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Reorganization of atmospheric circulation between 1400-1700 CE as recorded in a South Pole ice core
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  • Elena Korotkikh,
  • Paul Mayewski,
  • Andrei Kurbatov,
  • Daniel Dixon,
  • Kirk Maasch,
  • Andrew Carleton,
  • Michael Handley,
  • Sharon Sneed,
  • Douglas Introne,
  • Jefferson Simões
Elena Korotkikh
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Paul Mayewski
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Andrei Kurbatov
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Daniel Dixon
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Kirk Maasch
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Andrew Carleton
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Department of Geography, Penn State University, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Department of Geography, Penn State University
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Michael Handley
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Sharon Sneed
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Douglas Introne
Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
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Jefferson Simões
Centro Polar e Climático, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro Polar e Climático, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
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Abstract

Here we present an ~2000 year high-resolution glaciochemical record from the South Pole. Significant changes in chemical concentrations, accumulation rate, stable water isotopes and deuterium excess records are captured during the period ~1400-1700 CE, indicating a reorganization of atmospheric circulation that occurred in two steps: ~1400-1425 CE and ~1650-1700 CE. Major declines in dust and SO42- concentrations are observed ~1400 CE suggesting poleward contraction of the southern circumpolar vortex and potential intensification of westerly air flow, accompanied by a sea ice decrease in the Weddell Sea and potentially also in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. The changes in stable water isotopes, deuterium excess, NO3- concentration and accumulation rate characterize a second shift in atmospheric reorganization between 1650-1700 CE, reflecting increased marine air mass intrusions and subsequent reduction of the katabatic winds, and a shift to a colder moisture source for South Pole precipitation. These internally consistent changes involving atmospheric circulations and sea ice conditions are also in line with those identified for the recent period, and include associations with the large-scale teleconnections of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM).