Interactions between Ice and Ocean
q This hypothesis argues that millennial
oscillations were produced by the internal
interactions among various components of
the climate system.
q One most likely internal interaction is the
one associated with the deep-water
formation in the North Atlantic.
q Millennial oscillations can be produced from
changes in northward flow of warm, salty
surface water along the conveyor belt.
q Stronger conveyor flow releases heat that
melts ice and lowers the salinity of the North
Atlantic, eventually slowing or stopping the
formation of deep water.
q Weaker flow then causes salinity to rise,
completing the cycle.