On the bipolar origin of Heinrich events

Abstract

Evidence obtained from ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica indicates the presence of interactions between the polar climates, but, until recently, it has not been clear what the interactions are. Here we show that analysis under the previously established hypothesis of polar synchronization potentially connects the presence and possible energy source of the Heinrich (H) events and ice-rafted debris (IRD) events. These events appear to be related to the dynamic linkage between the polar climates, as they are not revealed in analysis of the records from a single pole. The H events and IRDs discovered in the North Atlantic along with coeval Southern Ocean events appear to drive or be driven by bipolar climate oscillations. Key Points Heinrich events happen when polar temperature gradient reaches maximaPolar synchronization may contribute to the origin of the Heinrich events