Pacific-Atlantic Circumpolar Deep Water coupling during the last 500 ka


Contact
Frank.Lamy [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Investigating the interbasin deepwater exchange between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans over glacial-interglacial climate cycles is important for understanding circum-Antarctic Southern Ocean circulation changes and their impact on the global Meridional Overturning Circulation. We use benthic foraminiferal δ13C records from the southern East Pacific Rise to characterize the δ13C composition of Circumpolar Deep Water in the South Pacific, prior to its transit through the Drake Passage into the South Atlantic. A comparison with published South Atlantic deepwater records from the northern Cape Basin suggests a continuous water mass exchange throughout the past 500 ka. Almost identical glacial-interglacial δ13C variations imply a common deepwater evolution in both basins suggesting persistent Circumpolar Deep Water exchange and homogenization. By contrast, deeper abyssal waters occupying the more southern Cape Basin and the southernmost South Atlantic have lower δ13C values during most, but not all, stadial periods. We conclude that these values represent the influence of a more southern water mass, perhaps Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). During many interglacials and some glacial periods, the gradient between Circumpolar Deep Water and the deeper southern Cape Basin bottom water disappears suggesting either no presence of AABW or indistinguishable δ13C values of both water masses.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Research Networks
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
41341
DOI 10.1002/2016PA002932

Cite as
Ullermann, J. , Lamy, F. , Ninnemann, U. , Lembke-Jene, L. , Gersonde, R. and Tiedemann, R. (2016): Pacific-Atlantic Circumpolar Deep Water coupling during the last 500 ka , Paleoceanography, 31 (6), pp. 639-650 . doi: 10.1002/2016PA002932


Download
[thumbnail of Ullermann-2016.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Ullermann-2016.pdf

Download (1MB) | Preview
Cite this document as:

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


Citation

Geographical region

Research Platforms

Campaigns
ANT > XXVI > 2


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item