The 1200 year composite ice core record of Aleutian Low intensification

Abstract

Future changes in North Pacific wintertime climate will be largely determined by the response of the Aleutian Low (ALow) pressure system to anthropogenic forcing. Although the ALow has intensified over the twentieth century, global climate model projections of future ALow variability are equivocal. In order to evaluate decadal to centennial ALow forcing mechanisms and provide context for the modern intensification, here we combine a new Denali ice core (Alaska) sea-salt sodium record with the Mount Logan ice core (Yukon) sodium record to develop a composite 1200 year record of ALow variability. The composite record indicates that the recent secular ALow intensification began circa 1741 and is unprecedented in magnitude and duration over the past millennium. North Pacific ice core snow accumulation and stable isotope records are consistent with this interpretation. The ALow intensification is associated with warming tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures, consistent with dynamic theory and instrumental correlations.