A composite annual-resolution stalagmite record of North Atlantic climate over the last three millennia

Annually laminated stalagmites can be used to construct a precise chronology, and variations in laminae thickness provide an annual growth-rate record that can be used as a proxy for past climate and environmental change. Here, we present and analyse the first composite speleothem annual growth-rate...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Baker, Andy, Hellstrom, John C., J. Kelly, Bryce F., Mariethoz, Gregoire, Trouet, Valerie
Format: Text
Language:unknown
Published: Digital Commons @ University of South Florida 2015
Subjects:
Climatic changes
North Atlantic Region
Stalactites and stalagmites
Scotland
Europe
Northern Europe
Western Europe
North Atlantic
North Atlantic oscillation
Online Access:https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/1154
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/context/kip_articles/article/2153/viewcontent/K26_05390_srep10307.pdf
Description
Summary:Annually laminated stalagmites can be used to construct a precise chronology, and variations in laminae thickness provide an annual growth-rate record that can be used as a proxy for past climate and environmental change. Here, we present and analyse the first composite speleothem annual growth-rate record based on five stalagmites from the same cave system in northwest Scotland, where precipitation is sensitive to North Atlantic climate variability and the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Our 3000-year record confirms persistently low growth-rates, reflective of positive NAO states, during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA). Another persistently low growth period occurring at 290-550 CE coincides with the European Migration Period, and a subsequent period of sustained fast growth-rate (negative NAO) from 600-900 AD provides the climate context for the Viking Age in northern and western Europe.

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