Two ocean states during the last glacial maximum


Contact
Xu.Zhang [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~21k BC) was characterized by a cold and well-stratified ocean as documented by many proxy data from marine sediment cores, representing a benchmark test-bed for climate models. Even though much effort was made to reproduce the glacial ocean structure and associated large-scale ocean circulation, it remains difficult to reconcile the spread between models and mismatches to data. Here we employ a fully comprehensive climate model to explore the role of the ocean stratification on the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). Using glacial boundary conditions we find two states for the glacial ocean structure, depending on differences in the initial salinity stratification. Only one of the two ocean states is in agreement with the available proxy record. However, this state cannot be generated with LGM boundary conditions, implying a quasi steady nature of the glacial ocean water mass configuration. Furthermore, we show that the salinity stratification represents a key control on the spatial configuration and the strength of the AMOC and therefore bears the potential to reconcile the apparent differences among models and data. In combination these findings represent a new dynamical framework for AMOC changes on glacial-interglacial timescales that challenges the conventional evaluation of glacial and deglacial AMOC changes based on an ocean state derived from LGM boundary conditions.



Item Type
Conference (Talk)
Authors
Divisions
Programs
Publication Status
Published
Event Details
COMPARE PMIP3 workshop, 18 Mar 2012 - 22 Mar 2012, Bremen.
Eprint ID
25337
Cite as
Zhang, X. , Lohmann, G. , Knorr, G. and Xu, X. (2012): Two ocean states during the last glacial maximum , COMPARE PMIP3 workshop, Bremen, 18 March 2012 - 22 March 2012 .


Download
[thumbnail of COMPARE2012_XuZhang.pdf]
Preview
PDF
COMPARE2012_XuZhang.pdf

Download (8MB) | Preview
Cite this document as:

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Research Platforms
N/A

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item