Abstract
Abstract Paleoceanographic information from submarine overflows in the vicinity of oceanic gateways is of major importance for resolving the role of ocean circulation in modulating Earth’s climate. Earth system models are currently the favored way to study the impact of gateways on global-scale processes, but studies on overflow-related deposits are more suitable to understand the detailed changes. Such deposits, however, had not yet been documented in outcrop. Here, we present a unique late Miocene contourite channel system from the Rifian Corridor (Morocco) related to the initiation of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW). Two channel branches were identified consisting of three vertically stacked channelized sandstone units encased in muddy deposits. Both branches have different channel-fill characteristics. Our findings provide strong evidence for intermittent behavior of overflow controlled by tectonic processes and regional climatic change. These fluctuations in paleo-MOW intermittently influenced global ocean circulation.
Highlights
Plate-tectonic reconfiguration plays a major role in modifying global ocean circulation and poleward temperature gradients by opening and closing oceanic gateways (Knutz, 2008)
Changes in the transport of saline Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) to northern latitudes are no exception, as the present-day MOW contributes to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation by as much as 15%, increasing the North Atlantic surface temperature by 1 °C (Rogerson et al, 2012)
The occurrence of a late Miocene paleo-MOW likely had an impact on global ocean circulation and associated climate change
Summary
Plate-tectonic reconfiguration plays a major role in modifying global ocean circulation and poleward temperature gradients by opening and closing oceanic gateways (Knutz, 2008). The occurrence of a late Miocene paleo-MOW likely had an impact on global ocean circulation and associated climate change.
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