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

Detailed Reference Information
Ourbak et al. 2006
Ourbak, T., Corrège, T., Malaizé, B., Le Cornec, F., Charlier, K. and Peypouquet, J.P. (2006). A high-resolution investigation of temperature, salinity, and upwelling activity proxies in corals. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 7: doi: 10.1029/2005GC001064. issn: 1525-2027.

We present a high-resolution study of five geochemical components of a New Caledonia coral core. Minor and trace elements (Sr/Ca, U/Ca, Mg/Ca, Ba/Ca), together with oxygen isotopes (δ18O), were investigated at near-fortnightly resolution. Geochemical measurements were compared to sea surface temperature (SSTTSG) and salinity (SSSTSG) recorded by a thermosalinograph (TSG) located less than 10 m from the coral. Results show that Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, and δ18O are temperature-dependent (correlation coefficient to local SSTTSG between 0.74 and 0.84). Their robustness as SST tracers is tested against a satellite-based data set for a 4 year validation period. U/Ca has a more complex behavior and appears to be linked to both SSTTSG and SSSTSG, despite relatively small local SSS variations. For the first time this salinity-related imprint is quantified in a U/Ca coralline ratio. In addition to SST and SSS tracers, Ba/Ca measurements provide a possible way to investigate upwelling activity occurrences.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Paleoceanography, Corals, Paleoceanography, Geochemical tracers, Paleoceanography, Sea surface temperature
Journal
Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems
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