Evolution of Ocean Circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean During the Miocene: Impact of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Eastern Tethys Seaway

The Modern Ocean is characterized by the formation of deep-water in North Atlantic (i.e., NADW). This feature has been attributed to modern geography, which a large basin extending from northern polar latitudes Southern Ocean, latter enabling connection otherwise isolated with Pacific and Indian Oceans. Sedimentary data date establishment NADW between beginning Eocene (?49 Ma) Miocene (?23 Ma). objective this study quantify impact geography (?20 on using new simulations performed Earth System Model IPSL-CM5A2. We specifically focus closure Eastern Tethys Seaway (ETS), dated 22 14 Ma, allowed Oceans, Greenland Ice Sheet, whose earliest onset remains open discussion but for evidence suggest possible existence as early Eocene. Our results show that ETS does not appear NADW, because waters do reach zone when seaway open. Conversely, an ice sheet over strengthens owing topography induced changes wind patterns Atlantic, turn, salinification Nordic Seas, increase formation.