Possible oceanic circulation patterns, surface water currents and upwelling zones in the Early Palaeozoic

Abstract

As global reconstructions for the Early Palaeozoic (Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods) are now becoming more reliable, ancient atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns may now be modelled with increasing confidence. Here we examine previous studies on Early Palaeozoic palaeoceanography. It is assumed that past circulation patterns were governed by the same factors that govern them today. We here introduce some hypothetical base maps that predict the possible locations of ancient surface water currents, the position of oceanic gyres and possible ancient upwelling zones.

Keywords::

• Early Palaeozoic
• palaeogeography
• palaeoceanography
• upwelling zones

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the valuable reviews of the two referees, Yannick Donnadieu (Gif-sur-Yvette) and an anonymous reviewer. Thanks to these comments, we hope to have made it clear that our models are purely hypothetical (and perhaps provocative) designed to initiate debate. This paper is a contribution to IGCP 591 (The Early to Middle Palaeozoic Revolution).