Accessibility navigation


Dynamical and observational constraints on tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures at the last glacial maximum

Liu, Z., Shin, S., Behling, P., Prell, W., Trend-Staid, M., Harrison, S. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5687-1903 and Kutzbach, J. E. (2000) Dynamical and observational constraints on tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures at the last glacial maximum. Geophysical Research Letters, 27 (1). pp. 105-108. ISSN 1944-8007

Full text not archived in this repository.

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

To link to this item DOI: 10.1029/1999GL002321

Abstract/Summary

Asynchronously coupled atmosphere and ocean general circulation model simulations are used to examine the consequences of changes in the west/east sea-surface temperature (SST) gradient across the equatorial Pacific at the last glacial maximum (LGM). Simulations forced by the CLIMAP SST for the LGM, where the west/east SST gradient across the Pacific is reduced compared to present, produce a reduction in the strength of the trade winds and a decrease in the west/east slope of the equatorial thermocline that is incompatible with thermocline depths newly inferred from foraminiferal assemblages. Stronger-than-present trade winds, and a more realistic simulation of the thermocline slope, are produced when eastern Pacific SSTs are 2°C cooler than western Pacific SSTs. Our study highlights the importance of spatial heterogeneity in tropical SSTs in determining key features of the glacial climate.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Earth Systems Science
Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Geography and Environmental Science
Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Centre for Past Climate Change
ID Code:36385
Publisher:American Geophysical Union

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation