Data-Derived Walter Biomes

We make extensive use of data from 600 Permian fossil plant localities, which provides the highest resolution of paleoclimatic information. By considering spatial patterns of generic diversity as well as leaf morphologies (representing different adaptations to the prevailing climate such as variations in seasonality) we are able to delineate climate biomes. These biomes can be related to Present-Day equivalents and to the model results for temperature and precipitation. The floral data allows resolution of important climate information contained in the spectrum between 'dry' and 'wet' end-member indicators such as evaporites and coals.

Floral List Localities

• shows extent of available data coverage

Correspondence Analysis Results

• arrays localites with similar lists together and different ones apart

Morphocat Pies Map

• information on leaf morphology patterns and diversity
• represents differnt adaptations to the prevailing climate such as variations in seasonality
• this example is from the Sakmarian; Wordian not yet available

Biome Anchor Points

• specific interpretations of biomes by local workers

Biome Map

• synthesis of above information

Biome Map with Anchor Points

• shows how anchor points define the center of each biome region
• the correspondence analysis results and morphocat pies define the boundaries between each biome

 Biome Map with Floral List Localities

 Biome Map with Floral List Localites (large scale)

• shows where basis for biome associations are strong or weak