Variability in upper water column stratification in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean during Terminations I and II

Abstract

The possibility of a shutdown/marked slowdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) by the end of this century arguable attracted much attention from the scientific community. However, large uncertainties are related to its future behavior and the associated consequences. Marine sediment cores from the Atlantic Ocean recorded the consequences of different modes of AMOC operation during the late Quaternary, holding a wealth of much-needed information not available in the instrumental record. For instance, AMOC shutdown/marked slowdown events were recorded within the last two terminations, i.e., Terminations I and II. Yet, the paucity of records hampers the detailed characterization of the consequences of such AMOC shutdown/marked slowdown events. Here we will determine the response of the upper western tropical Atlantic Ocean to Terminations I and II. Therefore, we will perform stable oxygen isotopic analyses in planktonic foraminifera from marine sediment core S2. By doing this, we will help to constrain possible future scenarios for the Atlantic Ocean.