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Synchronous interhemispheric Holocene climate trends in the tropical Andes
Pratigya J Polissar1, Mark B Abbott, Alexander P Wolfe
1Division of Biology and Paleo Environment, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA. polissar@ldeo.columbia.edu
Summary
Holocene climate in the Andes was synchronous across hemispheres, challenging solar insolation theories. Pacific Ocean temperatures likely drove these tropical moisture balance shifts.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Climate Science
- Oceanography
Background:
- Tropical moisture balance variations during the Holocene have been attributed to orbital forcing via solar insolation.
- A prevailing model suggests antiphased climate evolution between hemispheres, with humidity in one coinciding with aridity in the other.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Holocene climate trends in the outer-tropical Andes.
- To evaluate the role of solar insolation versus oceanic forcing on regional climate.
- To understand the drivers of synchronous climate shifts in both hemispheres.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Holocene climate trends in the northern and southern hemisphere outer-tropical Andes.
- Comparison of observed climate patterns with predictions from insolation forcing models.
- Investigation of the influence of equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperatures on Andean rainfall.
Main Results:
- Holocene climate trends in the outer-tropical Andes were largely synchronous and unidirectional across both hemispheres.
- These synchronous trends provide limited support for the dominant role of insolation forcing in the region.
- Evidence suggests that equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperatures have consistently modulated rainfall in the outer tropical Andes throughout the Holocene.
Conclusions:
- Orbital forcing by solar insolation is unlikely to be the primary driver of Holocene climate in the outer-tropical Andes.
- Oceanic forcing, specifically Pacific sea-surface temperatures, appears to be a more significant factor in South American climate.
- Pacific sea-surface temperatures possess the capability to trigger abrupt and prolonged changes in Andean climate patterns.
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