G. Holdsworth, Calibration changes in the isotopic thermometer for snow according to different climatic states, GEOPHYS R L, 28(13), 2001, pp. 2625-2628
Bore hole thermometry indicates that the estimated temperature shift at Sum
mit (Greenland) from the Last Glacial to Holocene times was similar to 50%
higher than the value obtained using the traditional isotopic delta (T) the
rmometer calibrated with today's data. A mechanism offered by Boyle [1997]
to explain the anomalous ice core delta shift is examined. The mechanism, c
alled the Boyle Effect, is theoretically possible but if it operated at Sum
mit, it appears to be only capable of accounting for slightly more than hal
f of the Summit delta O-18 anomaly of similar to4.3%. A new semi-quantitati
ve mechanism is proposed that could account for the remaining part of the a
nomaly. Other mechanisms have been advanced but they are not so amenable to
quantitative application and testing.