EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Meissner et al. 2002
Meissner, K.J., Schmittner, A., Wiebe, E.C. and Weaver, A.J. (2002). Simulations of Heinrich Events in a coupled ocean-atmosphere-sea ice model. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013514. issn: 0094-8276.

Between 20 and 80 kyr ago several cooling cycles occurred in the Northern Hemisphere which culminated in a discharge of icebergs into the North Atlantic. These so called Heinrich Events (HEs) were followed by an abrupt shift to a warmer climate. Here we use a coupled ocean-atmosphere-sea ice model to study the response of the climate system under glacial conditions to a hypothetical HE. The HE is simulated by meltwater discharges and combined changes in land albedo and ice sheet topography mimicking a break-up of a considerable part of the Laurentide ice sheet. Despite very different initial strengths of the overturning circulation in the Northern Hemisphere, the model response to the HEs is qualitatively similar. A warming of ocean and atmosphere temperatures due to the topography/albedo changes is simulated after the iceberg discharge. North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) formation drops and reestablishes due to the meltwater event.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, General, Paleoceanography, Oceanography, General, Numerical modeling, Global Change, Climate dynamics
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit