Quantitative analysis of the sedimentary architecture of eolian successions developed under icehouse and greenhouse climatic conditions

Abstract The continental terrestrial record preserves an archive of how ancient sedimentary systems respond to and changes in global climate. A database-driven quantitative assessment reveals differences the preserved architectures siliciclastic eolian with broad geographic stratigraphic distribution that developed under icehouse versus greenhouse climatic conditions. Over 5600 geological entities, including architectural elements, facies, sediment textures, bounding surfaces, have been analyzed from 34 Paleoproterozoic Cenozoic ages. Statistical analyses performed on abundance, composition, thickness, arrangement different lithofacies, surfaces. Results demonstrate differ markedly. Eolian dune, sand sheet, interdune elements accumulated conditions are significantly thinner relative their counterparts; this is observed across all basin settings, supercontinents, ages, dune field physiographic settings. However, difference between exclusively for paleolatitudes <30°, which suggests climate-induced strength circulation patterns trade winds may partly controlled accumulation. These acted combination variations water table levels, supply, transport, ultimately influencing nature long-term preservation. During episodes, Milankovitch cyclicity resulted deposits typified by glacial accumulation interglacial deflation. Greenhouse promoted into due elevated tables biogenic- chemical-stabilizing agents, could protect wind-driven In context a rapidly changing climate, results presented here can help predict impact climate change Earth surface processes.