The ST22 chronology for the Skytrain Ice Rise ice core - Part 2: An age model to the last interglacial and disturbed deep stratigraphy

We present an age model for the 651 m deep ice core from Skytrain Ice Rise, situated inland of the Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The top 2000 years have previously been dated using age markers interpolated through annual layer counting. Below this, we align the Skytrain core to the AICC2012 age model using tie points in the ice and air phase, and we apply the Paleochrono program to obtain the best fit to the tie points and glaciological constraints. In the gas phase, ties are made using methane and, in critical sections, delta O-18(air); in the ice phase ties are through Be-10 across the Laschamps event and through ice chemistry related to long-range dust transport and deposition. This strategy provides a good outcome to about 108 ka (similar to 605 m). Beyond that there are signs of flow disturbance, with a section of ice probably repeated. Nonetheless values of CH4 and delta O-18(air) confirm that part of the last interglacial (LIG), from about 117-126 ka (617-627 m), is present and in chronological order. Below this there are clear signs of stratigraphic disturbance, with rapid oscillation of values in both the ice and gas phase at the base of the LIG section, below 628 m. Based on methane values, the warmest part of the LIG and the coldest part of the penultimate glacial are missing from our record. Ice below 631 m appears to be of age > 150 ka.

Automated summary

We propose an age model for the Skytrain Ice Rise ice core in Antarctica, which includes aligning the core with the AICC2012 age model using tie points and applying the Paleochrono program. Methane and delta O-18(air) are used for ties in the gas phase, while Be-10 and ice chemistry related to dust transport are used in the ice phase. The model provides a good outcome up to about 605 m, with signs of flow disturbance and possible repeated ice sections beyond that.