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Research Title
Examining the role of North Atlantic deep ocean circulation during Holocene abrupt climate events
- More about Zarina
- PhD, UCL Geography, London NERC DTP, Examining the role of North Atlantic deep ocean circulation during Holocene abrupt climate events. (2021-Present)
- Research Assistant, Department of Archaeology, Durham University (2020-2021)
- MSci Physics, University of Nottingham (2016-2020)
- Teaching
I teach on the following modules:
- Understanding our Planet (GEOG0005)
- Research Interests
Abrupt climate events have been identified as a potential risk associated with anthropogenically induced global warming. These events are widespread and can occur on decadal timescales and would therefore have a significant impact on human societies and ecological systems. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) - a system of surface and deep ocean currents (e.g., the Gulf Stream and the Deep Western Boundary Current) - has also been identified as a potential ‘tipping mechanism’ for abrupt climate change.
However, the role of AMOC during past abrupt climate events is still not fully understood. Through the production and use of palaeoceanographic records, this project will investigate changes to the deep branches of AMOC during periods of abrupt climate change over the last 10,000 years. Key water masses will be traced using properties such as the neodymium isotopes within fish debris (teeth and bones), as well as the δ13C of benthic foraminifera.
The circulation vigour of these water masses will also be traced by the measurement of the mean size of the sortable silt (10μm-63μm) fraction. Particular focus is given to the 8.2 kyr event, which was triggered by a large input of freshwater into the high latitude North Atlantic by the melting of the Laurentide Ice sheet. Other events of interest include the controversial 4.2 kyr event, as well as the 2.7 kyr event and the Little Ice Age, which together will give insights into the North Atlantic’s response to other climate forcings. This project will help to improve the current understanding behind periods of abrupt climate change, ultimately helping assess their likelihood under future warming scenarios.
