JCH:
Hansen, et al., discussed a paper (Weber) that drew conclusions based upon an analysis of iceberg-rafted debris accumulations in the area between Patagonia and Antarctica. If Patagonian debris were also deposited at one or both core sites selected by Weber, et al., it may have thrown off their estimates for Antarctic ice sheet calving (particularly for the first few thousand years). I was curious how Weber, et al., controlled for that possibility — for example, there may be distinct geologic markers in the respective source rocks.
An alternative hypothesis, consistent with at least some of the “known” paleo-parameters would be that the same shift in prevailing winds that doomed the PIS simultaneously drove PIS-sourced icebergs toward the core points in the Scotia Sea and delivered increased moisture to the Antarctic Pennisula, thereby expanding its ice sheet.
I assume that the experts in this field have considered these possibilities but the Great Paywall of Science makes it difficult (i.e., expensive) to find the answers to fairly simple questions.
Kent
