Paleoclimate Reconstruction derived from Speleothem Strontium and δ¹³C in Central Florida

Authors

Philip E. van Beynen, University of South FloridaFollow
Limaris R. Soto, University of South Florida
Kali Pace-Graczyk, University of South FloridaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2008

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2007.03.019

Abstract

Variability of strontium and carbon isotopes are reported from a speleothem from Central Florida, USA. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry of uranium–thorium isotopes indicate the speleothem was precipitated during the last 4000 years. Sr concentrations are negatively correlated with δ¹³C, a relationship inferred to record changes in soil productivity. Coeval changes in the Sr content and δ¹³C signals, as induced by soil productivity, are explained by changing precipitation above the cave. Both proxies record a 170–180-year solar cycle that has also been found in the Gulf of Mexico marine records and elsewhere. Consequently, this result provides evidence of an extraterrestrially driven modulator of precipitation in Central Florida.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Quaternary International, v. 187, issue 1, p. 76-83

Scholar Commons Citation

van Beynen, Philip E.; Soto, Limaris R.; and Pace-Graczyk, Kali, "Paleoclimate Reconstruction derived from Speleothem Strontium and δ¹³C in Central Florida" (2008). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 2074.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geo_facpub/2074