On late Miocene abyssal hydrography

This contribution is a summary of the School's studies on late Miocene isotope stratigraphy. The authors interpret the results using simple models and present additional evidence that the delta13C shift at 6.2 Ma was a time-stratigraphic event. The average deep-water metabolic CO2 and nutrient content remained unchanged across the delta13C shift, but the net flow of deep waters towards the North Pacific was intensified. The late Miocene deep-ocean density structure was similar to that of today's oceans, and bottom water temperature were 10C warmer if constant ice volume is assumed. (Auth.)