Changes in the source of nutrients associated with oceanographic dynamics offshore southern Chile (41°S) over the last 25,000years

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

11-1-2013

Abstract

In order to obtain a better knowledge of past oceanographic variability offshore southern Chile, this study reappraises the changes in the sources of nutrients over the last 25ka based on a detailed comparison of previously published nitrogen isotope and microfossil records (dinoflagellate cysts, coccoliths and diatoms) from ODP Site 1233 (41°S). Our findings support the main conclusions of Martinez et al. (2006) in the sense that both the Subantarctic Surface Water and the Gunther Undercurrent are potential sources for the recorded late Quaternary sedimentary δ15N signatures at Site 1233, with variable contributions of both sources during different time periods. This study indicates that Subantarctic Surface Water forms the main source for nutrients during the last glacial maximum (25-18.6calkaBP), the first part of the deglaciation (18.6-15.7calkaBP) and the Holocene (9.8calkaBP until present). An increased contribution of Equatorial Subsurface Water as a source of nutrients to the photic zone offshore southern Chile is observed between 14.4 and 9.8calkaBP, which is indicative for upwelling conditions at least after 13.2calkaBP as indicated by the microfossil data. © 2013 University of Washington.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Quaternary Research (United States)

Volume

80

Issue

3

Share

COinS