Model-data synthesis indicates warmer temperatures during Miocene Climatic Optimum

This study presents new long-run Miocene climate simulations combined with benthic isotope data to better estimate the warmth of the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO) around 15 million years ago. The findings suggest a global mean surface temperature approximately 7.5°C higher than preindustrial levels, which is significantly warmer than previous estimates based on benthic δ18O records. This implies a higher Earth system sensitivity derived from the MCO period, offering important insights into warm-climate dynamics and future climate change projections.

Originally published by gnews