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JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 102, NO. C12, PAGES 26,411–26,423, 1997

The Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 depth-age scale: Methods and results

D. A. Meese

U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire


A. J. Gow

U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire


R. B. Alley

Earth System Science Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park


G. A. Zielinski

Climate Change Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham


P. M. Grootes

Leibniz Laboratory Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany


M. Ram

Department of Physics, State University of New York at Buffalo


K. C. Taylor

Desert Research Institute, University and Community College System of Nevada, Reno


P. A. Mayewski

Climate Change Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham


J. F. Bolzan

Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus


Abstract

The Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) depth-age scale is presented based on a multiparameter continuous count approach, to a depth of 2800 m, using a systematic combination of parameters that have never been used to this extent before. The ice at 2800 m is dated at 110,000 years B.P. with an estimated error ranging from 1 to 10% in the top 2500 m of the core and averaging 20% between 2500 and 2800 m. Parameters used to date the core include visual stratigraphy, oxygen isotopic ratios of the ice, electrical conductivity measurements, laser-light scattering from dust, volcanic signals, and major ion chemistry. GISP2 ages for major climatic events agree with independent ages based on varve chronologies, calibrated radiocarbon dates, and other techniques within the combined uncertainties. Good agreement also is obtained with Greenland Ice Core Project ice core dates and with the SPECMAP marine timescale after correlation through the δ18O of O2. Although the core is deformed below 2800 m and the continuity of the record is unclear, we attempted to date this section of the core on the basis of the laser-light scattering of dust in the ice.

Received 3 February 1996; accepted 16 January 1997.

Subscriber Access to Full Article (Nonsubscribers may purchase for $9.00, Includes print PDF)

Citation: Meese, D. A., A. J. Gow, R. B. Alley, G. A. Zielinski, P. M. Grootes, M. Ram, K. C. Taylor, P. A. Mayewski, and J. F. Bolzan (1997), The Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 depth-age scale: Methods and results, J. Geophys. Res., 102(C12), 26,411–26,423.