Forward modeling of [delta]18O in Andean ice cores

Tropical ice core archives are among the best dated and highest resolution from the tropics, but a thorough understanding of processes that shape their isotope signature as well as the simulation of observed variability remain incomplete. To address this, we develop a tropical Andean ice core isotop...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2016-08, Vol.43 (15), p.8178
Main Authors: Hurley, J V, Vuille, M, Hardy, D R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air
Annual variations
Archives
Calibration
Climate
Computer simulation
Control
Control simulation
Cores
Disturbances
Dynamics
Hydrologic observations
Hydrology
Ice
Ice cores
Isotopes
Locations (working)
Modelling
Monsoons
Resolution
Satellite observation
Satellites
Shape
Simulation
Snow
Tropical climate
Tropical environments
Variability
Water vapor
Water vapour
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Summary:Tropical ice core archives are among the best dated and highest resolution from the tropics, but a thorough understanding of processes that shape their isotope signature as well as the simulation of observed variability remain incomplete. To address this, we develop a tropical Andean ice core isotope forward model from in situ hydrologic observations and satellite water vapor isotope measurements. A control simulation of snow [delta]18O captures the mean and seasonal trend but underestimates the observed intraseasonal variability. The simulation of observed variability is improved by including amount effects associated with South American cold air incursions, linking synoptic-scale disturbances and monsoon dynamics to tropical ice core [delta]18O. The forward model was calibrated with and run under present-day conditions but can also be driven with past climate forcings to reconstruct paleomonsoon variability. The model is transferable and may be used to render a (paleo)climatic context at other ice core locations.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1002/2016GL070150