Sensitivity of the North Atlantic climate to Greenland Ice Sheet melting during the Last Interglacial

• DOI: 10.5194/cp-8-995-2012
• Publication Date: 2012-06-01T05:59:38Z
• Authors: P. Bakker; C. J. Van Meerbeeck; H. Renssen
• Keywords: Greenland ice sheet; Paleoclimatology

Abstract. During the Last Interglacial (LIG; ~130 000 yr BP), part of Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) melted due to a warmer than present-day climate. However, impact this melting on LIG climate in North Atlantic region is relatively unknown. Using LOVECLIM Earth system model intermediate complexity, we have systematically tested sensitivity increased freshwater runoff from GIS. In addition, experiments been performed investigate an idealized reduction both surface elevation and extent GIS Based changes maximum sea-ice cover strength overturning circulation, three regimes identified, which are characterized by specific pattern temperature change region. By comparing simulated deep ocean circulation with proxy-based reconstructions, most realistic could be discerned. The resulting shutdown convection subsequent ~4 °C cooling Labrador Sea. Furthermore, ~1 over Ocean between 40° N 70° seen. prescribed results local warming up 4 amplifies freshwater-forced resultant Nordic Seas. A further comparison summer temperatures continental oceanic proxy records reveals that partial during delayed western relative insolation maximum.