Strong Asymmetry of Interhemispheric Ice Volume During MIS 11, MIS 9, and MIS 7 Drives Heterogeneity of Interglacial Precipitation Intensity Over Asia

Abstract

Abstract Gaining insight into the characteristics of past interglacials enhances our understanding of the current warm period and improves predictions of future climate. In this study, we analyze precipitation records of the past 900 ka and find that precipitation intensity during interglacials varied across Asia, especially between interglacials that occurred before and after the mid‐Brunhes transition. To clarify the mechanism of precipitation intensity variation during interglacials, we present a high‐resolution eolian record documenting the past 900 ka, which is from the thickest loess core (202.49 m) drilled in Ili Basin, Central Asia and conduct modeling with Community Earth System Model 1.2.2. We propose that sorting coefficient of Ili loess is a sensitive proxy for wind intensity, and it indirectly reflects Northern Hemisphere ice volume. Supported by numerical modeling experiments, we suggest that strong asymmetry of interhemispheric ice volume during marine isotope stages 11, 9, and 7 drives heterogeneity of interglacial precipitation intensity over Asia.

Keywords

• interglacial intensity
• sorting coefficient
• Ili loess
• mid‐Brunhes transition
• Northern Hemisphere ice volume