Modelling of mineral dust for interglacial and glacial climate conditions with a focus on Antarctica

• DOI: 10.5194/cp-11-765-2015
• Publication Date: 2015-05-19T09:52:53Z
• Authors: N. Sudarchikova; U. Mikolajewicz; C. Timmreck; D. O'Donnell; G. Schurgers; D. Sein; K. Zhang
• Keywords: Ice core; Eemian; Mineral dust; Deposition; Paleoclimatology; Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract. The mineral dust cycle responds to climate variations and plays an important role in the system by affecting radiative balance of atmosphere modifying biogeochemistry. Polar ice cores provide unique information about deposition aeolian particles transported over long distances. These are a palaeoclimate proxy archive variability thousands years ago. current study is first attempt simulate past interglacial cycles with global aerosol–climate model ECHAM5-HAM. results used explain changes Antarctica terms quantitative contribution different processes, such as emission, atmospheric transport precipitation, which will help interpret palaeodata from Antarctic cores. investigated periods include four time slices: pre-industrial control (CTRL), mid-Holocene (6000 yr BP; hereafter referred "6 kyr"), last glacial inception (115 000 "115 kyr") Eemian (126 "126 kyr"). One interval, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (21 "21 was simulated well be reference test for model. Results suggest increase globally, Antarctica, relative CTRL simulation. Approximately two-thirds attributed enhanced Southern Hemisphere emissions. Slightly strengthened efficiency causes remaining one-third deposition. moderate change period caused slightly stronger poleward compared pre-industrial. period. LGM substantially increased due 2.6 times higher emissions, 2 towards 30% weaker precipitation Ocean. able reproduce order magnitude globally climates.