On the causes of glacial inception at 116 kaBP

Abstract

To explore processes involved in glacial inception at 116 kaBP, the response of an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) to changes in lower boundary conditions is investigated. Two 116 kaBP experiments are conducted to examine the importance of sea surface conditions (sea surface temperature and sea ice distribution): one with the present-day sea surface conditions, and the other with 116 kaBP sea surface conditions. These two different sea surface conditions are obtained from simulations using an earth system climate model of intermediate complexity. Perennial snow cover occurred over the Canadian Archipelago under 116 kaBP orbital and CO2 forcing with present-day "warm" sea surface conditions, and further expanded over northeastern Canada when 116 kaBP "cool" sea surface conditions were applied. The net positive accumulation in northeastern Canada, with little in Alaska, is in good agreement with geological records. Two additional 116 kaBP experiments are conducted to examine the combined importance of sea surface conditions and land surface conditions (vegetation): one with the present-day sea surface and modified land surface conditions, and the other with 116 kaBP sea surface and modified land surface conditions. Modifying vegetation, based on cooling during summer induced by 116 kaBP sea surface conditions, leads to much larger areas of perennial snow cover. Only when 116 kaBP sea surface conditions are applied, is a realistic global net snow accumulation rate obtained. Contrary to the earlier ice age hypothesis, our results suggest that the capturing of glacial inception at 116 kaBP requires the use of "cooler" sea surface conditions than those of the present climate. Also, the large impact of vegetation change on climate suggests that the inclusion of the vegetation feedback is important for model validation, at least, in this particular period of Earth history.