High-latitude biomes and rock weathering mediate climate-carbon cycle feedbacks on eccentricity timescales

The International Ocean Discovery Programme (IODP) and its predecessors generated a treasure trove of Cenozoic climate and carbon cycle dynamics. Yet, it remains unclear how climate and carbon cycle interacted under changing geologic boundary conditions. Here, we present the carbon isotope (delta C-13) megasplice, documenting deep-ocean delta C-13 evolution since 35 million years ago (Ma). We juxtapose the delta C-13 megasplice with its delta O-18 counterpart and determine their phase-difference on similar to 100-kyr eccentricity timescales. This analysis reveals that 2.4-Myr eccentricity cycles modulate the delta C-13-delta O-18 phase relationship throughout the Oligo-Miocene (34-6Ma), potentially through changes in continental weathering. At 6Ma, a striking switch from in-phase to anti-phase behaviour occurs, signalling a reorganization of the climate-carbon cycle system. We hypothesize that this transition is consistent with Arctic cooling: Prior to 6Ma, low-latitude continental carbon reservoirs expanded during astronomically-forced cool spells. After 6Ma, however, continental carbon reservoirs contract rather than expand during cold periods due to competing effects between Arctic biomes (ice, tundra, taiga). We conclude that, on geologic timescales, System Earth experienced state-dependent modes of climate-carbon cycle interaction. Climate and carbon cycle interactions during major Earth system changes through the Cenozoic remain unclear. Here, the authors present a combined delta C-13-delta O-18 megasplice for the last 35Ma which allows them to identify three marked intervals of distinct climate-carbon cycle interactions.