South Pacific sea surface temperature and global ocean circulation changes since the late Miocene.

ABSTRACT: The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a major driver of global ocean circulation and climate. To better understand the interplay between long-term atmospheric and ocean variability in the Southern Ocean since the late Miocene, we present sea surface temperature (SST) and carbonate preservation records from the Subantarctic Eastern South Pacific (IODP Site U1543), along with an extended ACC strength record from Central South Pacific Site U1541. We focus on long-term eccentricity-scale variations showing decreased (increased) SST with enhanced (reduced) CaCO₃ preservation, and stronger (weaker) ACC strength, particularly during the Pliocene. These changes coincide with stronger (weaker) South Pacific SST gradients, possible northward (southward) migration of Southern Ocean fr

SUBMITTER: Wegwerth A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271382 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature