News Release

SEPM announces the publication of a new book

Phanerozoic Paleoclimate: An Atlas of Lithologic Indicators of Climate

Book Announcement

American Geosciences Institute

This publication is volume 11 of the Society's Concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology Series. The book, authored by by Arthur J. Boucot, Chen Xu, and Christopher R. Scotese, is now available in print or digital (CD) formats at the Society's Bookstore. Review copies can be requested from Howard Harper.

Abstract

This publication combines the interpretations of two major sets of data. One is the geophysical data that is used to interpret the position of the tectonic plates through geologic time. The other is based on a long time search of the geological literature to find, record and evaluate the lithologic descriptions of countless reports around the globe; paying careful attention to those lithologies that have climatic implications. The introduction to this volume includes a detailed discussion of the lithologies, mineralogies and biogeographies that are considered to be the most reliable in identifying the climatic conditions existing during their formation and how they are used or not used in this compilation. These include coal, cyclothems, laterite, bauxite, lateritic manganese, oolitic ironstone, kaolin, glendonite, tilites, dropstones, calcretes, evaporites, clay minerals, palms, mangroves, and crocodilians. Additionally, several others are discussed but not used for specified reasons. These include eolian sandstone, silcrete and some specific paleobotanical methodologies.

Global paleoclimatic zones based on the climatically interpreted data points are identified during twenty-eight time periods from Cambrian to Miocene using paleotectonic reconstructed maps. The paleoclimate of each time period is summarized and includes a discussion of the specific referenced data points that have been interpreted to be the most reliable available for that time period and location.

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More information about the Society's publications can be found at: SEPM Publications

SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) is an international not-for-profit Society officed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through its network of international members, the Society is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific information on sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, environmental sciences, marine geology, hydrogeology, and many additional related specialties. The Society supports the science and its members in their professional objectives by publication of two major scientific journals, the Journal of Sedimentary Research (JSR) and PALAIOS, in addition to producing research conferences, short courses, and Special Publications. Through SEPM's continuing education, publications, meetings, and other programs, members and non-members can both gain and exchange information pertinent to their scientific interests.


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