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A snapshot of climate variability at Tahiti ~ 9 ka using a fossil coral from IODP Expedition 310

June 8, 2010

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 310 recovered drill cores from the drowned reefs around the island of Tahiti (17°40′S, 149°30′W), many of which contained samples of massive corals from the genus Porites. Herein we report on one well-preserved fossil coral sample: a 13.6 cm long Porites sp. dated by uranium series techniques at 9523 ± 33 years. Monthly δ18O and Sr/Ca determinations reveal nine clear and robust annual cycles. Coral δ18O and Sr/Ca determinations estimate a mean temperature of ∼24.3°C (∼3.2°C colder than modern) for Tahiti at 9.5 ka; however, this estimate is viewed with caution since potential sources of cold bias in coral geochemistry remain to be resolved. The interannual variability in coral δ18O is similar between the 9.5 ka coral record and a modern record from nearby Moorea. The seasonal cycle in coral Sr/Ca is approximately the same or greater in the 9.5 ka coral record than in modern coral records from Tahiti. Paired analysis of coral δ18O and Sr/Ca indicates cold/wet (warm/dry) interannual anomalies, opposite from those observed in the modern instrumental record.

Publication Year 2010
Title A snapshot of climate variability at Tahiti ~ 9 ka using a fossil coral from IODP Expedition 310
DOI 10.1029/2009GC002758
Authors Kristine L DeLong, Terrence M. Quinn, Chuan-Chou Shen, Ke Lin
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Index ID 70243664
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center