Precessional and half-precessional climate forcing of Mid-Devonian monsoon-like dynamics

Abstract

A Devonian magnetic susceptibility (MS) record obtained on limestones ranging from the Uppermost-Eifelian to the Lower-Givetian and located on the southern border of the Dinant Synclinorium in Belgium was selected for time-series analysis. In these carbonate ramp and platform deposits, spectral analyses highlight persistent, high-frequency cycles in both the MS-signal and the microfacies curve, reflecting environmental and climate changes. These metre-scale variations in the MS-signal are interpreted as changes in the flux of magnetic minerals towards the marine system, most likely controlled by monsoon rainfall-intensity. By combining chrono- and biostratigraphic information with theoretical knowledge of sedimentation rates in different depositional environments, these cycles are interpreted as astronomically driven and dominated by precession. It is hypothesized that during precession minima (longitude of the perihelion ≈270deg;) the trans-equatorial pressure gradient reaches a maximum and intensifies the northeasterly monsoonal circulation. The consequent increase in moisture transport towards the continent leads to enhanced precipitation and runoff, which, in turn, induces a higher flux of detrital material - including magnetic minerals responsible for the MS-signal - towards the marine system. Moreover, this unique high-resolution climate signal reveals half-precessional cycles. These cycles suggest that during precession maxima (longitude of the perihelion ≈90deg;) southeasterly monsoonal circulation strengthened due to an increased inter-hemispheric pressure gradient. © 2012 Authors(s).