Paleocene/Eocene carbon feedbacks triggered by volcanic activity

Abstract The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a period of geologically-rapid carbon release and global warming ~56 million years ago. Although modelling, outcrop proxy records suggest volcanic occurred, it has not yet been possible to identify the PETM trigger, or if multiple reservoirs were involved. Here we report elevated levels mercury relative organic carbon—a for volcanism—directly preceding within early from two North Sea sedimentary cores, signifying pulsed volcanism Atlantic Igneous Province likely provided trigger subsequently sustained CO 2 . However, onset coincides with low, suggesting at least one other reservoir released significant greenhouse gases in response initial warming. Our results support existence ‘tipping points’ Earth system, which can additional drive Earth’s climate into hotter state.