The deglacial evolution of North Atlantic deep convection
Thornalley, D.J.R.; Barker, S.; Broecker, W.S.; Elderfield, H.; McCave, I.N. (2011). The deglacial evolution of North Atlantic deep convection. Science (Wash.) 331(6014): 202-205. https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1196812
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Thornalley, D.J.R.
- Barker, S.
- Broecker, W.S.
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- Elderfield, H.
- McCave, I.N.
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| Abstract |
Deepwater formation in the North Atlantic by open-ocean convection is an essential component of the overturning circulation of the Atlantic Ocean, which helps regulate global climate. We use water-column radiocarbon reconstructions to examine changes in northeast Atlantic convection since the Last Glacial Maximum. During cold intervals, we infer a reduction in open-ocean convection and an associated incursion of an extremely radiocarbon (C-14)-depleted water mass, interpreted to be Antarctic Intermediate Water. Comparing the timing of deep convection changes in the northeast and northwest Atlantic, we suggest that, despite a strong control on Greenland temperature by northeast Atlantic convection, reduced open-ocean convection in both the northwest and northeast Atlantic is necessary to account for contemporaneous perturbations in atmospheric circulation. |
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