South African dust contribution to the high southern latitudes and East Antarctica during interglacial stages

A significant contribution of South African dust to high southern latitudes and East Antarctica during interglacial stages has been identified, challenging previous assumptions about the region's role in the Southern Hemisphere dust cycle. This discovery was made through a comprehensive geochemical analysis of sediments from major dust-producing areas along the Namibian coast, including the Kuiseb, Omaruru, Huab river catchments, and the Namib Sand Sea. The study utilized radiogenic isotope ratios and rare earth element concentrations to trace the dust's origin and pathway. Notably, the Southern African dust signature was found in archives of the Southern Ocean's Atlantic sector and peripheral areas of East Antarctica, particularly during warm periods. This finding underscores the importance of considering underappreciated source regions in understanding global climate dynamics.

Gili, S., Vanderstraeten, A., Chaput, A., King, J., Gaiero, D. M., Delmonte, B., Vallelonga, P., Formenti, P., Di Biagio, C., Cazanau, M., Pangui, E., Doussin, J.-F., & Mattielli, N. (2022). South African dust contribution to the high southern latitudes and East Antarctica during interglacial stages. Communications Earth & Environment, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-022-00464-z