Testing geological proxies for deep-time tidal model simulations

Abstract

Tides are a key driver of a range of Earth system processes, and we now have the capacity to simulate tidal dynamics on a range of temporal and spatial scales. Deep-time tidal model simulations have been used to provide insight into past ocean circulation patterns, evolution of life and the developments of the Earth-Moon system's orbital configuration. However, these tidal model simulations are relatively poorly constrained and validated because of a lack of readily available proxies. The feasibility of using two types of proxy is explored here; (1) sedimentary deposits which can directly estimate palaeotidal ranges, and (2) black shale, to constrain three palaeotidal model simulations for different time slices. Specifically, three palaeotidal range proxies were used for the early Devonian (400 Ma), three palaeotidal range proxies and five black shales for the lower Jurassic (185 Ma), and eight black shales for the early Cretaceous (95 Ma). Both tidal proxies confirm the tidal model results in most locations. The model results for 400 Ma and 185 Ma matched 2/3 of the palaeotidal range proxies for each of these periods. The locations of black shale were compared with tidal front locations predicted by the model outputs based on the Simpson–Hunter parameter and the model results from 95 to 185 Ma agree with the black shale proxies in 10/13 of the locations. In the cases where there is a disagreement, the model resolution is probably too low to fully resolve the details of the coastal topography, or—in one case—the palaeobathymetry is incorrect. Consequently, it is argued that it is worth expanding this type of work, and that such data can be used to validate both models and reconstructions.