Glacial-interglacial changes in nutrient utilization and paleoproductivity in the Indonesian Throughflow sensitive Timour Trough, easternmost Indian Ocean

Abstract

Paleoproductivity in the Timor Trough appears to be inversely proportional to the strength of the Indonesian Throughflow. Today, productivity in the area is inhibited by the narrow band of low-salinity surface water that moves through the Indonesian Archipelago and spreads out over the equatorial portions of the eastern Indian Ocean. During the Last Glacial Maximum, however, the reduction or absence of this low-salinity "cap" would have enhanced the possibility of upwelling and higher productivity in the region. Our results indicate that at this time, productivity was enhanced, the surface waters were being depleted of CO2 and relative nitrate utilization was low. This suggests that the thermocline was shallow and that upwelled, nutrient-rich water was present.