MIS 5c Research Articles

High‐resolution environmental changes recorded in ostracod and mollusc fauna from the Holsteinian palaeolake at Ortel Królewski II, eastern Poland

To better understand the environmental variability during the Holsteinian interglacial, fauna of the palaeolake deposits at Ortel Królewski II, eastern Poland was investigated. The analysis covered the uppermost part of the profile, representing the so‐called pre‐optimal part of the Holsteinian interglacial (MIS 11c), namely the Taxus and Pinus‐Larix pollen zones. Variability within the structure and composition of the faunal assemblage enabled a high‐resolution palaeoecological reconstruction – lake level and temperature fluctuations, its trophy and energy of the environment. During the Taxus pollen zone the lake was relatively deep and characterized by medium trophy conditions, which is indicated by a low abundance of molluscs of temporary water bodies and low numbers of Metacypris cordata and Scottia tumida. The temperature was rather stable with only small fluctuations during the transition between the Taxus and Pinus‐Larix zones. The occurrence of some cold‐loving ostracod species within the beginning of the Pinus‐Larix pollen zone indicates some deterioration of thermal conditions, which was additionally confirmed by using the mutual ostracod temperature range (MOTR) method. Lake level drop and expansion of reed zones within the Pinus‐Larix pollen zone are inferred from the increased abundance of shallow water ostracod and mollusc species as well as from an increased Bithynia‐index (BIN). The short cooling event documented early in the Pinus‐Larix zone in the studied profile might be an equivalent to the mid‐MIS 11c cooling, the so‐called Older Holsteinian Oscillation. Thus, the improved knowledge about the climate dynamics recorded within the sediments from this site contributes to a better understanding of the spatial extent and pattern of the climatic changes within the Holsteinian interglacial across Europe.

Pleistocene marine terraces of the Wellington south coast – their distribution across multiple active faults at the southern Hikurangi subduction margin, Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Along the south coast of the North Island of New Zealand, elevated Pleistocene marine terraces provide evidence for vertical deformation associated with active crustal faults and the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate at the southern Hikurangi margin. We have reassessed the age and elevation of these terraces. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) data of their cover bed sediments (20 new ages) provide the first numerical ages for most of these terraces. Shore platform elevations have been surveyed using differential Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements of the wave-cut bedrock straths underlying these terraces. These new data allow the terraces to be temporally correlated across the margin. Seven different-aged terraces were identified and mapped along the Wellington south coast; these are preserved discontinuously between the westernmost site at Tongue Point, and Ngawi near Cape Palliser, to the east. The OSL data indicate that most of these terraces formed at MIS 5a, 5c, 5e (Last Interglacial) and 7a. The terraces are best preserved within the Hikurangi margin forearc, where they decrease in altitude towards the west, indicating long wavelength, westward tectonic tilting. The terraces are locally offset by a number of active crustal faults, most notably the Wairarapa and Ohariu faults.

Sediment sequence at Muhos, western Finland – a window to the Pleistocene history of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet

In this study, we analysed a ~54‐m sediment core consisting of Quaternary sediments overlying the Neoproterozoic Muhos Formation in central western Finland, adjacent to the Gulf of Bothnia. The sediments recovered were logged, and their sedimentological characteristics defined. Two fine‐grained sediment units were subjected to biostratigraphical studies using pollen and diatom analyses. In addition, two sand‐rich units and a wooden stick were dated by the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and 14C‐AMS methods. The core sediments were divided into six units, where several diamicton, sand and gravel, and silt‐and‐clay‐dominated beds were studied. The results indicate that the sediment succession of the core beneath the Holocene Litorina Sea and the Ancylus Lake sediments of the Baltic Basin were deposited in glacial and lacustrine environments that existed in the Oulu River valley during the time period between the Saalian glaciation (MIS 6) and the Holocene. The stratigraphical evidence, supported by the OSL ages, suggests that the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) entered the Muhos area during the Saalian glaciation, and at least during three separate time intervals in the Weichselian stage. Stratigraphically controlled and age‐bracketed evidence shows that the first Weichselian SIS advance extended further south in the eastern part of Fennoscandia than previously estimated, and that this ice growth phase occurred during the Early Weichselian Herning Stadial (MIS 5d). The subsequent ice growth phases occurred during the Middle (MIS 4) and Late (MIS 2) Weichselian substages. The lacustrine and littoral sediments of the Muhos core were correlated with the late Eemian interglacial (MIS 5e) and two Weichselian interstadials (MIS 5c and MIS 3).

Climatic history from early Weichselian (MIS 5D-C) valley-fill deposits and associated factors for basin sedimentation, mainland Kachchh, western India

Ephemeral fluvial systems in the dryland region of Kachchh are susceptible to climatic fluctuations. An increase in Indian Summer Monsoon Intensity (ISM) is responsible for the aggradation of sediments as valley-fill deposits in the river basins. In the present study sedimentological, chronometric, and geochemical analysis on the fluvial terrace sequences of Nirona and Bhukhi river basins are being used to interpret southwest summer monsoon variability from MIS 5D-5C along with the fluvial response to local tectonics. The sediment record indicates increased ISM precipitation from ∼110ka to ∼90ka, which corresponds to the MIS 5D to MIS 5C (Interstadial stage). The ISM became progressively weaker during the MIS-5B (stadial stage), leading to present-day arid conditions. The climatic factors weakened along with an interplay of local tectonics, leading to present-day conditions of bedrock incision.

New climatic oscillations during MIS 11c in the record of the Skrzynka II site (Eastern Poland) based on palynological and isotope analysis

Deposits of MIS 11c (Masovian Interglacial) are common in eastern Poland and therefore the area is considered as a Masovian palaeolakeland. In the Skrzynka II succession, MIS 11c lacustrine and MIS 10 lacustrine deposits of the early Liviecian Glaciation were found below beds representing the Weichselian Glaciation and the Holocene (1.35 m). The Mazovian Interglacial succession of the core as well as the base of the Liviecian Glaciation in depth interval 2.10–6.10 m were sampled for the purpose of palynological and isotope analyses. The main goal of the study was to determine a detailed record of climatic oscillations during MIS 11c. The palynological record of the Skrzynka II core contains nearly the entire MIS 11c succession, with an exception of the earliest protocratic stage. Both the previously described oscillation known from other European localities are present in the Skrzynka II record. Moreover, another major regressive oscillation, which was previously misinterpreted in two other Polish localities, was described in the late mesocratic phase. Yet another oscillation can be distinguished within the telocratic phase; it can be correlated with the ‘birch oscillation’ known so far only from Nowiny Żukowskie in Poland. Enhanced sampling resolution enabled also the description of several minor, local-scale climatic events or disturbances. Results of the isotope analysis correspond well with pollen data in the lower part of the succession, confirming a warming trend in the early interglacial and the cold character of the first regressive oscillation event. Since the second stage of the mesocratic phase, an unknown environmental disturbance occurred and δ13C(org) data are inconsistent with the pollen record until the end of the climatic optimum.

Late Quaternary uplift and sea level fluctuations along the Tyrrhenian margin of Basilicata - northern Calabria (southern Italy): New constraints from raised paleoshorelines

New analyses of marine terraces in the Tyrrhenian Sea margin of Basilicata - northern Calabria (southern Italy) have been carried out. In the study area, c. 25 km in length, an impressive flight of marine terraces occurs, with the highest terraces reaching ~160 m a.s.l. Detailed geomorphological-stratigraphical analyses on remnants of paleoshorelines located within 60 m a.s.l. have shown that the rocky coast of the investigated coastal stretch has been affected by multiple relative sea-level fluctuations, during which reworking of older shorelines has occurred. Dating of the coral Cladocora caespitosa and speleothems, either predating or postdating single paleoshorelines, has allowed the construction of a chronological framework for the identified relative sea-level markers, and their correlation with MIS 7, MIS 6e and distinct peaks of MIS 5. A mean uplift rate of c. 0.25 mm/y since the Last Interglacial has been quantified, one order of magnitude larger than previous estimates. The uplift rate value has been used to infer the elevations of MIS 5a, 5c and 6e sea level peaks, which are higher than those reported in most sea level curves worldwide, although consistent with several findings from the western Mediterranean. Our results demonstrate that a mere sequential correlation may be misleading in the interpretation of flights of marine terraces and indicates that multiple age controls are crucial to unravelling the complex interaction between uplift and sea-level fluctuations in uplifted coastal areas. The reconstructed MIS 5a, 5c and 6e sea level paleo-elevations, besides contributing to the assessment of late Quaternary sea-level fluctuations in the Mediterranean Sea, may contribute to constrain coeval ice sheets volume variations.

A tephra‐based correlation of marine and terrestrial records of MIS 11c from Britain and the North Atlantic

ABSTRACTResolving marine and terrestrial records of glacial and interglacial stages has long been a challenge for Quaternary studies. We present a tephra‐based correlation for MIS 11c of a North Atlantic marine core and a British terrestrial record (Marks Tey). A varved chronology is presented for the annually laminated lake sequence at Marks Tey and the proxy data from this site are plotted on an annual timescale for the first time. This record shows clear evidence for an abrupt cold event and corresponding ecological and landscape response. Varve counting shows that the abrupt event lasted for ca 185 a but the impact on the landscape persisted for ca 560 a. The co‐occurrence of a single tephra layer in Marks Tey and ODP 980 allows these two records to be correlated. Furthermore, this synchronisation shows that the abrupt cold event in Marks Tey was coincident with a centennial‐scale cold event in ODP 980, as evidenced by an increase in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (s) percentage. In both ODP 980 and Marks Tey the age of this abrupt event was ca 414 500 a indicating that, at this point in MIS 11c, a widespread cold event occurred in the northeastern Atlantic and the British Isles.

A standardized database of Last Interglacial (MIS 5e) sea-level indicators in Southeast Asia

Abstract. Marine Isotope Stage 5e (MIS 5e; the Last Interglacial, 125 ka) represents a process analog for a warmer world. Analysis of sea-level proxies formed in this period helps in constraining both regional and global drivers of sea-level change. In Southeast Asia, several studies have reported elevation and age information on MIS 5e sea-level proxies, such as fossil coral reef terraces or tidal notches, but a standardized database of such data was hitherto missing. In this paper, we produced such a sea-level database using the framework of the World Atlas of Last Interglacial Shorelines (WALIS; https://warmcoasts.eu/world-atlas.html). Overall, we screened and reviewed 14 studies on Last Interglacial sea-level indicators in Southeast Asia, from which we report 43 proxies (42 coral reef terraces and 1 tidal notch) that were correlated to 134 dated samples. Five data points date to MIS 5a (80 ka), six data points are MIS 5c (100 ka), and the rest are dated to MIS 5e. The database compiled in this study is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5040784 (Maxwell et al., 2021).

The last interglacial sea-level record of Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract. This paper presents the current state of knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand last interglacial (marine isotope stage 5, MIS 5, sensu lato) sea-level record compiled within the framework of the World Atlas of Last Interglacial Shorelines (WALIS) database. A total of 77 relative sea-level (RSL) indicators (direct, marine-limiting, and terrestrial-limiting points), commonly in association with marine terraces, were identified from over 120 studies reviewed. Extensive coastal deformation around New Zealand has prompted research focused on active tectonics, the scale of which overprints the sea-level record in most regions. The ranges of last interglacial palaeo-shoreline elevations are significant on both the North Island (276.8 ± 10.0 to −94.2 ± 10.6 ma.m.s.l., above mean sea level) and South Island (165.8 ± 2.0 to −70.0 ± 10.3 ma.m.s.l.) and have been used to estimate rates of vertical land movement; however, in many instances there is a lack of adequate description and age constraint for high-quality RSL indicators. Identified RSL indicators are correlated with MIS 5, MIS 5e, MIS 5c, and MIS 5a and indicate the potential for the New Zealand sea-level record to inform sea-level fluctuation and climatic change within MIS 5. The Northland Region of the North Island and southeastern South Island, historically considered stable, have the potential to provide a regional sea-level curve, minimally impacted by glacio- and hydro-isostatic adjustment (GIA) and reflecting near-eustatic fluctuations in a remote location of the South Pacific, across broad degrees of latitude; however, additional records from these regions are needed. Future work requires modern analogue information, heights above a defined sea-level datum, better stratigraphic descriptions, and use of improved geochronological methods. The database presented in this study is available open access at this link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4590188 (Ryan et al., 2020a).

High-resolution analysis of the Likhvin loess-paleosol sequence (the central part of the East European Plain, Russia)

Studies of the loess-paleosol sequence of the center of the East European Plain have a long history. Previously, samples from loess-soil sections were taken for paleoreconstruction of climate and environment with low resolution, usually 1–2 samples per stratigraphic unit. This led to an unclear interpretation of the processes of soil formation and deposition of loess material. Our article discusses the LPS of the Likhvin stratotype section. High-resolution analysis was applied, which will allow us to trace in detail the history of the formation of the paleosol cover from the Middle Pleistocene to the present. A total of 245 bulk samples were taken from sections Likhvin-1/18 and Likhvin-2/18 and analyzed using laboratory analytics (the particle-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, the loss on ignition values, total organic carbon, pH). Nine samples were taken for OSL dating and two samples for AMS dating to determine the age of the deposits. The micromorphological characteristics were described in detail for paleosols. The Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) appeared to be comparable to the modern Retisols in its macro- and micromorphology and physical and chemical characteristics. As to the Krutitsa interstadial paleosol (identified formerly with MIS 5c in the sequence), our results suggest its belonging to MIS 5a. The modern prairie soils – Folic Cambisols – may be considered as its modern analogue. During the MIS 3, the Bryansk paleosol developed. The paleosol is polygenetic; in cooling, its main type (Cambisol) changed to Gleysol and finally became Cryosol. The paleosol described as belonging to MIS 7 displays all the characteristics of the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol and develops the characteristics of Luvisols (Cutanic) type, its analogues being found in Latvia, Poland, and Hungary. There is a level of soil-formation above the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol corresponding to the Romny paleosol (MIS 6) in its stratigraphic position. The latter statement is difficult to assert with confidence; it is not improbable that the level presents the Late Kamenka interstadial paleosol, also attributable to MIS 6.

Eemian and early Weichselian environmental changes at the Jałówka site, NE Poland, and their correlation with marine and ice records

AbstractVegetation changes were documented across the last interglacial period (MIS 5e, Eemian) and continuing through the older part of the last glacial period (MIS 5d–a, early Weichselian). This study was based on pollen data collected at the Jałówka site, NE Poland. Two cold oscillations appeared within warm periods during this stage of the upper Pleistocene. The older oscillation was the temporary intra–interglacial cooling at the end of the Eemian. The younger one was the intra–interstadial cooling that occurred within the oldest interstadial of the early Weichselian (MIS 5c, Brørup). This last event corresponds well to the stadial separating both the Amersfoort and Brørup sensu stricto interstadials in the Netherlands and to the Montaigu event as recognized in France. The development of a pollen sequence allows speculation as to potential correlations with Greenland ice cores and marine records. We suggest that the Eemian in NE Poland may comprise not only MIS 5e, but also a part of MIS 5d. This supposition could shed light on potential for non-synchrony in upper boundaries of the MIS 5e and terrestrial Eemian in Europe. We await the development of more precise independent dating controls to validate our theory more assiduously.

Late Pleistocene interstadial sea-levels (MIS 5a) in Gulf St Vincent, southern Australia, constrained by amino acid racemization dating of the benthic foraminifer Elphidium macelliforme

In contrast to the detection and resolution of Late Pleistocene interstadials (Marine Isotope Stages; MIS 5c, 5a and 3) in marine and ice core-based oxygen isotope records, accurately defining palaeosea-levels for these events from sea level indicators remains a challenge. Commonly, such investigations have been undertaken in tectonically active, subduction-related settings, on emergent marginal marine-coastal successions above present sea level, given that the higher ice volumes during these Marine Isotope Stages resulted in ice-equivalent sea levels significantly below present, particularly in far-field settings. Delineation of palaeosea-levels for this period, has accordingly involved an assumption about the long-term rate of coastal uplift. Core SV#23 collected from the tectonically highly stable, remote far-field setting of southern Gulf St Vincent, southern Australia, in a present water depth of 40 m obtained a 3.89 m undisturbed sedimentary record of Late Pleistocene to Holocene age. The basal 2.39 m of the sediment record is of Late Pleistocene interstadial age, as it overlies the Last Interglacial Glanville Formation (128–118 ka; MIS 5e) and occurs beneath the Holocene St Kilda Formation. The extent of aspartic acid and glutamic acid racemization in the benthic foraminifer Elphidium macelliforme sampled at 2 cm intervals continuously from the interstadial succession in Core SV#23, confirms the relative age interpreted from lithostratigraphy. A mean amino acid racemization (AAR) age of 75 ± 13 ka indicates a correlation with MIS 5a, and highlights the utility of E. macelliforme as a species for AAR geochronology. As the foraminifers more closely define the timing of sedimentation, the interstadial succession is regarded as beyond the range of radiocarbon dating (>50 kyr), as revealed in a comparison of radiocarbon ages of fossil molluscs with AAR ages for E. macelliforme from the same depth intervals within the interstadial succession. All of the radiocarbon ages for fossil marine molluscs from the interstadial succession represent minimum ages, resulting from contamination by trace levels of modern radiocarbon. The foraminiferal faunal assemblages within the interstadial succession reveal changes of water depth at the time of deposition, pointing to millennial-scale sea level variability. In particular, the ratio of Elphidium crispum to E. macelliforme indicates several oscillations in relative sea level within a bandwidth of 26 to 24 ± 4.6 m below present sea level (BPSL). Notwithstanding the large uncertainty associated with palaeosea-level estimation based on the Elphidium ratio, the inferred relative sea level record is in accord with the sea level records of Barbados and the Red Sea, and points to Sub-Milankovitch interstadial sea level variability as noted in Greenland and Antarctic ice cores.

Environments of the climatic optimum of MIS 11 in Britain: evidence from the tufa sequence at Hitchin, southeast England

ABSTRACTMarine Oxygen Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11, Hoxnian Interglacial) is an important interval for understanding both climate change in an interglacial partially analogous to the Holocene and the response of geomorphic processes, biotic systems, and hominin populations to these changes. In Britain, many sites correlated to MIS 11 have not been studied since the mid‐20th century and require reinvestigation, including the Hitchin tufa sequence, where a rich, non‐marine molluscan assemblage was originally recovered. Re‐excavation of the Hitchin tufa sequence for this study was focussed on combined sedimentological, micromorphological and geochemical analyses of the deposits. These indicate that tufa formation occurred within a perched springline system under temperate climatic conditions. Shifts between paludal and fluvial tufa facies within this system occur concomitantly with changes in carbonate geochemistry, representing increased humidity caused by a change in rainfall amount or seasonality. This research enables a correlation of the sequence to the climatic optimum of MIS 11c, the main warm phase of MIS 11, and permits further insights into temperature and hydrological changes in this interval by generating the first geochemical records of hydroclimatic evolution during the MIS 11 thermal maximum in Britain.

Eemian (MIS 5e) climate oscillations based on palaeobotanical analysis from the Beckentin profile (NE Germany)

Climate instability in the Eemian Interglacial is gaining more and more evidence. One of such oscillations in the Beckentin record is indicated by the disappearance of the Cladocera and changes in macroremains at the beginning of E4a (Corylus phase). They confirm the shallowing of the reservoir, probably caused by climate changes, but not reflected in the palynological record. However, a significant oscillation observed in the first half of the E5 (Carpinus phase), ~5860 years after the boreal forests subsided and ~6290 years after the onset of interglacial forestation, suggests that, although not being an analogue of the OHO (Older Holsteinian Oscillations) in MIS 11c and the 8.2 ka cold event in the Holocene, it is very similar to these oscillations. The Eemian oscillation was noted also in the Bispingen profile in northern Germany, ~6500 years after the interglacial forestation. However, the course of vegetation changes there differs from that in Beckentin. The analysis of macroremains and Cladocera confirms the disappearance of rush and water vegetation in the water reservoir at that time in Beckentin. These results confirm that numerous climatic oscillations could have occurred in the Eemian Interglacial.

The fossil record of the ocelot Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora, Felidae): a new record from the southern range of its distribution and its paleoenvironmental context

ABSTRACT Leopardus is a genus that, despite currently being widely distributed in South America, shows until now a fragmentary fossil record. Among Leopardus, L. pardalis is the largest species, having an historical range that includes tropical and subtropical habitats from southern U.S.A. to southern South America but, as usual in the ocelot lineage, fossil remains that can be interpreted with certainty are restricted to the Late Pleistocene of southern U.S.A. and Brazil. Here we present a new record (a fragment of right maxillary plus zygomatic with P4–M1; incomplete left mandible with the coronoid process, part of c1 alveolus and p3–m1; isolated right c1) from the Late Pleistocene of Arroyo Toropí, Corrientes province, Argentina. The bearing level was dated with Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) to 98.4 ka (Marine Isotopic Stage, MIS 5c). Present environmental requirements of L. pardalis and climatic reconstructions carried out here suggest a compatible scenario with MIS 5 for this fossil, which is concordant with the associated dating (ca. 98.4 ka). Leopardus pardalis appears to be part of a subtropical fauna, with Tayassu pecari and Euphractus sexcinctus, which inhabited the region during warm and wet climatic events of MIS 5c. Phytoliths and other vertebrates are congruent with its presence, since the inferred conditions are similar to the present one. The new record is relevant not only because it is the first fossil record of the species for the Pleistocene of Argentina, but also because it is placed 1800 km south of the closest accurately identified published fossil.

Палеолітичне місцезнаходження в с. Новий Тік: стратиграфічний і палеогеографічний аспект

The Novyi Tik loess-palaeosol sequence is characterized by a detailed stratification due to both its location on the slope of the valleys of Berestova and Styr rivers, as well as excavation of buried gullies, which serve as sediment traps. Nineteen basic stratigraphic units have been allocated in the section, grouped into 7 main units (4 loesses and 3 pedocomplexes). In 2018, a flint artefact was found in the upper pedocomplex (Pedocomplex I), which was interpreted as a Levallois bilateral-alternative sub-rectangular core nucleus. The precise stratigraphic position of the artefact and the comprehensive study of the loess-palaeosol sequence by the methods of Earth sciences (lithological and stratigraphical, palaeopedological (including micromorphological), geochemical and palynological) enable not only to establish chronostratigraphic position of the tool, but also to reconstruct the habitat of ancient humans. The Levallois core nucleus was found in the BCs horizon of the Podzol (subunit 10c). The Pedocomplex I was tentatively correlated with the Horohiv soil complex of the regional stratigraphic scheme of Western Ukraine, with the Pryluky-Kaydaky pedocomplex of the Quaternary stratigraphic framework of Ukraine and with MIS 5. The soil, which contained the artefact, probably corresponds to the lower Kolodiiv soil (Kolodiiv-3). The tentative age of the core nucleus is the end of the MIS 5d or the beginning of the MIS 5c. Thus, the studied section is currently the oldest stratified Palaeolithic site of the Volyn’ Upland. This site could be the key to exploring the Middle Palaeolithic of the region. A split Mammuthus primigenius bone found at the bottom of Bug loess (MIS 2) enhances the site’s importance.

At the onset of the Micoquian in Central Europe: raw material constraints and technological versatility at Neumark-Nord 2/0 (Germany)

After the Eemian, Neanderthals of Central Europe produced new stone tools for coping with the increased seasonality and climatic deterioration of the Last Glacial. This new cultural tradition is named Micoquian, and is characterized by a broad range of asymmetric backed bifaces, foliate artefacts and bifacial scrapers. Despite the abundant number of sites and the broad geographical expansion, technological information on the early stages of development of the Micoquian are still few. This paper presents new data on the lithic assemblage of Neumark-Nord NN2/ 0, a Micoquian occupation dated to the MIS 5c/ 5a. The results point out a technical continuity with the previous Eemian settlements whereas the production of backed bifaces shows to be associated to new strategies of raw material economy in the technological context of Quina scrapers. This behaviour is different from other sites in Central Europe suggesting that the emergence of the Micoquian at the beginning of the Weichselian followed different trajectories.

Revised Middle and Late Pleistocene interglacial and interstadial records from the glaciated eastern Fennoscandia

The Middle to Late Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental record from the repeatedly glaciated central and eastern Fennoscandia is poorly known. The majority of the glacial and warm interval records have been interpreted to represent only the last, Weichselian, glacial cycle (119–11.7 ka). We have revised the crucial part of the existing stratigraphic documentation in central and southern Finland. Our findings show that a considerable part of the depositional record extends further back in time and is more complete than previously thought. One record may reach the Middle Pleistocene Holsteinian Interglacial (≈MIS 11), 424-374 ka ago, and a large number of records are tentatively attributed to the Middle Pleistocene Röpersdorf-Schöningen Interglacial (≈MIS 7) 243-191 ka ago. During this possible Röpersdorf-Schöningen Interglacial, the Gulf of Bothnia hosted larger alkaline and smaller dystrophic lakes surrounded by boreal pine forests in a continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters than today. The Eemian (≈MIS 5e) 131-119 ka sea coastal records show detailed evidence of the widespread intermixing of continental fresh and marine waters. During the Early Weichselian Brörup Interstadial (≈MIS 5c) 109-96 ka, central and southern Finland seem to have supported open birch forest tundra, later invaded by spruce; not boreal pine forest as earlier thought. The early birch vegetation faced a tundra phase which may be the Montaigu cooling event c. 103 ka ago. The revised palaeoenvironmental interpretation shows that the development during the three discussed warmer intervals is well in line with the central European vegetational development. Our palaeoenvironmental interpretations concerning Röpersdorf-Schöningen and Brörup warm intervals are preliminary and will need further investigations. No indisputable Middle Weichselian (≈MIS 3, 57-29 ka) sedimentary record seems to have been recorded in the studied area.

Reconstructing Western Boundary Current Stability in the North Atlantic Ocean for the Past 700 Kyr From Globorotalia truncatulinoides Coiling Ratios

AbstractDown‐core changes in the coiling direction of Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the northwestern subtropical Atlantic (KNR140‐37PC and Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1063, 1059, 1056, 1058) provide a tracer for the hydrographic conditions in the western boundary current over the past 700 kyr (Marine Isotope Stage, MIS, 1–17). A consistent association between percent G. truncatulinoides (sinistral) abundances, total test counts, and bulk sediment CaCO3 content is established by MIS 11 suggesting a response to ocean‐atmosphere interactions during the mid Brunhes event. Commencing with MIS 11, interglacial maxima are associated with high total test counts and either distinct sinistral test minima (MIS 9e, 11c) or maxima (MIS 1, 5e, 7a). High sinistral test abundances with relatively high test counts is similar to the late Holocene relationship at the study sites. Low sinistral test abundances despite high test counts means that coiling ratios are dominated by dextral forms. We interpret this pattern to indicate more intense flow in the subtropical gyre either via the western boundary current drawing toward the gyre center, or a more northern influence of the North Equatorial and Antilles Currents. This suggests that the western boundary current may have been more intense during MIS 11c and MIS 9e then during MIS 7a, MIS 5e, and MIS 1 consistent with climate warm anomalies in northern Europe at these times. Regardless of the mechanism, the observation that minima and maxima in sinistral test abundances are prolonged at these times indicates that the western gyre boundary remained stable during relative warm intervals.

Late Pleistocene Palaeoenvironmental Variations from Marine Isotope Stages 5 and 4: Small Mammals at Artazu VIII Site (Arrasate, Northern Iberian Peninsula)

Sites corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage MIS 5c and MIS 4 like Artazu VIII, with a continental record but no hominin imprints or carnivore activities, are very scarce in the Iberian Peninsula. The Artazu VIII cave fill (Arrasate, northern Spain) was discovered in 2013 and is presented here for the first time, including detailed stratigraphic and sedimentological descriptions of the differentiated 12 levels, as well as an ordered chronology of most levels, covering at least 36.000 years. In addition, the small mammal assemblage yielded a total of 8,129 identifiable skeletal remains corresponding to 14 taxa. The conditions inferred from the ecological preferences of the small mammal associations have been correlated with four different stages and substages from MIS 5c to MIS 4 in which the woodland mass expanded and retreated, depending on the relative temperature and humidity in each period. Finally, considering the species variability and estimated palaeoenvironment, a comparison with the NGRIP δ18O curve and other sites with the same chronology has been performed, showing that Artazu VIII is one of the few deposits attributable to the Marine Isotopic Stages previously mentioned and the only one that correlates to the Greenland Interstadial 18 from the Iberian Peninsula.