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Published on: September 5, 2018
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Glacial ocean circulation and stratification explained by reduced atmospheric temperature.
1Department of the Geophysical Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637 mfj@uchicago.edu.
Summary
Global climate shifts are linked to changes in deep ocean circulation. Colder climates increase Antarctic sea ice, leading to stronger ocean stratification and altered ocean carbon storage.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
Background:
- Earth's climate fluctuates between glacial and interglacial periods, with significant high-latitude temperature changes (5-10 °C).
- Deep ocean circulation and stratification changes are linked to atmospheric carbon dioxide fluctuations, impacting ocean carbon partitioning.
- The precise mechanisms driving deep ocean circulation changes during glacial periods remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between atmospheric temperature differences and deep ocean circulation/stratification changes during glacial and interglacial periods.
- To explain how colder atmospheric temperatures influence Antarctic sea ice, brine rejection, and deep ocean stratification.
- To elucidate the impact of altered ocean circulation on interhemispheric overturning and ocean carbon storage.
Main Methods:
- Interpreting inferred changes in deep ocean circulation and stratification based on atmospheric temperature differences.
- Analyzing the consequences of increased sea ice cover and brine rejection around Antarctica during colder periods.
- Connecting changes in ocean stratification and circulation to proxy evidence from the Last Glacial Maximum.
Main Results:
- Colder atmospheric temperatures lead to increased Antarctic sea ice and brine rejection, enhancing deep ocean stratification.
- Increased stratification is consistent with high abyssal salinities observed during the Last Glacial Maximum.
- Weakened and shoaled interhemispheric overturning circulation during glacial periods allows for slower Antarctic-origin water movement, explaining radiocarbon age maximums and influencing ocean carbon storage.
Conclusions:
- Deep ocean circulation and stratification changes are a direct consequence of atmospheric temperature variations.
- The proposed mechanism links atmospheric cooling to increased ocean stratification and altered deep ocean circulation patterns.
- These findings offer insights into ocean carbon storage mechanisms during past glacial climates.
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