Isolation and analysis of the eolian component of late Cenozoic pelagic sediments from the North Pacific provides direct information concerning changes in atmospheric circulation. A 50% increase in intensity of both the prevailing westerlies and the tradewinds coincides with increasing pole-to-equator temperature gradients resulting from the onset of northern hemisphere glaciation. At the same time, the mass flux of dust from continents to the North Pacific increased by a factor of 4.5, apparently reflecting significantly increased continental aridity associated with the late Cenozoic glacial ages.

Supplement to: Rea, David K; Janecek, Thomas R (1982): Late Cenozoic changes in atmospheric circulation deduced from North Pacific eolian sediments. Marine Geology, 49(1-2), 149-167