Applying astronomical solutions and Milanković forcing in the Earth sciences

Abstract

Astronomical solutions provide calculated orbital and rotational parameters of solar system bodies based on the dynamics and physics of the solar system. Application of astronomical solutions in the Earth sciences has revolutionized our understanding in at least two areas of active research. (i) The Astronomical (or Milanković) forcing of climate on time scales $\gtrsim$ 10 kyr and (ii) the dating of geologic archives. The latter has permitted the development of the astronomical time scale, widely used today to reconstruct highly accurate geological dates and chronologies. The tasks of computing vs. applying astronomical solutions are usually performed by investigators from different backgrounds, which has led to confusion and recent inaccurate results on the side of the applications. Here we review astronomical solutions and Milanković forcing in the Earth sciences, primarily aiming at clarifying the astronomical basis, applicability, and limitations of the solutions. We provide a summary of current up-to-date and outdated astronomical solutions and their valid time span. We discuss the fundamental limits imposed by dynamical solar system chaos on astronomical calculations and geological/astrochronological applications. We illustrate basic features of chaotic behavior using a simple mechanical system, i.e., the driven pendulum. Regarding so-called astronomical “metronomes”, we point out that the current evidence does not support the notion of generally stable and prominent metronomes for universal use in astrochronology and cyclostratigraphy. We also describe amplitude and frequency modulation of astronomical forcing signals and the relation to their expression in cyclostratigraphic sequences. Furthermore, the various quantities and terminology associated with Earth's axial precession are discussed in detail. Finally, we provide some suggestions regarding practical considerations.