Arctic Ocean Sediments: Processes, Proxies, and Paleoenvironment

6 ½ X 9 7/16 in CONTENTS Preface ix List of Abbreviations xiii
Part 1: Introduction and Background 1. Introd uction to the Arctic: Significance and History 3 1.1. The A rctic Ocean and Its Significance for the Earth s Climate System 3 1.2. History of Arctic Ocean Research 9 1.3. Plate T ectonic Evolution and Palaeogeography 22 1.4. Glaciations i n Earth s History 30 2. Modern Physiography, Hydrology, Cli mate, and Sediment Input 35 2.1. Bathymetry and Physiograph y 35 2.2. Oceanic Circulation Pattern and Water-Mass Charac teristics 40 2.3. Sea-Ice Cover: Extent, Thickness, and Var iability 48 2.4. Primary Production and Vertical Carbon Flu xes in the Arctic Ocean 55 2.5. River Discharge 63 2.6. Permafrost 76 2.7. Coastal Erosion 78 2.8. Aeolian Input 82 2.9. Modern Sediment Input: A Summa ry 84 Part 2: Processes and Proxies 3. Glacio- Marine Sedimentary Processes 87 3.1. Sea-Ice Processes: Sed