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Article
El Nino-like Climate Teleconnections in New England during the Late Pleistocene
Science
  • Tammy M. Rittenour, Utah State University
  • J. Brigham-Grette
  • M. E. Mann
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2000
Abstract

A glacial varve chronology from New England spanning the 4000-year period from 17,500 to 13,500 calendar years before the present was analyzed for evidence of climate variability during the late Pleistocene. The chronology shows a distinct interannual (3 to 5 years) band of enhanced variability suggestive of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections into North America during the late Pleistocene, when the Laurentide ice sheet was near its maximum extent and climatic boundary conditions were different than those of today. This interannual variability largely disappears by the young end of the 4000-year chronology, with only the highest frequency components (roughly 3-year period) persisting. This record provides evidence of ENSO-like climate variability during near-peak glacial conditions.

Comments

Publication of Masters results. Article received considerable attention and a News and Views piece was published in the same issue of Science to discuss long-term evidence for ENSO.

Citation Information
Rittenour, T.M., Brigham-Grette, J., and Mann, M.E., 2000, El Nino-like Climate Teleconnections in New England during the Late Pleistocene: Science, v. 288, p. 1039-1042. (IF = 31.052)