The growth and demise of continental ice sheets is intricately linked to global climate. For example, ice purging and meltwater events can instigate rapid climate change by affecting ocean circulation patterns, and increased nutrient delivery associated with ice sheet decay can intensify carbon storage in the deep ocean. Despite intense investigation, identifying the timing and influence of climate feedbacks related to waxing and waning ice sheets remains a major research goal. This session will look at the interaction between continental run-off and ocean chemistry as a consequence of glaciations. We welcome presentations on subjects ranging from the impact of ice and meltwater on ocean circulation and ventilation rates, to the determination of continental solute fluxes and their potential to influence the carbon cycle. Investigation of these issues using new and established isotope proxies, process studies, or from a modelling perspective is welcomed. The keynote speakers are Sidney Hemming and Rob Raiswell. This session is also a PALSEA session (PALSEA http://eis.bris.ac.uk/~glyms/working_group.html).