Simple box model calculations are used to simulate the oceanic circulation during the last glacial maximum (LGM). These experiments show that the main features of the Δ13C and Δ14C distributions and of the lysocline depth may be explained by a circulation pattern very different from the modern one. Intermediate and upper deep waters were produced in the North Atlantic Ocean, whereas deep waters of Subantarctic Mode type, forming at the northern edge of the Subantarctic convergence, invaded the main oceanic basins. The Southern Ocean, mainly self ventilated, had a reduced deep component that flew southward along the East Pacific Ridge and the Australian west cost. The thermodynamic fractionation that occurs during air-sea exchange has only contributed slightly to the glacial deep Δ13C distribution through surface water temperature variations. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1995.