Seminar

In this seminar, we will present our recent research progress on the evolution history of early  Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). AMOC exerts a major control on global distribution of heat, ocean ventilation and carbon cycling. Yet, the timing and cause of its inception and evolution during the Cenozoic era are highly contentious. Here we use microbial source indicators to infer changes in AMOC-driven deep ocean oxygenation. Our findings indicate a close association between the inception of Antarctic glaciation and AMOC and strongly suggest that both vertical mixing and wind-driven upwelling in the Southern Ocean were key to fully establishing AMOC as an agent of deep ocean ventilation. Other research activities in our group will also be briefly mentioned.

Additional information: Prof. Z Liu, zhliu@hku.hk