Verducci, M.; Foresi, L. M.; Scott, G. H.; Tiepolo, M.; Sprovieri, M.; Lirer, F. (2007): East Antarctic ice sheet fluctuations during the middle Miocene climatic transition inferred from faunal and biogeochemical data on planktonic Foraminifera (ODP Hole 747A, Kerguelen Plateau). U. S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, United States, In: Cooper, Alan (editor), Raymond, Carol (editor), Antarctica; a keystone in a changing world; online proceedings for the Tenth international symposium on Antarctic earth sciences, OF 2007-1047, georefid:2007-120394

Abstract:
Regarding Kerguelen Plateau region of the Southern Ocean during the middle Miocene (14.8-11.8 Ma), abundance fluctuations of several planktonic foraminiferal taxa, stable oxygen isotope and Mg/Ca ratios have been integrated as a multi-proxy approach to reach a better understanding of the growth modality and fluctuations of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) during this period. A 7 degrees C decrease in Sea Surface Temperature (SST), an abrupt turnover in the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage, a 1.5% shift towards heavier delta (super 18) O values (Mi3 event) and a related shift towards heavier seawater delta (super 18) O values between 13.9 and 13.7 Ma, are interpreted to reflect rapid surface water cooling and EAIS expansion. Hole 747A data suggest a major change in the variability of the climate system fostered by EAIS expansion between 13.9 and 13.7 Ma. Ice sheet fluctuations were greater during the interval 14.8-13.9 Ma compared with those from 13.7 to 11.8 Ma, whereas the latter interval was characterized by a more stable EAIS. In our opinion, the middle Miocene ice sheet expansion in Antarctica represents a first step towards the development of the modern permanent ice sheet.
Coverage:
West: 76.4738 East: 76.4739 North: -54.4840 South: -54.4841
Relations:
Expedition: 120
Site: 120-747
Data access:
Provider: SEDIS Publication Catalogue
Data set link: http://sedis.iodp.org/pub-catalogue/index.php?id=10.3133/of2007-1047.srp037 (c.f. for more detailed metadata)
Data download: application/pdf
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