Paleoclimate proxy perspective on Caribbean climate since the year 1751: Evidence of cooler temperatures and multidecadal variability

摘要: [1] Annually resolved coral δ18O and Sr/Ca records from southwestern Puerto Rico are used to investigate Caribbean climate variability between 1751 2004 C.E. Mean surface ocean temperatures in this region have increased steadily by about 2°C since the year 1751, with data indicating 2.1 ± 0.8°C 2.7 0.5°C. Coral geochemical across tropics demonstrate that regional is important for understanding variations at centennial time scales. A strong multidecadal salinity signal oxygen isotope correlates observed temperature Northern Hemisphere. Instrumental wind precipitation indicate most recent isotopic caused expansion contraction of steep gradient, forced trade anomalies through meridional Ekman transport. The timing fluctuations suggests multidecadal-scale circulation might play a role Atlantic overturning circulation, but further work needed confirm suggestion.