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Project Code [2017-sc-028]
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Project title
Investigating abrupt interglacial climate change: A palaeoceanographic investigation of warmer than present environments
Primary Funding Agency
Geological Survey Of Ireland (GSI)
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Project Abstract
It has long been hypothesized that enhanced high latitude warming may lead to an abrupt slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which in turn would severely impact climate in the Northern hemisphere including Ireland. However, to this date there are no
paleoclimate or modelling studies that can confirm this hypothesis for warmer than present
environments. We are investigating whether the enhanced warming recorded during
warmer-than-present interglacial periods at 325 and 405 kilo annum (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9
and 11) caused abrupt climate events associated with a slow-down of the AMOC. The proposed research and expected scientific discovery presented here will provide much needed evidence to reduce uncertainties associated with estimating the likelihood of an abrupt climate event to occur in the Future.
Grant Approved
�24,458.00
Research Theme
Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
30/10/2018