6533b7d8fe1ef96bd126b7a2
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Radiogenic isotopes: new tools help reconstruct paleocean circulation and erosion input
G.r. DaviesA.w. HofmannC. Claude-ivanajMartin Franksubject
010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciencesPleistoceneNorth Atlantic Deep WaterOcean currentPhysical oceanography010502 geochemistry & geophysics01 natural sciencesOceanographyShutdown of thermohaline circulation13. Climate actionInterglacialGeneral Earth and Planetary SciencesThermohaline circulationGlacial periodGeology0105 earth and related environmental sciencesdescription
Ocean and atmosphere circulation and continental weathering regimes have undergone great changes over thousands of years as well as tens of millions of years. During the glacial stages of the Pleistocene, ocean circulation was generally more sluggish and deep water circulation in the Atlantic had a shallower flow. At the same time, weathering on the continents was enhanced by glacial erosion, particularly in high northern latitudes, which increased the input of erosional detritus into the ocean. In addition, atmospheric pressure gradients were larger, leading to higher wind speeds and increased supply of aeolian dust to the ocean. Prior to the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciation and pronounced glacial/interglacial cyclicity at ∼3 m.ya., global climate was warmer than at present. There is also evidence for a more vigorous thermohaline circulation during the early Pliocene.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-01-01 | EOS |