Understanding local and regional reactions to the global Eocene-Oligocene climate transition is a continuing challenge. The White River Group in the North American midcontinent preserves dynamic fluvial, volcaniclastic and lacustrine facies that yield to aeolianites. To test whether this shift in sedimentation style was driven by climate change, 20 paleosols from 8 profiles were analyzed from the fluvial-aeolian Orella Member through the aeolian-dominated Whitney Member of the earliest Oligocene Brule Formation at Toadstool Geologic Park, NE. Paleosol morphology and geochemistry were used to assess the balance of aeolian vs. alluvial sedimentation at key stratigraphic intervals and lithologic transitions. Significant loess deposition began at least as early as the lower Orella Member but is masked in most settings by concomitant fluvial deposition. As fluvial influence on landscapes waned across the Orella-Whitney Member boundary, loess deposits predominated and became more recognizable. Paleosols follow different pedogenic pathways in direct response to depositional setting. Whereas all paleosols formed through top-down pedogenesis in alluvial settings, paleosols in aeolian-dominated settings formed though pedogenic upbuilding during aggradational phases and through top-down pedogenesis during depositional hiatuses. The disparity between each style of pedogenic development creates fundamentally different pedogenic associations that must first be understood before climatic interpretations can be drawn from macroscopic paleosol morphology alone. Microscopic analysis of loessic and alluvial paleosols indicates that pedogenic features do not greatly change across the Orella-Whitney Member boundary. Furthermore, results of climofunction calculations from five paleosol Bw and Btk horizons show mean annual temperature (ca. 9.0-10.5 °C) and precipitation (ca. 650-800 mm/y) do not significantly vary across the Orella-Whitney Member transition. Clay mineralogy and the presence of pedogenic carbonate and translocated clay corroborate paleoclimate estimates. However, geochemical paleosol profiles are uniform and do not reflect observed vertical associations of pedogenic features. Constant additions of aeolian sediment, which replenishes base losses through leaching, explain this phenomenon. Interpretations of paleovegetation from root trace morphology and paleosol taxonomy indicate that predominantly open canopy to savanna habitats were in place in the lower Orella Member and continued into the Whitney Member. Evidence for riparian partitioning exists in the lower Orella Member but disappears as fluvial deposits wane in the Whitney Member. Lacking evidence of climate change from paleosol analysis, changes in sedimentation style and vegetative biomes are most likely a reaction to increased aeolian deposition. / Geology

Climate change across the terrestrial Eocene-Oligocene boundary of the Great Plains is recorded by shifts in sediments, facies, paleosols, and isotopic records, and is interpreted as a shift to overall cooler and drier conditions. As an independent test of paleoenvironmental shifts caused by climatic change, I compared microwear on M2 molars of Leptomeryx from the White River Group (WR) at Toadstool Park, Nebraska (n = 9) and Flagstaff Rim, Wyoming (n = 11). Comparisons of microwear were made through time at each section. Various measurements of microwear were quantified on original, uncoated specimens using environmental scanning electron microscopy and Microware 4.0 software, and evaluated with ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Values of the scratch:pit ratio, scratch number, feature major:minor axis ratio, feature vector length, major axis standard deviation, major:minor axis standard deviation, and feature orientation standard deviation for Leptomeryx M2 molars are significantly different (p<0.05) between Wyoming and Nebraska. Microwear patterns suggest paleoecological differences between the two locations, possibly related to differences in Leptomeryx diet or in amount or character of sediment adhering to ingested vegetation. Little fossil evidence of vegetation type is preserved at either locality, other than clay-filled root traces or occasional rhizoliths or silicified fragments. However, sediments of the WR are a mixture of volcaniclastic enriched mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone, with generally coarser overall particle sizes in Wyoming that reflect proximity to siliciclastic sources. The degree of overall volcaniclastic enrichment and number of airfall tuffs is also higher at Flagstaff Rim. Paleosols suggest a shift from closed canopy forest to progressively open conditions at each locality and, although microwear differences could result from differences in vegetation or particle sizes of adhered sediments on plants, no or very low correlations between microwear features and stratigraphic level were detected at either locality, indicating that any changes in paleoecology over time did not significantly alter the diets of Leptomeryx, although diet may have been geographically different. / Geology

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vital process that transfers heat and nutrients throughout the world's oceans, helping to regulate global climate and support marine ecosystems. The timing and nature of the shift to modern AMOC, and especially to deep-water formation in the North Atlantic, has been a topic of ongoing study, with the Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT, ~34 Ma) as a potential focal point of this shift. However, the role played by abrupt EOT cooling and Antarctic glaciation in North Atlantic circulation remains unclear. Improved constraints on Paleogene circulation will provide insight into the sensitivity of AMOC to perturbations in global climate, which is particularly relevant in light of contemporary climate change. To examine deep North Atlantic circulation response to the EOT we obtained grain-size data from the terrigenous fraction of the mud-dominated sediments of the Southeast Newfoundland Ridge contourite drift complex at IODP Site U1411, which is interpreted to have formed under the influence of the Deep Western Boundary Current. We analyzed 195 samples that span 150 m of stratigraphy from 36-26 Ma. The main objective was to use the 'sortable silt' fraction (10-63 µm) to generate a record of relative change in bottom-current intensity. These data are complemented with a record of the abundance and size of lithogenic sand (>63 µm). Here we present the first physical proxy record of abyssal current intensity in the North Atlantic, from late Eocene to mid Oligocene. Invigoration of North Atlantic deep circulation occurred gradually (over Myr timescales), with no significant changes linked temporally to the EOT. We infer that deep circulation in the North Atlantic was not sensitive to the abrupt global cooling and Antarctic glaciation associated with the EOT. Rather, our data suggest that changes in North Atlantic circulation were likely governed by longer-term processes related to the opening of key tectonic gateways, such as the Greenland-Scotland Ridge in the North Atlantic, and the Drake and Tasman Passages in the Southern Ocean. Additionally, we identify a significant mid-Oligocene invigoration of North Atlantic abyssal circulation, which climaxes around 27.9 Ma, and is coeval with a decrease in atmospheric CO2. / Master of Science

Sections in and around Badlands National Park, Custer County, South Dakota contain a wealth of faunal and floral data within the White River Group. The Chadronian and Orellan North American Land Mammal Ages define the Eocene-Oligocene boundary here. Faunal and floral changes associated with the Chadronian-Orellan interval have long been attributed to the global Greenhouse-Icehouse climatic transition. Stable isotopes were obtained from paleosol carbonates across the Chadronian-Orellan boundary at three locations in Badlands National Park. Results show wide fluctuations of oxygen isotopes in the uppermost Chadronian and lower Orellan, while carbon isotopes remain relatively stable. The records provide an opportunity to compare the continental response to global change with a near-shore marine system response (Gulf Coastal Plain, USA); and to the world at large. Results indicate a decoupling of the terrestrial response to the Oi-1 glacial event from the marine response. Local conditions appear to play an important role in controlling the record of stable isotopes in paleosol carbonates in the region. / Geologic history of the Eocene-Oligocene -- Climate records -- Causes of climate change -- Climate change across the Eocene-Oligocene -- Current findings -- Discussion. / Department of Geology

The development of modern glacial climates occurred during the Eocene-Oligocene transition (34 to 35.5 Ma) when a decrease of atmospheric CO2 led to a global temperature fall. The ocean was deeply affected, both in the surface and the deep-sea, suffering a strong reorganization including currents and phytoplankton distribution. Spanning that time, 35 samples from the North Atlantic Ocean Drilling Program Site 612 have been analyzed by counting coccoliths abundance in different size groups (< 4 µm, 4 to 8 µm and > 8 µm) and silica fragments abundance. Absolute coccoliths abundance were estimated with two different methods, the “drop” technique and microbeads calibration. In addition, a fragmentation index was calculated to assess the preservational state of the samples. The results obtained fit in the global picture of a decrease in phytoplankton abundance across theEocene-Oligocene boundary, although coccolith and silica fragments abundances show slight different patterns. Absolute abundances estimates showed a large difference between the “drop” and the microbeads methods. The temperature at which samples are dried seems to affect microbeads distribution, leading to an underestimation at temperatures higher than 60º C. In future work the current dataset will be updated with additional calibration and replicate counts to confirm that the “drop” estimates are the more valid results. As the fragmentation index was fairly constant in all samples, no major differences in nannofossil preservation were inferred. Coccoliths abundance drops are thought to be triggered by global temperature fall, general decrease of atmospheric CO2, changes in oceanic circulation, pulses of nutrients or a combination of those. / Under tidsspannet som täcker övergången mellan eocen och oligocen, för ungefär 35.5 till 34 miljoner år sedan, genomgick jordens klimat en stor förändring. Under eocen hade vår planet ett varmare klimat och var i ett så kallat ”greenhouse state”. Mot slutet av denna period och i början av oligocen skiftade emellertid klimatet till en kallare regim, ett så kallat ”icehouse state”. Under detta tillstånd minskade andelen koldioxid i atmosfären vilket medförde att den globala temperaturen minskade. Vidare påverkades också havet och speciellt de fytoplankton som levde där, då de påverkas av temperatur och inflödet av näringsämnen. Fytoplankton står för en betydande del av jordens pågående fotosyntes samt är basen av den organiska matkedjan. Syftet med denna undersökning är att studera förekomsten av coccoliter, små kalcitplattor som produceras av en typ av nannoplankton som kallas coccolitoforider. Coccoliter från en djuphavskärna härstammande från norra Atlanten har därför samlats in och för-ändringen av mängden fytoplankton över nämnda tidsspann mätts. Vidare har också bitar av kisel från andra växtplankton räknats. Resultatet av denna studie var att båda grupperna var rikligare under den sista delen av eocen men mängden sjönk snabbt i början av oligocen. Det finns inte tillräckligt med information för att reda ut orsakerna av detta, men det är troligt att minskningen i temperatur och CO2-tillgängligheten för fotosyntesen är viktiga faktorer.

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The Cenozoic was a time of climatic, tectonic and eustatic change in the Southern Hemisphere. Cooling at the pole, glaciation and substantial sea ice formation occurred as latitudinal temperature gradients increased and tectonics altered Southern Hemisphere circulation patterns. During this same time frame, the tectonic regime of the New Zealand continental block transitioned from a passive margin to an active plate boundary, resulting in the reversal of a long-standing transgression and an influx of terrigenous sediment to marine basins. In this transition, depositional basins in the South Island became more localized; however, the influence of oceanographic and tectonic drivers is poorly understood on a local scale. Here we apply sedimentological, biostratigraphic and geochemical analyses to revise understanding of the effects of the changing climatic regime and active tectonics on the development of Oligocene and Miocene rocks in the Northern Canterbury Basin. The Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene sedimentary rocks of the northern Canterbury Basin record oceanographic and tectonic influences on basin formation, sediment supply and deposition. The Palaeocene to Late Eocene Amuri Formation in the basin are micrites and biogenic cherts recording deepwater, terrigenous-starved environments, and do not show any influence of active tectonics. The Early Oligocene development of ice on the Antarctic continent and the associated global sea level response is reflected in this basin as the Marshall Paraconformity, an eroded, glauconitized and phosphatised firm ground and hardground atop the Amuri. Sedimentation above this unconformity resumed in the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene with cleaner, deep-water, bathyal planktic foraminifera packstones and wackestones in eastern areas and Late Oligocene inner shelf volcaniclastic packstones in parts of the western basin. Post-unconformity sedimentation resumed earlier in western areas, as the currents responsible for scouring the sea floor moved progressively to the east. The development of tectonic uplift in terrestrial settings is first seen in the northwestern basin in Lower Miocene fine quartz-rich sandstones, and by the Middle Miocene, bathyal sandstones and quartz-rich wackestones appear in the basin, replacing earlier, more pure carbonates. The uplift caused shallowing to the west, in the form of shelf progradation due to sediment influx. This shallowing is not observed to the east; instead, the palaeoenvironments show a deepening as a result of sea level rise.

Loose sheets comprise of profiles of the Oligocene. / Bibliography: leaves 89-158. / 158, [60] leaves, [16] leaves of plates : ill., maps ; 30 cm. + seven charts (some folded) / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This study investigates a late Eocene to Miocene succession of diverse mid-latitude assemblages of foraminifera from carbonates and calcareous muds and sands on the southern Australian margin. It contrasts foraminiferal profiles from the restricted St. Vincent and Murray Basins with the Otway Basin that is more exposed to oceanic conditions. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 1995

Cinco poços, localizados na porção centro-sul da Bacia de Campos, que atravessaram os carbonatos do Membro Siri, foram utilizados objetivando a realização de um estudo petrográfico/microfaciológico e quimioestratigráfico nestes calcários. Foram identificas sete microfácies, constituídas basicamente por algas coralináceas, macroforaminíferos e cracas, que abrangem um conjunto de sistemas deposicionais que vai desde um a laguna rasa de circulação aberta até um forereef/margin reef abaixo da base de onda, passando por bioconstruções que formam um complexo de bancos algálicos na borda da plataforma. As condições iniciais destas rochas foram alteradas, em maior ou menor grau, devido à diagênese, notadamente, em ambiente meteórico freático. A cimentação foi o principal processo responsável pela diminuição da porosidade nestes carbonatos. Por outro lado, o processo de dissolução promoveu um alargamento dos poros, melhorando as características do reservatório. Quimioestratigrafia baseada em elementos químicos maiores e traços possibilitou a subdivisão dos carbonatos do Membro Siri em três unidades químicas e oito subunidades. Paralelamente a correlação de eventos isotópicos de dO18 e dC13 identificados no poço E, com eventos globais, sugere idade neo-oligocênica a eomiocênica para estes calcários. Finalmente, o entendimento da sucessão dos estratos carbonáticos dentro dos conceitos da estratigrafia de seqüências evidenciou que os tratos de sistemas podem ser relacionados com as variações observadas nos perfis geoquímicos e nas assembléias fossilíferas observadas na rocha. / Five wells have crossed carbonates of the Siri Member in the south of Campos Basin. They have been used objectifying the accomplishment of a petrographic/microfacies and chemostratigraphic study in these calcareous rocks. This work allowed to identify seven microfacies, constituted basically of coralline algae, larger foraminifera and barnacles, which enclose a set of depositional systems since a shallow lagoon of open circulation until a forereef/reef margin below wave base, passing for organics build up that form a complex of algalic banks in the edge of the platform. The rocks previously deposited have been modified by diagenesis, mainly, in a marine phreatic diagenetic environment. Cementation has been the main process responsible for lost of porosity in these carbonates. On anothe r hand, solution has improved the reservoir porosity. A chemostratigraphic study using major e trace chemical elements made possible the recognition of three chemical units and eight subunits in Siri Member. By correlating dO18 and dC13 isotopic events, identified in well E, with global events, a Late Oligocene Early Miocene age is suggested for Siri limestone. The stratigraphic sequences have showed that system tracts can be relationed with specific fossi liferous assemblages and with chemical variations observed in geochemical profiles.

Cinco poços, localizados na porção centro-sul da Bacia de Campos, que atravessaram os carbonatos do Membro Siri, foram utilizados objetivando a realização de um estudo petrográfico/microfaciológico e quimioestratigráfico nestes calcários. Foram identificas sete microfácies, constituídas basicamente por algas coralináceas, macroforaminíferos e cracas, que abrangem um conjunto de sistemas deposicionais que vai desde um a laguna rasa de circulação aberta até um forereef/margin reef abaixo da base de onda, passando por bioconstruções que formam um complexo de bancos algálicos na borda da plataforma. As condições iniciais destas rochas foram alteradas, em maior ou menor grau, devido à diagênese, notadamente, em ambiente meteórico freático. A cimentação foi o principal processo responsável pela diminuição da porosidade nestes carbonatos. Por outro lado, o processo de dissolução promoveu um alargamento dos poros, melhorando as características do reservatório. Quimioestratigrafia baseada em elementos químicos maiores e traços possibilitou a subdivisão dos carbonatos do Membro Siri em três unidades químicas e oito subunidades. Paralelamente a correlação de eventos isotópicos de dO18 e dC13 identificados no poço E, com eventos globais, sugere idade neo-oligocênica a eomiocênica para estes calcários. Finalmente, o entendimento da sucessão dos estratos carbonáticos dentro dos conceitos da estratigrafia de seqüências evidenciou que os tratos de sistemas podem ser relacionados com as variações observadas nos perfis geoquímicos e nas assembléias fossilíferas observadas na rocha. / Five wells have crossed carbonates of the Siri Member in the south of Campos Basin. They have been used objectifying the accomplishment of a petrographic/microfacies and chemostratigraphic study in these calcareous rocks. This work allowed to identify seven microfacies, constituted basically of coralline algae, larger foraminifera and barnacles, which enclose a set of depositional systems since a shallow lagoon of open circulation until a forereef/reef margin below wave base, passing for organics build up that form a complex of algalic banks in the edge of the platform. The rocks previously deposited have been modified by diagenesis, mainly, in a marine phreatic diagenetic environment. Cementation has been the main process responsible for lost of porosity in these carbonates. On anothe r hand, solution has improved the reservoir porosity. A chemostratigraphic study using major e trace chemical elements made possible the recognition of three chemical units and eight subunits in Siri Member. By correlating dO18 and dC13 isotopic events, identified in well E, with global events, a Late Oligocene Early Miocene age is suggested for Siri limestone. The stratigraphic sequences have showed that system tracts can be relationed with specific fossi liferous assemblages and with chemical variations observed in geochemical profiles.