Lower oceanic <i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C during the last interglacial period compared to the Holocene

Abstract. The last time in Earth's history when high latitudes were warmer than during pre-industrial times was the interglacial period (LIG, 129–116 ka BP). Since LIG is most recent and best documented interglacial, it can provide insights into climate processes a world. However, some key features of are not well constrained, notably oceanic circulation global carbon cycle. Here, we use new database benthic δ13C to investigate these two aspects. We find that mean ∼ 0.2 ‰ lower (here defined as 125–120 BP) compared Holocene (7–2 A terrestrial content at could have led both atmospheric δ13CO2 observed paleo-records. given multi-millennial timescale, likely reflects long-term imbalance between weathering burial carbon. distribution Atlantic Ocean suggests no significant difference latitudinal depth extent North Deep Water (NADW) Holocene. Furthermore, data suggest NADW transport similar periods.