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Science 13 April 1979:
Vol. 204. no. 4389, pp. 173 - 175
DOI: 10.1126/science.204.4389.173
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Articles

Warmth of the Subpolar North Atlantic Ocean During Northern Hemisphere Ice-Sheet Growth

W. F. RUDDIMAN 1 and A. MCINTYRE 2

1 Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964
2 Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory and Queens College of the City University of New York, Flushing 11367

Two 10,000-year periods of Northern Hemisphere continental ice-sheet growth stand out prominently within the last full interglacial-to-glacial cycle. During the first half of each rapid ice-growth phase, the subpolar North Atlantic from 40°N to 60°N maintained warm sea-surface temperatures comparable to those of today's ocean. The juxtaposition at latitudes 50°N to 60°N of an "interglacial" ocean along-side a "glacial" land mass, particularly along eastern North America, is regarded as an optimal configuration for delivering moisture to the growing ice sheets.

Submitted on October 25, 1978
Revised on February 14, 1979


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