Northeast Atlantic sea surface circulation during the past 30-10 14C kyr BP

A study was made of three cores from the Faeroe-Shetland gateway, based on planktonic foraminifera, oxygen isotopes, accelerator mass spectrometry C-14 dates, magnetic susceptibility, and counts of ice rafted debris (IRD). The data, covering the period 30-10 ka, show that during the Last Glacial Maximum the Arctic Front: occupied a position close to the Faeroes, allowing a persisting inflow of Atlantic surface water into the Faeroe-Shetland Channel. The oceanographic environment during deposition of two IRD layers is influenced by Atlantic surface water masses during the lower IRD layer, with transport of icebergs from N-NW. Polar surface water conditions prevailed only during deposition of the upper IRD layer. There is no indication of surface meltwater influence in the region during the deglaciation, but there is a persistent influence of Atlantic surface water masses in the region. Thus we conclude that during almost the entire period (30-10 ka) the Faeroe-Shetland Channel was a gateway for transport of Atlantic surface water toward the Norwegian Sea.