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Data Series 419

PRISM3/GISS Topographic Reconstruction

By Linda E. Sohl, Mark A. Chandler, Robert B. Schmunk, Ken Mankoff, Jeffrey A. Jonas, Kevin M. Foley, and Harry J. Dowsett

ABSTRACT

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The PRISM3/GISS topographic reconstruction is one of the global data sets incorporated into a new reconstruction for the mid-Piacenzian warm interval of the Pliocene, at about 3.3 to 3.0 Ma. The PRISM3/GISS topography-gridded data set is a digitization of a graphical reconstruction, provided at 2° × 2° resolution and based on updated paleoaltimetry data and a refined land/ocean mask. Mid-Piacenzian topography as shown in this data set is generally quite similar to modern topography, with three notable differences: (1) the coastline as shown is 25 meters higher than modern sea level, reflecting the hypothesized reduction in ice sheet volume; (2) Hudson Bay is filled in to low elevation, in the absence of evidence for submergence at that time; and (3) the West Antarctic ice sheet is absent, permitting open seaways to exist in Ellsworth and Marie Byrd Lands. Two alternate ice sheet configurations with corresponding vegetation schemes are available; one is a minor modification of the PRISM2 ice reconstruction, and one is derived from the British Antarctic Survey Ice Sheet Model (BAS ISM).

First Posted March 25, 2009

For additional information contact:
Dr. Linda Sohl
Columbia University, Center for Climate Systems Research
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
2880 Broadway
New York, New York 10025 USA
E-mail: Linda.Sohl@nasa.gov
Phone: (212) 678-5550

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Suggested citation:

Sohl, L.E., Chandler, M.A., Schmunk, R.B., Mankoff, Ken, Jonas, J.A., Foley, K.M., and Dowsett, H.J., 2009, PRISM3/GISS topographic reconstruction: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 419, 6 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Procedures

Rationale

Maps and Data

Acknowledgments

References Cited