Summer temperature variations in the Arctic during interglacials.

Abstract

Summer temperature profiles were calculated for Yellowknife (62.5oN-114oW) for the intervals from 125 000 yr BP to 115 000 yr BP and 6000 yr BP to 8000 yr AP. The model used numerically-integrated absorbed insolation values at 65oN, 45oN and 25oN. Albedos were calculated as a function of solar zenith angle with parameters consistent with satellite observations. At Yellowknife, not far from the Keewatin glacial nucleation area, model temperatures for July fall 4oC below present at 17 000 yr BP near the Wisconsin/Weichselian glacial onset, and rise from a minimum near present to about 1.5oC above present at 8000 yr AP. This temperature rise suggests a continuation of the present major interglacial to at least 8000 yr AP. -from Author