Abstract
Reconstructing past ocean-climate environments and heat transport requires proxies from which these conditions can be quantified. This is particularly important for the evaluation of numerical palaeoclimate models. Here we present new evidence for a reduced North Atlantic Current (NAC) at the termination of the third last glacial, for which palaeocurrent information was previously unavailable. This is based on an exquisitely preserved set of buried iceberg scours seen in three-dimensional seismic reflection images from the mid-Norwegian slope. The scours were formed â 1/4430 ka during the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions. The spiral geometry of the scours suggests that they were carved by grounded icebergs influenced by tidal and geostrophic ocean currents. Using the ratio between the estimated tidal and geostrophic current velocities and comparing them with velocities from the Last Glacial Maximum and the present, we show that the stage 12 NAC velocities may have been â 1/450% slower than the present.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 10927 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 Mar 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
- General Physics and Astronomy
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Dive into the research topics of 'Buried iceberg scours reveal reduced North Atlantic Current during the stage 12 deglacial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Prizes
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Manchester Doctoral College Award
Newton, A. (Recipient), 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Press/Media
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Buried iceberg scours reveal reduced North Atlantic Current during the stage 12 deglacial
16/03/2016 → 31/03/2016
3 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
Profiles
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Andrew Newton
- School of Natural and Built Environment - Senior Lecturer
- Culture and Society
Person: Academic