The Antarctic ice sheet and the triggering of deglaciations

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

36

Paleoclimatology, Glacial Cycles, Milankovitch Theory, Carbon Cycle, Climate Dynamics

Scientific paper

A new physical mechanism involving the Antarctic ice-sheet extent is able to link climatic and CO2 glacial interglacial changes. It is furthermore able to explain many features of the glacial cycles, like the 100 kyr oscillations or the peculiarities of stage 11 (about 400 kyr BP). Indeed, from recent results, the glacial ocean bottom waters were possibly much more saline and consequently, may have an unsuspected large density. This glacial deep stratification could account for a significant part of the glacial interglacial CO2 difference. The formation of these waters around Antarctica involves brine rejection over the continental shelves and is directly linked to changes in sea ice formation and Antarctic ice-sheet extent. Using this new scenario, we formulate a conceptual model that reproduce the succession and the amplitude of glaciations over the last few million years. This new mechanism furthermore provides the clue to understanding the changes in the main climatic frequency from 23 to 41 ka about 3 Myr ago and from 41 to 100 ka about 1 Myr ago. The Antarctic ice-sheet influence on bottom water formation could provide the “missing piece” to complete the astronomical theory of Quaternary climates.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The Antarctic ice sheet and the triggering of deglaciations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Antarctic ice sheet and the triggering of deglaciations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Antarctic ice sheet and the triggering of deglaciations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1015612

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.