Quaternary palaeoclimates in the eastern Canary islands

Abstract

Abstract In the eastern Canary islands, aeolian formations interbedded with palaeosols have been studies. The sequences cover the last 40 ka, as evidenced by one 14 C accelerator analysis and several classical radiocarbon dates. As in the Sahara, at least two wet episodes characterize isotopic stage 3. A short pedogenesis corresponds to the first deglaciation step at 15 ka. After a new aeolian episode, the Holocene wet phase begins at around 10 ka. The aeolian sedimentation is of Saharian dust, in particular during the stage 3 dry episode(s). U Th and OSL dating are current.