Simulations reveal causes of inter-regional differences in Pliocene climatic periodicity

The Pliocene Epoch(5.33-2.58 Ma)is the last period of sus-tained warmth before the emergence of the large-scale Pleistocene glaciations.This period was generally warm and wet and is often used as an analogue for near-future climate conditions in terms of CO2 levels(～400 ppm,1 ppm=1 μmol/mol),and comparable temperatures.Evaluating the climate system and its fluctuation patterns during the Pliocene warm period provide scientists with the opportunity to understand a warmer-than-present world,and are fundamental to our understanding and ability to accurately project future climate and environmental change.