databases, has facilitated the study of both carbon cycling and past climate.
By studying the isotopic composition of marine organisms called foraminifera, we discovered two different patterns of carbon distribution during the last glacial cycle. We found that during colder periods, there was an increase in the biological process known as the "biological pump," which influences carbon dioxide levels and global temperature over the past 150,000 years.
Cyclocarb also investigated temperature patterns during the Holocene period, a time of great interest in paleoclimate research. Contrary to previous beliefs, we found that there was no globally synchronized warm period during the Holocene. Instead, the warmest temperatures occurred at different times and in different regions, including both land and ocean areas. These findings suggest that factors such as sunlight exposure at high latitudes and the extent of ice cover played significant roles in shaping climate changes throughout the Holocene.
This study provides a clear benchmark for climate models, as their ability to accurately reproduce Holocene climate variations in both space and time will enhance confidence in their regional projections of future climate change.
The study was published in an open-access scientific journal Nature Communications
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33362-1(si apre in una nuova finestra)) and received widespread attention from the scientific community and the public. The research results were presented during the 14th International Conference on Paleoceanography (ICP14) in 2022 and gained coverage in news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms. The study's impact has been significant, with multiple citations and a high ranking among all research outputs tracked by Altmetric.
The researchers implied in the CYCLOCARB project are continuing their work and plan to present their findings at another conference in Paris. They are also preparing other research articles for publication, which has led to new collaborations with other institutions and laboratories in Europe. The article will be published in an open-access journal, ensuring broad access to the scientific community and the public.
