| Abstract: | Five Quaternary interglacial periods are represented in core 57-7 from the Iceland Sea. Analysis of coccolith and planktonic foraminiferal assemblages from the interglacial periods (Oxygen Isotope Stages 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11) shows both similarities and differences in the assemblages. The differences indicate that the palaeoenvironment was not identical in the five interglacial periods. Oxygen Isotope Substage 5e reflects the warmest period, with the greatest inflow of warm Atlantic water. During this interval the Arctic Front apparently had a more westerly position than it has today. Substages 5a and 5c were periods when Arctic water masses dominated, as at the present day. In Oxygen Isotope Stages 7 and 9 inflow of Atlantic water was limited. Oxygen Isotope Stage 11 reflects a period of great productivity, but the region was still dominated by Arctic water masses. The position of the Arctic Front was possibly close to that of today, but not at the extreme western position it had in Oxygen Isotope Substage 5e. |
