Post-glacial environments of the southeastern Barents Sea: foraminiferal evidence

Quaternary sediment records from the southeastern Barents Sea were used to reconstruct palaeoceanographic environments since the last deglaciation based on lithology, foraminiferal assemblages and AMS 14 C dates. After the ice sheet retreat at 13 ka BP two pulses of glacimarine sedimentation occurred, separated by non-deposition between approximately 12 and 10.5 ka BP . Proximal sedimentation from meltwater overflows prevailed during the first pulse, whereas the second pulse reflects distal glacimarine environments with some inflow of Atlantic water. Full marine environments were established by 9.3 ka BP , associated with increased Atlantic water advection, intensified currents and reduced sedimentation rates. The maximum Atlantic influence lasted until approximately 5 ka BP , followed by an advance of Arctic surface water with winter sea ice cover.