Periodically forced self-organization in the long-term evolution of planktic foraminifera

Wavelet transform and other signal analysis techniques suggest that the pla nktic foraminiferal (PF) long-term evolutionary record of the last 127 Ma c an be attributed to complex periodic and nonlinear patterns. Correlation of the PF extinction pattern with other geological series favors an origin of the similar to 30 Ma periodicity and self-organization by quasi-periodic m antle-plume cycles that in turn drive episodic volcanism, CO2-degassing, oc eanic anoxic conditions, and sea-level fluctuations. Stationary similar to 30 Ma periodicity and a weak secular trend of similar to 100 Ma period are evident in the PF record, even without consideration of the mass extinction at the K-T boundary. The 27-32 Ma periodicity in the impact crater record and lows in the global sea-level curve, respectively, are similar to6.5 Ma and similar to2.3 Ma out of phase with PF-extinction data, although major P F-extinction events correspond to the bolide impacts at the K-T boundary an d in late Eocene. Another six extinction events correspond to abrupt global sea-level falls between the late Albian and early Oligocene. Self-organiza tion in the PF record is characterized by increased radiation rates after m ajor extinction events and a steady number of baseline species. Our compute r model of long-term PF evolution replicates this SO pattern. The model con sists of output from the logistic map, which is forced at 30 Ma and 100 Ma frequencies. The model has significant correlations with the relative PF-ex tinction data. In particular, it replicates singularities, such as the K-T event, nonstationary 2.5-10 Ma periodicities, and phase shifts in the simil ar to 30 Ma periodicity of the PF record.