Abstract
Speleothems from Nerja Cave in southern Spain provide a record during interglacial period MIS5a. Period of speleothem deposition occurred from 70,000 90,000 yr ago. Oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) isotope ratios of speleothem and fluid inclusions enable the reconstruction of climatic variability in this region of southern Spain. Fluid inclusions trapped in speleothems represent samples of drip water from which the speleothems grew. The isotopic compositions of cave dripwaters approximate average annual δ18O and δD of precipitation, therefore δ18O can be calculated from D/H of inclusion water using the MWL relationship δD = 8δ18O + 10. The measurements of the δD values of fluid-inclusion water and δ18O values from speleothems have been applied to paleoclimate reconstruction in Southern Spain indicating a colder condition than at present.
Highlights
The interglacial periods of the late Quaternary are frequently investigated as they constitute potential analogues for our modem climate and may shed light on the key questions of natural climate variability and future developments
Speleothems from Nerja Cave in southern Spain provide a record during interglacial period MIS5a
Oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen isotope ratios of speleothem and fluid inclusions enable the reconstruction of climatic variability in this region of southern Spain
Summary
The interglacial periods of the late Quaternary are frequently investigated as they constitute potential analogues for our modem climate and may shed light on the key questions of natural climate variability and future developments. Δ18O of calcite values are primarily influenced by δ18O of cave seepage waters and meteoric precipitation respectively, whereas δ18O and δD of precipitation are controlled on different times scales by a variety of climatic variables [1]. This makes δ18O of calcite and δD in speleothem fluid inclusions useful parameters for reconstructing climate-related changes [2]. Fluid inclusions in speleothems are a new tool providing independent temperature information and direct measurements of fossil rainwater
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