Parent record: Datasets relating to core MD002361 (shelf edge offshore Western Australia)

We must understand the natural cycles of the oceans to understand the evolution of our climate through geological time. Core MD 002361 was obtained in 2000 off the coast of Sumatra (113.477166 E, 22.082 S). By investigating the properties and components of this core we are able to reveal some information regarding past oceanographic and climatic systems. Information obtained or inferred from the core include the isotopic composition of oxygen and carbon through time, an age vs. depth profile of the core (revealing sedimentation rates), the relative abundance of planktonic foraminifera over time, and estimates of historical sea-surface temperatures. The core description highlights the stark contrast between glacial and interglacial periods with 1-1.5m bands of red clay indicating interglacial periods, alternating with the 1-1.5m bands of light grey foraminifera sand deposited during the glacial periods.