Coherent deep flow variation in the Iceland and American basins during thelast interglacial

The first direct evidence that the deep flow speed of Noah Atlantic Deep Wa ter (NADW) in the South Iceland and North American Basins declined dramatic ally over a period of a few hundred years at about 120,000 years ago is pre sented. The flow rate inferred from silt grain-size then rose into the subs equent cool period (stage 5d); These changes are clear and synchronous in r ecords from both locations. These circulation events are recorded less mark edly in chemical and isotopic proxies for the nutrient status of water mass es. The congruence of flow variation and hydrography at the two separated s ites suggests they are primarily controlled by variation in the deep thermo haline circulation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.