The last interglacial as represented in the glaciochemical record from Mount Moulton Blue Ice Area, West Antarctica
Abstract
Understanding climate during the last interglacial is critical for understanding how modern climate change differs from purely naturally forced climate change. Here we present the first high-resolution ice core record of the last interglacial and transition to the subsequent glacial period from Antarctica and the first glaciochemical record for this period from West Antarctica. Samples were collected from a horizontal ice trench in the Mt. Moulton Blue Ice Area (BIA) in West Antarctica and analyzed for their soluble major anions (Cl -, NO 3-, SO 42-), major and trace elements (Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Pb, Bi, U, As, Al, S, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) and water hydrogen isotopes (δD). The last interglacial is characterized by warmer temperatures (δD), weakened atmospheric circulation (dust elements, seasalts aerosols), decreased sea ice extent (Na, nssSO 42-) and decreased oceanic productivity (nssSO 42-). A combined examination of Mt. Moulton seasalts, dust, nssSO 42- and δD records indicates that the last interglacial was extremely stable compared to glacial age climate events and it ended through a long period of gradual cooling unlike that projected for future Holocene climate.
- Publication:
-
Quaternary Science Reviews
- Pub Date:
- July 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.quascirev.2011.04.020
- Bibcode:
- 2011QSRv...30.1940K