Teleconnection of climatic events between East Asia and polar, high latitude areas during the last deglaciation

Abstract

From observations of continuous aeolian and swamp sediment sequences, augmented by a detailed 14C chronology, δ 13C and organic C analyses, we can demonstrate century- to millennium-scale fluctuations in East Asian monsoon palaeoclimatic events. We also infer significant precipitation variability within the last deglaciation. The major climatic zones that have been recognised in Europe, and find counterparts in East Asia are, the Bølling–Allerød (14,750–12,800 cal yr B.P.), and the Younger Dryas (12,800–11,600 cal yr B.P.). The last deglaciation sediment sequences are characterised by frequent facies changes reflecting climate instability. These frequent, abrupt climatic events correlate well with fluctuations recorded in high latitude and polar areas, as represented by the Greenland ice core GISP 2 and a core from the North Sea. This indicates a palaeoclimate teleconnection between the high latitude and polar areas and the East Asian monsoon areas through cold air mass activity, and the related atmospheric pressure system.