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Abrupt weakening of deep Atlantic circulation at the last glacial inception

Author

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  • Yuxin Zhou

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
    Columbia University
    Georgia Institute of Technology
    Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

  • Jerry F. McManus

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
    Columbia University)

  • Celeste T. Pallone

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
    Columbia University
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Timothy C. Kenna

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University)

  • Gabriel A. Weinstein

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
    Columbia University)

  • Herman Garcia

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
    Columbia University
    University of Colorado Boulder)

Abstract

Deglaciations and glacial inceptions are the two equally important transitional periods that bridge the glacial and interglacial climate states, yet our understanding of deglaciations far exceeds that of glacial inceptions. Substantial variations in deep ocean circulation accompanied the last deglaciation, and model simulations recently suggested that a weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) also occurred at the last glacial inception (LGI; 113-119 thousand years ago), yet evidence of such a change remains inconclusive. Here, we report three Pa/Th records from the western and central North Atlantic that display an abrupt weakening of the AMOC at the LGI. The magnitude of the reconstructed AMOC weakening approaches but never reaches the level of disruptions associated with the Heinrich ice discharge events. Our results may highlight a unique period of orbitally forced abrupt circulation changes and the importance of ocean processes in setting atmospheric CO2 changes in motion.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuxin Zhou & Jerry F. McManus & Celeste T. Pallone & Timothy C. Kenna & Gabriel A. Weinstein & Herman Garcia, 2025. "Abrupt weakening of deep Atlantic circulation at the last glacial inception," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62960-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62960-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. F. McManus & R. Francois & J.-M. Gherardi & L. D. Keigwin & S. Brown-Leger, 2004. "Collapse and rapid resumption of Atlantic meridional circulation linked to deglacial climate changes," Nature, Nature, vol. 428(6985), pages 834-837, April.
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    3. Daniel M. Sigman & Mathis P. Hain & Gerald H. Haug, 2010. "The polar ocean and glacial cycles in atmospheric CO2 concentration," Nature, Nature, vol. 466(7302), pages 47-55, July.
    4. Jess F. Adkins§ & Edward A. Boyle & Lloyd Keigwin & Elsa Cortijo, 1997. "Variability of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation during the last interglacial period," Nature, Nature, vol. 390(6656), pages 154-156, November.
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