Holocene climate variability in Central Germany and a potential link to the polar North Atlantic: A replicated record from three coeval speleothems

Abstract

Here, we present high-resolution trace element and stable isotope records from three coeval Holocene stalagmites from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system, Central Germany. All stalagmites were precisely dated using MC-ICPMS 230Th/U-dating. One stalagmite started to grow at 13.62 ± 0.13 ka BP, covering the late Glacial; the other two speleothems started to grow at 11.13 ± 0.08 and 10.26 ± 0.08 ka BP, respectively. The combined record covers the entire Holocene. The interpretation of the different climate proxies is supported by data from a detailed cave monitoring programme. Cold conditions during the Younger Dryas are reflected by intermittent stalagmite growth at the Herbstlabyrinth. The δ18O records are in general agreement with the NGRIP δ18O record on millennial time scales indicating that speleothem δ18O values at the Herbstlabyrinth reflect large-scale climate variability in the North Atlantic area. The 8.2 ka event is clearly visible as a pronounced negative excursion in the δ18O records. In all other proxies, it is not reflected as a major excursion. Correlation and principal component analysis enable us to disentangle the various processes affecting the stable isotope and trace element signals. Phases with higher P, Ba and U concentrations and more negative δ13C values are interpreted as reflecting more productive vegetation above the cave. The negative correlation of Mg with P, Ba and U and the positive correlation with δ13C indicate more recharge during phases of more productive vegetation, probably because of increased rainfall. The majority of the observed phases of reduced vegetation productivity and drier climate coincide with cooler periods in the polar North Atlantic as reflected by a higher abundance of hematite-stained grains (i.e. the Bond events), suggesting a close relationship between terrestrial climate in Central Europe and the polar North Atlantic.