Early Miocene Intensification of the North African Hydrological Cycle: Multi‐Proxy Evidence From the Shelf Carbonates of Malta

During the Miocene (23.0–5.3 Ma) North Africa experienced both humid and arid intervals, but underlying cause of these transitions is unknown. Earth's climate was characterized by a unipolar icehouse with dynamic Antarctic ice sheet, which may have influenced regional hydrology through atmospheric teleconnections. However, also witnessed restriction Mesopotamian Seaway, had significant climatic impacts. The Maltese il-Blata section (Central Mediterranean) comprises Late Oligocene to Early marine deposits previously used constrain timing Seaway using εNd tracer. location this makes it sensitive changes in African region, biogeochemical central Mediterranean. Here, we present lithological geochemical records section. We find marked shift lithology an increase sedimentation rate coeval (∼19–20 Seaway. Concomitant bulk sediment CaCO3, Sr/Ca, K/Al, Ti/Al, Zr/Al, Si/Ti support major transition associated intensification river systems over western Africa. propose that hydroclimate reflect either tipping point effect gradually warming global climate, or are result initial perhaps consequent Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation West Monsoon. suggest inhibited phosphorite deposition at low latitudes.