Paleoenvironmental implications of the insoluble microparticle record in the GISP2 (Greenland) ice core during the rapidly changing climate of the Pleistocene–Holocene transition

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 1997 Paleoenvironmental implications of the insoluble microparticle record in the GISP2 (Greenland) ice core during the rapidly changing climate of the Pleistocene–Holocene transition Gregory A. Zielinski; Gregory A. Zielinski 1Climate Change Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space and Department of Earth Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Grant R. Mershon Grant R. Mershon 1Climate Change Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space and Department of Earth Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1997) 109 (5): 547–559. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1997)109<0547:PIOTIM>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Gregory A. Zielinski, Grant R. Mershon; Paleoenvironmental implications of the insoluble microparticle record in the GISP2 (Greenland) ice core during the rapidly changing climate of the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. GSA Bulletin 1997;; 109 (5): 547–559. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1997)109<0547:PIOTIM>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Oscillations in the time series of insoluble microparticle characteristics between 0.7 and 11.0 μm in the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) ice core reflect changes in environmental conditions in the Northern Hemisphere from 10 500 to 14 000 yr ago. Elevated values in microparticle number and mass, especially during the Younger Dryas, are related to Northern Hemisphere aridity and the subsequent increase in dust available for long-range transport to Greenland. This scenario occurs with the colder climatic conditions that result from a more expanded (spatially and temporally) polar vortex. Peaks in mean grain size based on number (mean number diameter) are a proxy for increased strength in zonal winds (westerlies). Highs in mean number diameter in the earlier part of the record often coincide with number and mass peaks reflecting the increased temperature and pressure gradients with an expanded polar vortex. Highs in mean grain size based on mass (mean mass diameter) reflect greater deposition of the coarser size fraction, and thus are a proxy for increased storminess associated with better developed synoptic-scale pressure systems in the northernmost Atlantic region. Peaks in mean mass diameter often lead these other parameters by 100–200 yr, suggesting an increase in storminess with the initial southward migration of the mean position of the polar front prior to full development of a more expanded polar vortex. The general decline in number and mass trends (decreased aridity with a contracting polar vortex) together with increasing mean number diameter trends (strengthening zonal winds) following the maxima in the early Younger Dryas suggest an expansion of mid-latitude circulation systems (subtropical highs), thereby maintaining latitudinal temperature and pressure gradients. Increased variability in mean mass diameter during the warm Preboreal, compared to the colder Younger Dryas, may be a function of the greater seasonality during warmer climatic periods, and thus more frequent storms associated with higher frequency oscillations in the position of the polar front with changing seasons and increased interannual variability in climate. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.