The Early Miocene Paleoclimate of Erzhilansay: Interpretation of Climatic Parameters Using Modern Methods

Aizhan Zhamangara, Shahizada Akmagambet (), Saida Nigmatova, Ilnura Madyarova, Kaisar Kashaganov, Aizhan Zadagali, Arman Seidali and Bolat Bayshashov
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Aizhan Zhamangara: Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
Shahizada Akmagambet: High School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
Saida Nigmatova: Institute of Geological Sciences, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan
Ilnura Madyarova: Institute of Geological Sciences, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan
Kaisar Kashaganov: Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
Aizhan Zadagali: Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
Arman Seidali: Institute of Geological Sciences, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan
Bolat Bayshashov: Institute of Geological Sciences, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Studying paleoclimatic conditions across geological epochs is essential for understanding climate evolution and its influence on Earth’s biosphere. Leaf macrofossils serve as a crucial data source for reconstructing ancient climates due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Advanced analytical methods, such as the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP) and the coexistence approach (CA), enable precise assessment of past climatic parameters using fossilized leaf remains. The Erzhilansay locality, dated to the early Miocene, represents a remarkable site with exceptionally preserved and diverse plant fossils, making it pivotal for paleoclimatic reconstructions. This study reveals that mean annual temperatures and summer temperatures in the early Miocene were relatively stable over millions of years. In contrast, winters were notably milder, exhibiting warmer and more consistent conditions. Precipitation levels were significantly higher, fostering the development of dense vegetation, unlike the arid environment seen today. These findings underscore the importance of employing integrated methodologies to reconstruct ancient climates and interpret geological-scale climate changes. The study also offers critical insights into climate dynamics, supporting the development of strategies to mitigate current environmental challenges.

Keywords: paleoclimate; leaf macrofossils; CLAMP; coexistence approach; early Miocene; Erzhilansay locality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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