Abstract

Abrupt atmospheric CO₂ rises represent a major feature of deglaciations, but their causes remain elusive partly due to a dearth of sufficiently high resolution records with robust age controls. Here, we use a new approach and exceptionally high-resolution marine records to investigate processes controlling atmospheric CO₂ surrounding Younger Dryas, a critical time when marked millennial- and centennial-timescale CO₂ rises occurred. We find that ocean circulation, via affecting carbon sequestration efficiencies and volume occupations of major Atlantic water masses, critically shaped the atmospheric CO₂ evolution around Younger Dryas.

Research interests

Carbon cycle and oceanic carbonate system: using trace elements and isotopic compositions of marine carbonates together with models to understand interactions between atmosphere, surface and deep oceans, and land biosphere and their roles in the global carbon cycle on various timescales;

Trace elements and isotopes in inorganic and biogenic carbonates: developing new proxies using marine carbonates to reconstruct oceanic environments such as seawater pH and carbonate ion contents; understanding mechanisms that control the incorporation and variation of trace elements and of isotopes in inorganic and biogenic carbonates;

Ocean circulation changes: using multi-proxies to reconstruct past ocean circulation changes and their impacts on climate on different timescales.