Exposure age and ice-sheet model constraints on Pliocene East Antarctic ice sheet dynamics

Masako Yamane, Yusuke Yokoyama (), Ayako Abe-Ouchi, Stephen Obrochta, Fuyuki Saito, Kiichi Moriwaki and Hiroyuki Matsuzaki
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Masako Yamane: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo
Yusuke Yokoyama: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo
Ayako Abe-Ouchi: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo
Stephen Obrochta: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo
Fuyuki Saito: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Kiichi Moriwaki: National Institute of Polar Research
Hiroyuki Matsuzaki: The University Museum, University of Tokyo

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The Late Pliocene epoch is a potential analogue for future climate in a warming world. Here we reconstruct Plio-Pleistocene East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) variability using cosmogenic nuclide exposure ages and model simulations to better understand ice sheet behaviour under such warm conditions. New and previously published exposure ages indicate interior-thickening during the Pliocene. An ice sheet model with mid-Pliocene boundary conditions also results in interior thickening and suggests that both the Wilkes Subglacial and Aurora Basins largely melted, offsetting increased ice volume. Considering contributions from West Antarctica and Greenland, this is consistent with the most recent IPCC AR5 estimate, which indicates that the Pliocene sea level likely did not exceed +20 m on Milankovitch timescales. The inception of colder climate since ∼3 Myr has increased the sea ice cover and inhibited active moisture transport to Antarctica, resulting in reduced ice sheet thickness, at least in coastal areas.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8016

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