Evolution of palaeoclimate, palaeoenvironment and vegetation in Central Europe during the Miocene Climate Optimum

The Miocene Climate Optimum was an interval of global climatic warmth characterized by significant global palaeoceanographic changes. In this paper, we describe the parastratotype section of the regional Karpatian stage (late Burdigalian) at Hevlin quarry in the Czech Republic, to improve knowledge of evolving palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate during the Miocene Climate Optimum. Strontium isotope stratigraphy (87Sr/86Sr) and biostratigraphy allows precise identification of Burdigalian/Langhian boundary, and the studied section is inferred to represent the late Burdigalian time interval (17.2-16 Ma). Analysis of palynological assemblages using the Coexistence Approach and the Plant Functional Type method supported by biomarker study indicates an existence of a warm temperate to subtropical palaeoclimate pattern with a mean annual temperature range of 17-19.5 degrees C and a high degree of seasonality. The mean annual precipitation range was 1050-1600 mm. The zonal vegetation cover was characterized as transitional between subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest and warm-temperate to subtropical mixed mesophytic forest. Our palaeoclimatic findings in Central Europe agree with global trends (high temperatures and a high sea level) and indicates the occurrence of rather widespread humid conditions. The proximity to our study site of the Mediterranean-Paratethys sea probably played a critical role in moderating regional palaeoclimate.

Automated summary

In this study, the parastratotype section of the Karpatian stage at Hevlin quarry in the Czech Republic was analyzed to improve understanding of the palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate during the Miocene Climate Optimum. The findings indicate a warm temperate to subtropical palaeoclimate with a mean annual temperature range of 17-19.5 degrees C and a high degree of seasonality. The annual precipitation range was 1050-1600 mm. The zonal vegetation cover was characterized as transitional between subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest and warm-temperate to subtropical mixed mesophytic forest. These results agree with global trends and suggest widespread humid conditions in the region.