Ice age storm trajectories inferred from radar stratigraphy at Taylor Dome, Antarctica

The Taylor Dome ice core, East Antarctica, provides a climate record that extends through the previous interglacial. We use ice dynamics modeling and geochemical records to infer the local accumulation rate history. A pronounced accumulation reduction occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The spatial gradient of accumulation across the surface of Taylor Dome indicates the modern local prevailing storm direction. Radar internal layering shows that this gradient was reversed during the LGM, suggesting a reorganization of synoptic weather systems occurred, possibly linked to the advance and retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.