Paleoceanographic data from core M23351 (GIK23351-1)

Using a new sediment record from the western Iceland Sea, the behavior of the northeastern GIS and its relation to the (subpolar) North Atlantic surface hydrography is examined. Extremely light oxygen isotopic (delta18O) values are found off central East Greenland during early MIS5e and point to enhanced meltwater release, potentially from the northeastern sector of the GIS.

Data from downstream the cold East Greenland Current (EGC) and its eastward branches suggest a far-reaching effect of this meltwater not only in the Nordic Seas but also in the SE Labrador Sea. In particular, whereas an early MIS5e warming (at ~128.5-126.5 ka) in the two regions coincided with the relative reduction of meltwater input into the EGC, the subsequent cooling noted at ~126.5 ka followed a renewed major freshwater event off central East Greenland.