QUANTITATIVE PALEOCLIMATE GCM VALIDATION - LATE JURASSIC AND MIDCRETACEOUS CASE-STUDIES

Using quantitative proxy models of peat and bauxite formation, based u pon modern analogues, predictions of the distribution of peats (coals) and bauxites for both the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) and mid-Cretac eous (Cenomanian) have been made using a General Circulation Model (GC M). The predictions have been compared with the known distribution of these deposits. Such an approach provides a means of identifying and i solating which components of the GCM accurately reflect palaeoclimate. The prediction of peats and bauxites for the Jurassic and Cretaceous show good correspondence with known coals and bauxites and provides ot herwise elusive quantitative estimates of high latitude climate. The G CM is thus successfully replicating precipitation and mean annual temp eratures for both the Kimmeridgian and Cenomanian.