Open AccessSouth Atlantic intermediate water mass geometry for the last glacial maximum from foraminiferal Cd/Ca
Author(s) -
Makou Matthew C.,
Oppo Delia W.,
Curry William B.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
paleoceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1944-9186
pISSN - 0883-8305
DOI - 10.1029/2010pa001962
Subject(s) - antarctic intermediate water , geology , glacial period , oceanography , water mass , benthic zone , antarctic bottom water , north atlantic deep water , paleoceanography , paleontology , thermohaline circulation
Paleoceanographic studies using benthic foraminiferal Cd as a nutrient tracer have provided a robust means of reconstructing glacial Atlantic Ocean water mass geometry, but a paucity of data from the South Atlantic above 1200 m has limited investigation of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) configuration and formation. A new Cd depth profile from Brazil margin sediments suggests that AAIW penetrated northward at 1100 m to at least 27°S in the glacial Atlantic. It exhibited substantially reduced δ 13 C as values, confirming preliminary evidence that this AAIW was unique to the glacial Atlantic and that it formed differently than today, with less atmospheric contact.