Paleoceanographic variability on a millennial scale: a high resolution record of the latest deglaciation from the Blake Outer Ridge, western North Atlantic

Abstract

Strong temporal and geographic variabilty in paleocirculation during the latest deglaciation is demonstrated for the Blake Outer Ridge, Western North Atlantic. Cores KNR140-2 GGC-39 from 2975 meters and GGC-40 from 2924 meters show correlative oscillations in Cibicidoides and Uvigerina abundances, and δ180 from Globigerinoides ruber (white) which suggest that the Western Boundary Undercurrent and NADW fluctuated on a decadal to century scale between 14,000 and 10,000 14C years BP. Furthermore, between 13,500 and 13,300 14C years BP and 10,900 and 10,600 14C years BP, the coincidence of benthic foraminifera abundance maxima and benthic δ13C minima from C. wuellerstorfi indicate an increased influence of AABW relative to NADW in the vicinity of 3000 meters on the Blake Outer Ridge.