Ice-rafting history in the Labrador Sea during the last millennium ...

• Main Authors: Alonso-Garcia, Montserrat, Kleiven, Helga F, McManus, Jerry F, Moffa-Sanchez, Paola, Broecker, Wallace S, Flower, Benjamin P
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: PANGAEA 2017
• Subjects: Gravity corer; Arctic; Greenland; Labrador Sea; North Atlantic; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/pangaea.874286; https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.874286

Arctic freshwater discharges to the Labrador Sea from melting glaciers and sea-ice can have a deep impact on ocean circulation dynamics in the North Atlantic, modifying climate and deep water formation in this region. In this study, we present for the first time a high resolution record of ice-rafting in the Labrador Sea over the last millennium to assess the effects of freshwater discharges in this region on ocean circulation and climate. The occurrence of ice-rafted debris (IRD) in the Labrador Sea was studied using sediments from Site GS06-144-03 (57.29° N, 48.37° W, 3432 m water depth). IRD from the fraction 63-150 µm shows particularly high concentrations during the intervals: ~1000-1100, ~ 1150-1250, ~1400-1450, ~1650-1700 and ~1750-1800 yr AD. The first two intervals occurred during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA), whereas the others took place within the Little Ice Age (LIA). Mineralogical identification indicates that the main IRD source during the MCA was SE Greenland. In contrast, the ... : Supplement to: Alonso-Garcia, Montserrat; Kleiven, Helga F; McManus, Jerry F; Moffa-Sanchez, Paola; Broecker, Wallace S; Flower, Benjamin P (2017): Freshening of the Labrador Sea as a trigger for Little Ice Age development. Climate of the Past, 13(4), 317-331 ...