Change of Surface Environment through Cenozoic

Abstract

Evolution of Cenozoic surface environments is a process of transition from greenhouse world to icehouse world. Review of studies on developments of continental ice sheets, associated sea level change, deep water circulation, and atmospheric circulation revealed close association among them. The transition occurred through steps of significant and abrupt changes, between such steps the surface environmnent was more or less stable. Timing of such steps is correlatable to tectonic events in many cases. Examination of their close correlation may give a clue to solve the operation mechanism of the surface environment system.