Rapid ecosystem response to abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period in western Europe, 40-16 ka
Abstract
We present a high-resolution and independently dated multiproxylake sediment record from the paleolake at Les Échetsin southeastern France that displays synchronous changes inindependent limnic and terrestrial ecosystem proxies, in concertwith millennial-scale climate oscillations during the last glacialperiod. Distinct lake-level fluctuations, low lake organic productivity,and open, treeless vegetation indicate cold and dry conditionsin response to Heinrich events. Alternating phases of higherand low lake organic productivity, stratified surface watersand long-lasting lake ice cover, decreased or increased catchmenterosion, and tree-dominated or herb-dominated vegetation resembleDansgaard-Oeschger interstadialstadial variability. Transitionsbetween different ecological states occurred in as little as40-230 yr and seem to have been controlled by the positionof the Polar Front. Ecosystem response after 30 ka suggeststhat local climate conditions became more important. Our resultsdemonstrate that all parts of the terrestrial system respondedto the abrupt and dramatic climatic changes associated withDansgaard-Oeschger and Heinrich events, and that regional factorsmodulated ecosystem response.
- Publication:
-
Geology
- Pub Date:
- May 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1130/G24600A.1
- Bibcode:
- 2008Geo....36..407W