Nonlinear Amplification of Extreme Climate-Carbon Cycle Events

Abstract

The geological records of carbon cycle change present significant disruptions at intermittent times, which are often associated with events of abrupt climate change. Despite the variety of mechanisms driving these fluctuations, different disruptions present common characteristics. Through this work, we describe time series analysis methods that allow us to study disruptions in the carbon cycle in a general manner. Our analysis suggests that nonlinear amplifications have contributed substantially to many past climate-carbon cycle disruptions. The study of the mechanisms driving these disruptions becomes an valuable case study for the evolution of human-driven climate change. Better understanding these feedbacks within the carbon cycle would provide insights into the response of the Earth system to the increase of concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere driven by human activity.