Teleconnection of climatic events between East Asia and polar, high latitude areas during the last deglaciation

From observations of continuous aeolian and swamp sediment sequences, augme nted by a detailed C-14 chronology, delta(13)C and organic C analyses, we c an demonstrate century- to millennium-scale fluctuations in East Asian mons oon palaeoclimatic events. We also infer significant precipitation variabil ity within the last deglaciation. The major climatic zones that have been r ecognised in Europe, and find counterparts in East Asia are, the Bolling-Al lerod (14,750-12,800 cal yr B.P.), and the Younger Dryas (12,800-11,600 cal yr B.P.). The last deglaciation sediment sequences are characterised by fr equent facies changes reflecting climate instability. These frequent, abrup t climatic events correlate well with fluctuations recorded in high latitud e and polar areas, as represented by the Greenland ice core GISP 2 and a co re from the North Sea. This indicates a palaeoclimate teleconnection betwee n the high latitude and polar areas and the East Asian monsoon areas throug h cold air mass activity, and the related atmospheric pressure system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.