Characterizing ice sheets during the Pliocene: evidence from data and models

Hill, D.J.; Haywood, A.M.; Hindmarsh, R.C.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1633-2416; Valdes, P.J.. 2007 Characterizing ice sheets during the Pliocene: evidence from data and models. In: Williams, M.; Haywood, A.M.; Gregory, F.J.; Schmidt, D.N., (eds.) Deep-time perspectives on climate change: marrying the signal from computer models and biological proxies. London, Geological Society of London, 517-538. (Micropalaeontological Society special publications).

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Abstract/Summary

The Pliocene (c. 5.3 - 1.8 Myr BP) was the last epoch of geological time in which global temperatures were generally higher than modern. It is important if we are to understand the dynamics of warm climates. This is particuarly true of the interaction of climate and cryosphere, where the Pliocene may represent the first epoch in which ice sheets, at least on Antarctica, were a permanent feature. In this paper, we review the available evidence for the state of ice sheets during the Pliocene as well as previous attempts to model them. We then present new models and sensitivity studies of the mid-Pliocene East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) and consider the implications for the debate on ice-sheet stability during the Pliocene. These new reconstructions suggest that the mid-Pliocene EAIS was significantly smaller than modern, but the modelled average mid-Pliocene climate is not sufficient to cause the widespread deglaciation suggested by Sirius Group diatom evidence.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Greenhouse to Icehouse. Evolution of the Antarctic Cryosphere and Palaeoenvironment
ISBN:	9781862392403
Additional Keywords:	Glacial history, Palaeoclimate
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	10 Apr 2008 09:06 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/2771

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