The 8.2 ka event from Greenland ice cores

Thomas, Elizabeth R.; Wolff, Eric W.; Mulvaney, Robert; Steffensen, Jorgen P.; Johnsen, Sigfus J.; Arrowsmith, Carol; White, James W.C.; Vaughn, Bruce; Popp, Trevor. 2007 The 8.2 ka event from Greenland ice cores. Quaternary Science Reviews, 26 (1-2). 70-81. 10.1016/j.quascirev.2006.07.017

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Abstract/Summary

We present a collection of high-resolution chemistry and stable isotope records from the plateau of the Greenland ice cap during the cold event 8200 yr ago. Using a composite of four records, the cold event is observed as a 160.5 yr period during which decadal-mean isotopic values were below average, within which there is a central event of 69 yr during which values were consistently more than one standard deviation below the average for the preceding period. Four cores in north, south, and central Greenland show differences at decadal and shorter timescales; it is not yet clear if this represents significant spatial differences in response. The results show clear evidence for colder temperatures and a decrease in snow-accumulation rate. However, the changes in chemical concentrations for the ions looked at here are small, suggesting only minor changes in atmospheric circulation for this event. Apart from the decrease in methane concentration, Greenland ice cores give only weak evidence for effects outside the North Atlantic region.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number/DOI:	10.1016/j.quascirev.2006.07.017
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Climate and Chemistry - Forcings and Phasings in the Earth System
ISSN:	0277-3791
NORA Subject Terms:	Meteorology and Climatology Glaciology
Date made live:	06 Apr 2009 14:28
URI:	http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/3267

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