Climatic events during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene in the Upper Parana River: Correlation with NE Argentina and South-Central Brazil

Abstract

Most Quaternary studies in Brazil are restricted to the Atlantic Coast and are mainly based on coastal morphology and sea level changes, whereas research on inland areas is largely unexplored. The study area lies along the Parana River, state of Parana, Brazil, at 22° 43′S latitude and 53° 10′W longitude, where the river is as yet undammed. Paleoclimatological data were obtained from 10 vibro cores and 15 motor auger holes. Sedimentological and pollen analyses plus TL and 14C dating were used to establish the following evolutionary history of Late Pleistocene and Holocene climates: First drier episode ?40,000–8000 BP First wetter episode 8000–3500 BP Second drier episode 3500–1500 BP Second (present) wet episode 1500 BP–Present Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV Climatic intervals are in agreement with prior studies made in southern Brazil and in northeastern Argentina.