The 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean: new data from a Corchia speleothem (Apuan Alps, central Italy)

We present new data on the 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean from Corchia Cave (Tuscany, central Italy) stalagmite CC27. The stalagmite was analyzed for stable isotopes ( δ 13 C and δ 18 O ) and trace elements (Mg, U, P, Y), with all proxies showing a coherent phase of reduced cave recharge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Climate of the Past
Main Authors: I. Isola, G. Zanchetta, R. N. Drysdale, E. Regattieri, M. Bini, P. Bajo, J. C. Hellstrom, I. Baneschi, P. Lionello, J. Woodhead, A. Greig
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2019
Subjects:
Environmental pollution
TD172-193.5
Environmental protection
TD169-171.8
Environmental sciences
GE1-350
North Atlantic
North Atlantic oscillation
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-15-135-2019
https://doaj.org/article/1d6e955a72d24821907fb5141581f46b
Description
Summary:We present new data on the 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean from Corchia Cave (Tuscany, central Italy) stalagmite CC27. The stalagmite was analyzed for stable isotopes ( δ 13 C and δ 18 O ) and trace elements (Mg, U, P, Y), with all proxies showing a coherent phase of reduced cave recharge between ca. 4.5 and 4.1 ka BP. Based on the current climatological data on cyclogenesis, the reduction in cave recharge is considered to be associated with the weakening of the cyclone center located in the Gulf of Genoa in response to reduced advection of air masses from the Atlantic during winter. These conditions, which closely resemble a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) type of configuration, are associated with cooler and wetter summers with reduced sea warming, which reduced the western Mediterranean evaporation during autumn–early winter, further reducing precipitation.

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