Mapping paleocoastlines and continental flooding during the Phanerozoic

Kocsis Á, Scotese CR (2021)


Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 213

Article Number: 103463

DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103463

Abstract

Sea levels shape the face of the Earth, define processes of sedimentation, and influence the evolution of life via the distribution of habitats. Ancient topographies can be reconstructed using the history and understanding of tectonic processes, lithological evidence, and present-day topographies. Paleogeographic reconstructions must accommodate ever newer sources of geological data, so we can refine and improve our model of ancient topography and bathymetry. Here, we assess the accuracy of a set of Phanerozoic digital paleogeographic maps by testing the proposed distribution of flooded shallow seas and land using fossil occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database. After noting a moderate match, we modified the positions of the coastlines and continental margins of these topographic models to reflect times of maximum transgression. Using the updated paleogeographic maps, we outline the changes of land and shallow marine areas over time and suggest ways they can be used for further investigations of our planet's history.

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How to cite

APA:

Kocsis, Á., & Scotese, C.R. (2021). Mapping paleocoastlines and continental flooding during the Phanerozoic. Earth-Science Reviews, 213. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103463

MLA:

Kocsis, Ádám, and Christopher R. Scotese. "Mapping paleocoastlines and continental flooding during the Phanerozoic." Earth-Science Reviews 213 (2021).

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