Complete analysis of sediment core MSM12/2-05-01 from the Labrador Sea: biomarkers, foraminiferal assemblages, XRF scanning, coarse fractions, and bulk parameters

These datasets originate from the gravity core MSM12/2-05-01 (57.538500, -48.738700, recovery 1494 cm, 3492 m water depth) taken during R/V Maria S. Merian cruise MSM12/2 in 2009 in the eastern Labrador Sea (Eirik Drift). These datasets show the history of sea surface characteristics in the Labrador Sea and the surrounding ice sheet activities, representing the last 50 ka. The XRF, biomarker, and planktic/benthic foraminifer data document the outstanding collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet/iceberg discharge during Heinrich Events (i.e., HE5, HE4, HE2, and HE1) and the occurrence of meltwater plumes from the Greenland Ice Sheet and/or Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last deglaciation. Such meltwater discharges have caused surface freshening in the Labrador Sea and, consequently, decreased sea surface temperatures and phytoplankton production. Enhanced Irminger Current inflow might have caused (sub-)surface warming in the Labrador Sea and triggered the retreat of ice sheets/meltwater discharge. In contrast to relatively low open-water productivity during the glacial period, the Last Glacial Maximum was characterized by increased sea ice algae and phytoplankton production, suggesting the presence of a polynya in front of the southern Greenland Ice Sheet.