Realistic Paleobathymetry of the Cenomanian–Turonian (94 Ma) Boundary Global Ocean

Abstract

At present, global paleoclimate simulations are prepared with bathtub-like, flat, featureless and steep walled ocean bathymetry, which is neither realistic nor suitable. In this article, we present the first enhanced version of a reconstructed paleobathymetry for Cenomanian-Turonian (94 Ma) time in a 0.1 • × 0.1 • resolution, that is both realistic and suitable for use in paleo-climate studies. This reconstruction is an extrapolation of a parameterized modern ocean bathymetry that combines simple geophysical models (standard plate cooling model for the oceanic lithosphere) based on ocean crustal age, global modern oceanic sediment thicknesses, and generalized shelf-slope-rise structures calibrated from a published global relief model of the modern world (ETOPO1) at active and passive continental margins. The base version of this Cenomanian-Turonian paleobathymetry reconstruction is then updated with known submarine large igneous provinces, plateaus, and seamounts to minimize the difference between the reconstructed paleobathymetry and the real bathymetry that once existed.

Charting the Course for Future Developments in Marine Geomorphometry: An Introduction to the Special Issue

“…In some cases, the costs of data collection are not the only impediments to the production of DBMs, but our inability to travel through time may be: Goswami et al [25] presented an innovative approach to produce a DBM representing a reconstruction of paleobathymetry from 94 Ma, with implications for paleoclimate studies, among others. This new bathymetric model at 0.1 • × 0.1 • resolution improves upon present global paleoclimate simulation model layers that are developed from bathtub-like, flat, featureless ocean bathymetry models, which are neither realistic nor suitable.…”

Did the Benue Trough connect the Gulf of Guinea with the Tethys Ocean in the Cenomanian? New evidence from the palynostratigraphy of the Yola Sub-basin

“…Tectonic and palaeogeographic studies of Upper Cretaceous rocks have previously suggested the existence of a seaway linking the Atlantic and Tethys Oceans during that timeframe (Scotese, 2014), with a link via the Trans-Sahara seaway purported to be active from the early Cenomanian to Maastrichtian (Scotese, 2014). Goswami et al (2018) presented a global bathymetry of the Cenomanian, which suggested a link between the two seas. Attempts to define the path taken by such a Trans-Sahara seaway have been hampered by poor stratigraphic control in the oldest marine deposits of the Benue Trough (Zaborski, 2000;Edegbai et al, 2019).…”