Lipids are proxies of paleoclimate and paleoenvironment changes

What is it about?

This paper conducts a systematic review on a variety of lipid biomarkers in aquatic sediments and water column that are used as proxies tracing paleoclimate and paleoenvironment information. The sources of those lipid biomarkers are autochthonous and/or allochthonous. General mechanisms of lipid biomarkers used as paleoclimate and paleoenvironment archives include characteristics of carbon chain distribution, temperature adaptation and combined temperature and humidity adaptation. Different lipid indices underpinned by the mechanisms are surrogates for the past precipitation, temperature and humidity as well as plant succession.We propose that the combined use of lipid indices and other biomarkers can expand the outlook of individual index, and provide a better understanding of paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

There is a lack of systematical syntheses with regard to the lipid biomarkers and related indices from aquatic environment indicating paleoclimate and paleoenvironment, although paleo- climate and paleoenvironment studies in terms of organisms in aquatic sediments and water column have been undertaken since last century. This study will fill the knowledge gap.

Perspectives