Ocean temperatures over time estimated from planktonic foraminifera assemblages in core MD032607 located off South Australia. Estimates are provided for the sea-surface, 50m, 100m, and 150m

In recent years the term 'enhanced greenhouse effect' has become well known in modern society and yet aspects of this possible 'future climate' are poorly understood. The characteristics of the geological record provide a basis to understand this possible future climate through the examination of alternating glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) stages. Understanding the variability of sea-surface temperature and biological processes in the water column provides insight into general circulation of present and paleo-ocean currents. From core MD032607 the annual mean SST (Tmean) indicates a temperature range of 9oC±0.84oC between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 to MIS 5, representing the largest sea surface temperature (SST) transition from a glacial to interglacial. The results also suggest that there is more stratification in the water column during interglacial periods as opposed to glacials. Conversely, temperatures gradients are reduced during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and MIS 6 suggesting a well mixed homogenised mixed layer.