A high-resolution Holocene diatom record on the North Icelandic shelf

A high-resolution diatom record from core MD99-2275 reveals a series of palaeoceanographic changes on the North Icelandic shelf since about 9000 cal. yr BP. The influence of relatively warm high-salinity Atlantic water-masses of the IC was strong in the study area during the Holocene Climate Optimum (8760 (base of record) to c. 5300 cal. yr BP) and peaked between c. 8000 and 7000 cal. yr BP. There is a general cooling trend from c. 7000 cal. yr BP to the present, which is indicated by an increase in the influence of cold Polar water-masses from the EGC and the EIC and a decrease in the influence of the IC. A major change in diatom assemblages at around 5300 cal. yr BP indicates a palaeoceanographic shift on the North Icelandic shelf in the mid-Holocene. In addition, several abrupt palaeoceanographic changes are distinguished. Enhanced influence of Polar waters is reflected during the intervals 8120-8000, 6650-6100, 4300-4100, 3000-2700, 1300-1100 and 600-200 cal. yr BP. The palaeoceanographic indication of the diatom record of core MD99-2275 is consistent with the indication of other environmental parameters from the same core, such as benthic and planktonic foraminifera as well as magnetic properties, and the results are also consistent with palaeoclimatic records from adjacent areas around Iceland and in the North Atlantic region.