Multiple oscillations during the Lateglacial as recorded in a multi-proxy, high-resolution record of the Moervaart palaeolake (NW Belgium). (15th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bos, Johanna A.A.; De Smedt, Philippe; Demiddele, Hendrik; Hoek, Wim Z.; Langohr, Roger; Marcelino, Vera; Van Asch, Nelleke; Van Damme, Dirk; Van der Meeren, Thijs; Verniers, Jacques; Boeckx, Pascal; Boudin, Mathieu; Court-Picon, Mona; Finke, Peter; Gelorini, Vanessa; Gobert, Stefan; Heiri, Oliver; Martens, Koen; Mostaert, Frank; Serbruyns, Lynn; Van Strydonck, Mark; Crombé, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Quaternary science reviews. Volume 162(2017)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-04-15
• Subjects: Lateglacial -- Multi-proxy analysis -- Lake sediments -- Climate reconstruction -- Short-scale oscillations -- Belgium; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2017.02.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3791

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents the results of multi-disciplinary research carried out on the deposits of Moervaart depression, NW Belgium, one of the largest palaeolakes (∼25 km 2 ) that existed during the Lateglacial interstadial in NW Europe. The multi-proxy study, including physical (organic matter and calcium carbonate, magnetic susceptibility, micromorphological), botanical (pollen, macrofossils, diatoms), zoological (ostracods, molluscs, chironomids) and chemical analyses (stable carbon and oxygen isotopes) has resulted in a detailed reconstruction of the Lateglacial landscape as well of the local conditions that prevailed in the lake itself. A chronology of the record was provided by radiocarbon dating and comparison with radiocarbon dates of the nearby Rieme site. These yielded a good match with the regional biostratigraphy. During the Lateglacial, vegetation and geomorphology of the landscape in general changed from a tundra landscape to a boreal forest. The vegetation development, however, was interrupted by a number of cold reversals. Three centennial-scale cold oscillations are present in the record: 1) the so-called Older Dryas corresponding to GI-1d in the Greenland ice-cores, 2) a short and pronounced cold event during the early Allerød, which could be correlated to GI-1c2 and 3) a cooling event during the late Allerød probably corresponding to the Intra Allerød Cold Period (IACP) or GI-1b. The latter most likely was responsible for the disappearance of the Moervaart palaeolake. Highlights: The development of landscape, vegetation and climate in and around a large Lateglacial lake was studied using multiple proxies. During the Lateglacial interstadial, the landscape changed from a tundra landscape to boreal forest. The vegetational progression was affected by a number of cold climatic oscillations. Three centennial-scale oscillations in the Lateglacial lake record were recognized in the record and characterized by colder (and more arid) conditions. The short but abrupt early Allerod oscillation corresponding to GI-1c2 triggered important aeolian activity in the lake area.