Paleoceanography in the North Pacific: Ocean circulation change since the last glacial period

Abstract

Meridional overturning circulation plays an important role in the global climate change at centennial to millennial scales through transport of heat, carbon and nutrients. During the last deglacial period, the Pacific meridional overturning circulation (MOC) was temporarily established when the Atlantic MOC was nearly collapsed. I discuss mechanisms for the establishment of the Pacific MOC and its role in global climate. Further, I provide a perspective on a quest for glacial carbon reservoir in the deep sea.