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Floodplain deposits in the valley of the Moskva River contain a series of buried soils of the Holocene age, which can be an important source of paleoecological information. These soils were dated as follows: Soil 1 — 100 BP, Soil 2 — cal 1200 AD–500 BC, Soil 3 — 900–2700 BC, and Soil 4 — 3700–6000 BC. Archeological monuments associated with these soils belong to the Neolithic (Soil 4), Early Bronze Age (Soil 3), and Iron Age and Middle Ages (Soil 2). Buried soils have well developed profiles and diagnostic features. Dark-colored soils of the Atlantic period (Soil 4) in most cases can be attributed to Phaeozems. Pollen analysis shows that these soils were formed under forest-steppe communities. Buried soils of the Subatlantic period (Soil 2) are usually referred to as Luvisols. Unlike them, the soils of the Subboreal period (Soil 3) are traced in rare cases and have no clear diagnostic features allowing reconstruction of the paleoenvironment. These soils have a light-colored humus horizon, which does not allow them to be classified as Phaeozems. However, they do not have the Bt horizon characteristic of Luvisols. This paper describes the results of a new comprehensive study of the Moskva River floodplain near the Zvenigorod Biological Station (ZBS) of Moscow State University. The buried soils of the Atlantic and Subboreal periods were studied by palaeopedological and palynological methods. The findings confirmed previously obtained results and indicated that the buried Soil 3 at the ZBS site could be developed under mixed forests dominated by spruce. These results suggest that the landscapes of the lower levels of the valley changed dramatically between 5000 and 4500 cal BP. The forest-steppe communities were replaced by dense forests due to the early Subboreal climate change. The paper also examines the specifics of soil and pollen records of the landscape evolution. The anthropogenic influence on the floodplain landscapes is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ras El Hekma area is a part of the NW coast of Egypt. It is located on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, approximately 220 km West of Alexandria City. It is shaped as a triangle with its headland extending into the Mediterranean sea for about 15 km, and is occupied by sedimentary rocks belonging to the Tertiary and Quaternary Eras. Its western coastline consists of Pleistocene Oolitic limestone ridges with separated steep scarps, while the eastern coastline consists of sandy beaches, coastal spits, coastal bars, tombolos and bays. The objective of this paper is to define some geomorphological and geoarchaelological indicators of The Holocene sea-level changes in the study area, especially the geomorphic landforms such as: marine notches, cliffs, sea caves and benches. This is to add to some archaeological remains that have been discovered by the paper's author under the current sea level. These remains include: submerged ruins of Greek and Roman harbors, wells and fish tanks near the coastline (Leuke Akte, Hermaea, Phoinikous and Zygris), in addition to an ancient Roman harbor used during the World War II in Tell El Zaytun area (Site #6). Evaluations of the discovered archaeological remains help our understanding of the evolution of the sea level during the Holocene. This study is based on observation of the relative sea-level curves drawn of the Holocene, detailed geomorphological and Geoarchaelogical surveying, sampling, dating and mapping as well as satellite image interpretation and GIS techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems in arid regions with sandy substrates are vulnerable to various environmental challenges. Understanding the vegetation evolution of such regions over a long timescale and the possible drivers of change is important for optimizing ecological restoration. In this paper, we present multi-proxy data to understand Holocene vegetation dynamics and their drivers in the Horqin Sandy Land in northern China. Phytoliths are used to reconstruct vegetation; grain size and magnetic susceptibility are used to reconstruct the climate; and sedimentary charcoal contents and the numbers of regional archaeological sites are used to reconstruct the fire activity and human activity intensity, respectively. Results indicate that the Horqin Sandy Land was covered mainly by grassland vegetation during the Holocene, and that the trajectory of vegetation evolution was as follows: sparse and species-poor Leymus chinensis grassland from 9300 to 6150 cal yr BP, relatively sparse and species-rich mesophytic herb grassland from 6150 to 2300 cal yr BP, and dense and species-rich L. chinensis grassland from 2300 to 250 cal yr BP. Climate change was the main driver of vegetation evolution, but fire and human activities also influenced the vegetation to varying degrees. Fire made the greatest contribution to the vegetation change during the 6150–2300 cal yr BP interval, and human activities contributed throughout the 8200–2300 cal yr BP interval. The evolution of plant species richness and the number of C 3 plants show a significant ∼1000-yr periodicity during 9300–4500 cal yr BP, which we speculate was caused by the effect of solar activity on East Asian monsoon intensity, which likely controlled the vegetation change on a millennial timescale. • The Holocene vegetation in Horqin Sandy Land is qualitatively reconstructed. • Climate dominated the vegetation evolution, while fire and human activity were additional influences. • The vegetation change shows a ∼ 1000-yr periodicity during 9300–4500 cal yr BP. • The vegetation change on a millennium cycle was likely driven by the solar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of the Holocene large parts of the Northwest European mainland became overgrown with peat, only a fraction of which has survived to the present day. The diachronic relations between peatland expansion, human habitation trends and vegetation dynamics are poorly understood. Gaining detailed insights in the interrelations between these processes is essential to enhance interpretations of archaeological data on different spatial and temporal scales and to inform cultural heritage management and nature conservation and restoration. To achieve this goal it is key to develop interdisciplinary research designs in which the timing, pace and character of the relevant processes are analysed integrally. In this paper we present a study of the northern Dutch Fochteloërveen area, which is one of the largest and best preserved bog remnants of the Northwest European mainland. We integrate a recently published model on peatland initiation and lateral expansion with an inventory of extant archaeological data and new high-resolution palaeobotanical analyses (plant macro remains and pollen), which produces insights into the dynamic landscape history of this 'drowning' area in hitherto unparalleled detail. Two characteristic phases in the landscape history of the study area (the Late Mesolithic and Middle Roman period) are visualised by means of evidence-based artist impressions. The methodology and results of the study offer inspiration and important material for comparison for similar landscapes across the Northwest European mainland. • Interdisciplinary study improves insight in 'drowning' of Northwest European mainland. • Lateral peatland expansion accelerated between 5500–3500 cal BP. • Human landscape impact altered vegetation composition since the Middle Neolithic. • Peatland expansion mainly affected human habitation in the Iron Age and Roman period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle East is considered a climate change "hot spot", where rainfall is expected to decline in the upcoming decades due to Global Warming. Reconstructing the long-term natural climate variability of this region is critical for understanding and contextualizing the current hydroclimate change and enables evaluating potential mechanisms that govern it. Oxygen isotopes (δ18O) from cave deposits are a high-resolution paleohydrological proxy, which previously has been interpreted as direct measures of rainfall amount. However, cave δ18O is controlled by a series of processes (e.g., evaporation, condensation and rainout history), and therefore, any paleohydrological interpretation using cave δ18O requires a thorough understanding and quantification of the full hydrological cycle. In this paper, we use a simple Rayleigh distillation model to assess the various processes that govern the isotopic composition of precipitation and quantify changes in cloud distillation during the Holocene throughout the Middle East. The results show that a west-east isotopic distillation gradient persisted throughout the Holocene in the Middle East. The early Holocene, coeval with Sapropel 1, was characterized by high distillation and a large west-east distillation gradient. At the end of sapropel 1, distillation dropped and the west-east gradient declined. The middle to late Holocene was characterized by a gradual increase in distillation, however the west-east distillation gradient continued declining. Similarity between the late Holocene distillation reconstruction and the Dead Sea lake-levels, strengthens the reliability of cloud distillation as a suitable hydroclimate proxy. These results show that periods of high distillation in the Levant occurred during both high and low summer insolation (early and late Holocene, respectively), and thus, were most likely the result of two different climatic mechanisms. Our distillation and distillation gradient records provide a new way to characterize the long-term natural climate variability in the Middle East and thus help resolve the climatic mechanisms governing this variability. • Holocene cloud distillation quantified using cave δ18O in Middle East Caves. • High distillation and high continentality characterized Middle East Early Holocene. • High distillation and low continentality characterized Middle East Late Holocene. • Jeita Cave distillation is similar to Dead Sea levels throughout the Holocene. • Different climate mechanisms operated during the Early and Late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last millennia, the land between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by extraordinary habitat diversity, has seen an outstanding cross-cultural development. For the first time, this paper reports on the census of the Holocene archaeological sites that have been studied as part of archaeobotany in Italy (continental Italy, the Italian peninsula and islands) over the last quarter in a century. Pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, seeds and fruits, woods/charcoals and other plant remains have all been analysed in multidisciplinary researches. A list of 630 sites has been provided by more than 15 archaeobotanical teams. The sites are located across the 20 regions of Italy, and in the Republic of San Marino (356 sites in northern Italy, 118 in central Italy, 156 in southern Italy and on the islands). They belong to several cultural phases: 321 sites are only pre-Roman, 264 are Roman/post-Roman, and 45 sites cover a broader range of time, present in both time spans. Site distribution is plotted in maps of site density according to geographical districts and the main chronological phases. The reference list helps to find analytical data referring to the descriptive papers that may be scattered throughout monographs and specific books on the matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the analysis of a radiocarbon database of the North Coast of Santa Cruz (central Patagonia, Argentina), is presented. Dated archaeological samples were obtained from 56 different types of archaeological sites (open-air -residential sites and burials-, and also rock shelters). The objective of this paper is assessing the continuities and discontinuities in the chronological signal of the area and identifying tendencies along the Holocene. The database currently contains 75 radiocarbon dates falling between ca. 8000 and 300 BP. The radiocarbon data base provides information on the chronological, spatial and contextual variability of the archaeological record of North Coast of Santa Cruz. By means of different analysis of sum of probabilities, we present three different chronological moments of human use of the coast and intermediate zone can be identified. A first moment is represented by early evidence of settlement during Middle Holocene. A second moment corresponds to a hiatus between ca. 5800 and ca. 3900 BP without archaeological evidence. Finally, a third moment is where an increasing of chronological signal occurred, related to greater artifactual variability and an increase in the intensity of human settlement in the Patagonian region. The causes that could have influenced in the discontinuity of the chronological signal of the study area, and the characteristics of the different moments identified are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the career of John Birks as a pioneering scientist who has, over a career spanning five decades, transformed palaeoecology from a largely descriptive to a rigorous quantitative science relevant to contemporary questions in ecology and environmental change. We review his influence on students and colleagues not only at Cambridge and Bergen Universities, his places of primary employment, but also on individuals and research groups in Europe and North America. We also introduce the collection of papers that we have assembled in his honour. The papers are written by his former students and close colleagues and span many of the areas of palaeoecology to which John himself has made major contributions. These include the relationship between ecology and palaeoecology, late-glacial and Holocene palaeoecology, ecological succession, climate change and vegetation history, the role of palaeoecological techniques in reconstructing and understanding the impact of human activity on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and numerical analysis of multivariate palaeoecological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a brief introduction to the Special Issue on Holocene Dust Dynamics, which brings together recent research on a key aspect of the Earth's changing climate through its effects on radiative balance, cloud cover and biogeochemical cycles. The aim of the Special Issue is to contribute to a better understanding of the role of dust aerosols by analysing the evolution and climatic impact of atmospheric dust over long and short timescales within the Holocene. Here, we introduce the rationale behind the Special Issue and the eight research papers, which include long-term records of dust deposition from different types of natural archive (e.g. peatlands, ice, loess and lake sediments) as well as present-day multi-annual dust trap records and process studies from various climatic regimes that have global implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper of Milana et al. (2016) presented interesting palaeoclimatic results related to the evolution of a foredune ridge plain of a regressive (prograded) barrier in southern Brazil. Unfortunately, they presented an evolutionary model for a type of wave-dominated delta, and not for a coastal barrier. By not classifying the regressive barrier of Cassino properly, the authors made a succession of incorrect interpretations, such as the nature of littoral drift directions during the progradation of the ridge plain. By using their delta model, they obtained opposite directions than the actual ones. In challenging the barrier model of the area, which has been well-established for more than 50 years, they should have more fully discussed the differences between deltas and barrier systems, in a manner which would have given support to their interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we performed stable isotope analysis on bone collagen of 81 samples from at least 39 brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) dating from Late Pleistocene to nowadays, that lived in the western of the Cantabrian Mountains. To interpret the data obtained we compared brown bear stable isotope signatures with those of cave bears ( Ursus spelaeus ), red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), and humans ( Homo sapiens ) from the same area. We observed that the diet of cave bears and brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains was based on vegetable matter, although their different isotopic signatures suggest different ecological niches: wooded lowlands for the cave bear and steep highlands with scarce tree cover for the brown bear. In the Holocene brown bear maintains isotopic signatures similar to the Pleistocene ones in spite of the climatic tempering, which seems to be related to an even greater displacement toward the uplands due to a greater anthropic pressure in the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to reconstruct an 11,000-year history of depositional environmental change in southeastern Brazil, based upon the integration of particulate organic matter and stable isotope (C and N) data from a 136-cm sediment core from Lake Canto Grande. These proxies are used to explore the evolution of terrestrial and marine influence on the lake. Isotopic (δ 13 C: −27.87‰ to −31.9‰; δ 15 N: −0.07‰–4.9‰) and elemental (total organic carbon - TOC: 0.58%–37.19%; total nitrogen - TN: 0.08%–1.73%; C/N: 0.3 to 54.7) values recorded in Lake Canto Grande suggest that the sedimentary organic matter was derived from mostly C 3 land plants and freshwater phytoplankton. Particulate organic matter and cluster analyses distinguished four associations characterized by the predominance of amorphous organic matter, followed by phytoclasts and palynomorphs. These results indicate two different phases of lake evolution. The first phase (136 - 65 cm; ∼10,943 cal yr. B.P. to ∼8529 cal yr. B.P.) is recorded by sand layers interbedded with mud, which contain amorphous organic matter (AOM, 45–59%) and phytoclasts (opaques - OP: 6–18%; non-opaques – NOP: 17–23%) which indicate a floodplain area. The second phase (65–0 cm; ∼8529 cal yr. B.P. to ∼662 cal yr. B.P.) comprises mud, AOM (68–86%) and palynomorphs (PAL, 8–16%) related to lake establishment comparable to modern conditions. Thus, characterizing particulate organic matter, in combination with stable isotopes, proved to be invaluable proxies for lacustrine paleoenvironmental change through the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is rich evidence for human occupation of Paros’ coastline, there is a dearth of data with regards to the evolution of the island's seaboard palaeoenvironments. In this paper, we use sedimentological and palaeontological proxies of late Holocene coastal deposits from lagoonal environment to reconstruct the evolution of coastal landscapes in Paroikia Bay (Paros Island, Greece). A semi-enclosed lagoon existed in the northeastern part of Paroikia from at least 2915–2551 BC, which was gradually infilled after around 780–436 BC. Although it was not possible to chronologically constrain the timing of the infill, it is most likely relatively young, indicating anthropogenic effects. A correlation of our chronostratigraphic data with archaeological remains and tidal notches in the study area suggests that the subsidence observed on Paros Island is linked to long-term subsidence in combination with vertical seismic displacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sabana de Bogotá in the northern Andes is an interesting region to investigate temporal patterns of dietary variation because it counts with a vast archeological and osteological record for the last 10,000 years. In this paper, stable isotope data of human archeological bone collagen and apatite were used to study the evolution of diet and major subsistence transformations taking place during the Holocene (∼9000-600 cal BP). Paleoenvironmental reconstructions and the isotopic ecology of the Sabana de Bogotá were used as an interpretative baseline. Stable isotope measurements (δ13Ccol, δ13Cap, δ15N, and Δ13Ccol-ap) representing hunter-gatherers, horticulturalists, and agriculturalists (N = 134 individuals) were analyzed by using bivariate, regressional, and discriminant statistical techniques. Results show that early Holocene hunter-gatherers (9000-7000 cal BP) consumed mostly C3 vegetal resources locally available. In contrast, animal protein was less important. Middle Holocene hunter-gatherers (6000-4500 cal BP) continued with the food foraging pattern observed in the earlier counterparts and presented a slight increase in C3 animal protein intake. During the initial late Holocene ca. 4000 cal BP, important shifts in subsistence strategies occurred when populations presented a trend toward mixed C3/C4 diets, and by ca. 3500 cal BP, there is a clear signal of C4 crops (i.e., maize) consumption concomitant with the introduction of ceramic technology. During the final late Holocene (last 2000 cal years BP), intensive agriculture was adopted and humans presented relatively diverse diets integrated by C4 and C3 crops, C3-C4 feeding animals, and freshwater resources. Such dietary change coincides with an increase in sociopolitical complexity, population size, and a general decline in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comments on the stratigraphic division of the Quaternary as made in the Stratigraphic Table of Germany 2016 (STD 2016). In general only modifications to STD 2002 are illustrated, for detailed explanations and references see Doppler et al. (2011), Ellwanger et al. (2011), Litt et al. (2005), Litt (2007a), Preusser et al. (2011), Van Husen & Reitner (2011) and the corresponding definitions in LithoLex (litholex.bgr.de). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we discuss the occupation process of Central Brazilian Plateau during the end of the Pleistocene and the early Holocene calling attention on two main issues: technology and mobility. We work in two spatial scales, local and regional, in order to indicate some long-term processes during the period between 13,000–7000 BP. Based on site distribution, archaeological remains and chronology we propose four distinct periods that should correspond to different phases of the peopling process of this region. Finally, we discuss hypotheses that might explain these changes and we emphasize the importance of integrating practical and symbolic aspects in order to interpret the archaeological record and construct territorial histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental fluctuations during the Holocene caused important landscape changes in the Central Ebro Basin, which is a very sensitive region due to its semiarid climate, lithology, and continuous human presence. Severe erosion processes hinder palaeoenvironmental and archaeological record preservation. Infills of ephemeral stream valleys in semiarid environments are some of the best contexts for geoarchaeological studies. In this paper, we analyse the geomorphological processes, pedological features, and charcoal and pollen content and composition of the sedimentary sequence of La Poza Valley catchment area, with the support of additional information from La Bajada Valley. 14 C dates for 13 charcoal fragments provide the necessary chronological control. We describe 5 sedimentary units and a polycyclic sequence of six soils that covers most of the Holocene, beginning ca. 9.5 ky cal BP. Buried soils help to identify stability periods in the sedimentary sequence, while incision stages are detected through erosive contacts and terraced organisation of the sedimentary units. Charcoal and pollen content and composition, as well as the soil development, reveal an open forest of junipers and pines for the Early Holocene in the lower part of the sequence (mainly in Unit 1), very different from the current deforested landscape, also represented in the sequence (Unit 4). Thus, La Poza record shows the environment was favourable for hunter-gatherers from the Late Mesolithic and for the first Neolithic farmers. From then on, progressive degradation due to a combination of climate changes and increasing human pressure led to the current deforested landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern European Alps represent the spot where mean annual precipitation is at its highest in the entire Alpine chain. Accordingly, the glacial evolution here might have a different spatial and chronological pattern if compared with other alpine areas. This paper discusses geomorphological evidence of three glacial stages from the Krnica Valley in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, and is the first step towards a comprehensive palaeoglaciological studies in this alpine sector. Very well-preserved glacial landforms in the Upper Krnica Valley allowed the reconstruction of glacier surface topographies and corresponding equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs) by means of field-based geomorphological and sedimentological data and by using geospatial analysis. The uppermost frontal moraines belong to the Little Ice Age (LIA) and the corresponding ELA is estimated at 1973 m a.s.l. Other two stages with the ELA depressed by 50 m and 161 m compared to the LIA ELA, suggest early Holocene and Younger Dryas ages of the palaeoglaciers, respectively. This assumption ensues from absolute age datings and related ELA depressions observed elsewhere in the European Alps. The presence of buried ice under the debris in the Krnica cirque, imaged through geophysical investigations, point to peculiar microclimatic conditions able to preserve relict glacier ice. This is favoured by the recursive presence of snow on the ground caused by the extreme summer shading and the significant winter snow-recharge triggered by snowblow and avalanche feeding. The possible evolution of such relict ice under the ongoing climate warming is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afromontane environments are sensitive to climatic and environmental change as a consequence of their inherent altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. Palaeoecological investigations have been used in these areas to track ecosystem response to climatic and anthropogenic drivers, and have gained prominence in recent years in the context of the need to understand faunal and floral response to future climate uncertainty. This paper focusses on long-term vegetation history in the Drakensberg Escarpment of South Africa, an area with a long history of human habitation, that is internationally recognised for its conservation importance. Ecologists have hypothesised that human-induced burning during the late Quaternary may have been responsible for the expansion of Afromontane grasslands at the expense of forests, which currently exist as refugial patches within fire-protected valleys. Here we test this argument using empirical palaeoecological evidence derived from a subalpine wetland in the Cathedral Peak area of the Drakensberg Escarpment. An age model derived from eight AMS radiocarbon ages, and supported by a pollen time-marker, is used to provide chronological control. Fossil pollen, and carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses, are combined to reconstruct past vegetation dynamics. Results indicate a lack of major compositional vegetation change over the past 5000 years, suggesting long-term vegetation and climatic stability throughout the record. The pollen data show that grasslands have dominated the region, while forests expanded during the late Holocene, thereby refuting the notion of recent forest reduction in the Drakensberg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important stratified screes of the Iberian Range are found in Sierra de Albarracín. These slope deposits have been traditionally considered, without absolute datings, as having been formed during various Pleistocene cold phases. The aim of this paper is to establish the sedimentological, morphological, chronological, and paleoenvironmental characteristics of these deposits through the study of four profiles recorded in the Calomarde canyon (El Rollo, El Molino, and Royuela) and Toril. The most representative profile is that of El Rollo as it is formed by basal tufa and stratified scree layers separated by paleosoils. Radiocarbon datings obtained from paleosoil samples show that the sequence ranges between the early and middle Holocene. The profiles from El Molino and Royuela, as well as the upper levels of Toril, complete the sequence showing deposits from upper Holocene (Bronze Age and ‘Little Ice Age’). These data show the oscillations during the Holocene between colder phases, represented by the stratified screes, and warmer–wetter phases with soil development and local tufa deposits. This geomorphological and pedological response to the Holocene climatic variability shows its clearest records in the canyons. However, there are almost no Pleistocene accumulations – with the exception of that of Toril (minimum age of <43.5 ka BP). The possibility of relating this succession of Holocene environmental changes to known regional and global climatic stages converts these accumulations into the most important Holocene paleoenvironmental record from the Iberian Ranges and the most complete sequence of Holocene stratified screes from the Mediterranean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rate of global eustatic sea-level rise during the Holocene Epoch has been identified as the principle cause of observed changes or inferred evolution of nontectonic coastal systems in mid- to low-latitude areas. The rate of rise is now three times faster than it was for the past several thousand years and similar to values associated with the middle Holocene marine transgression. This acceleration can be attributed to human-caused global warming. In this investigation, the effects of accelerating sea-level rise on coastal sedimentary environments of the SE Saline Everglades were quantified. The results reveal historic changes to coastal habitat, sedimentation, and stratigraphy that are transgressive. These changes initiated during the early 20th century and are attributed to accelerating sea-level rise. As this acceleration and the resulting geologic record is a suspected consequence of human-induced global warming, the paper concludes with a discussion of the relevance of these observations, in tandem with others, to the current debate over the utility and use of the proposed Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The later Holocene spread of pastoralism throughout eastern Africa profoundly changed socio-economic and natural landscapes. During the Pastoral Neolithic (ca. 5000-1200 B.P.), herders spread through southern Kenya and northern Tanzania—areas previously occupied only by hunter-gatherers—eventually developing the specialized forms of pastoralism that remain vital in this region today. Research on ancient pastoralism has been primarily restricted to rockshelters and special purpose sites. This paper presents results of surveys and excavations at Luxmanda, an open-air habitation site located farther south in Tanzania, and occupied many centuries earlier, than previously expected based upon prior models for the spread of herding. Technological and subsistence patterns demonstrate ties to northerly sites, suggesting that Luxmanda formed part of a network of early herders. The site is thus unlikely to stand alone, and further surveys are recommended to better understand the spread of herding into the region, and ultimately to southern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented which discusses the strides made by conservation science and practice in ecological sustainability and social justice and refers several papers submitted by authors on the subject. He expresses that traditional and local knowledge had contributed in building social-ecological systems resilience like in Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, wherein local Indigenous governments along with other network of institutions are participating to maintain it.

Quantification of vegetation cover from pollen analysis has been a goal of palynologists since the advent of the method in 1916 by the great Lennart von Post. Pollen-based research projects are becoming increasingly ambitious in scale, and the emergence of spatially extensive open-access datasets, advanced methods and computer power has facilitated sub-continental analysis of Holocene pollen data. This paper presents results of one such study, focussing on the Mediterranean basin. Pollen data from 105 fossil sequences have been extracted from the European Pollen database, harmonised by both taxonomy and chronologies, and subjected to a hierarchical agglomerative clustering method to synthesise the dataset into 16 main groupings. A particular focus of analysis was to describe the common transitions from one group to another to understand pathways of Holocene vegetation change in the Mediterranean. Two pollen-based indices of human impact (OJC: Oleaceae, Juglans, Castanea; API: anthropogenic pollen indicators) have been used to infer the degree of human modification of vegetation within each pollen grouping. Pollen-inferred cluster groups that are interpreted as representing more natural vegetation states show a restricted number of pathways of change. A set of cluster groups were identified that closely resemble anthropogenically-disturbed vegetation, and might be considered anthromes (anthopogenic biomes). These clusters show a very wide set of potential pathways, implying that all potential vegetation communities identified through this analysis have been altered in response to land exploitation and transformation by human societies in combination with other factors, such as climatic change. Future work to explain these ecosystem pathways will require developing complementary datasets from the social sciences and humanities (archaeology and historical sources), along with synthesis of the climatic records from the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we presented a reply to the comments on modern pollen rain and interpretations about the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) by D’Apolito et al. Carajás may be considered as a micro-hotspot of plant endemism, mainly related to edaphic conditions and presence of different micro-habitats for canga vegetation into ironstone domains. These plants developed several survival strategies, including morphological and physiological adaptations, which is difficult for comparisons with any other distinct biomes or ecosystems. Furthermore, inaccurate interpretation of pollen taxa and habitat types by the previous palynological studies in Carajás, which are keys points presented in Guimarães et al., were not questioned by D’Apolito et al. Therefore, incomplete pollen database, uncertainties about pollen descriptions and plant–pollen habitat, poor knowledge about pollen production and dispersion in edaphically conditioned areas, as well as missing of multiproxy evidences about geology, geomorphology, faciology, and geochemistry can make LGM interpretations a very challenging task. This can produce more noises than reliable signals of paleoclimate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive and integrative view of East Asian monsoon evolution during the Holocene is still under debate, and additional high-resolution proxy records from climatically sensitive locations are requisite to solve this complex issue. In this paper, we present three well-dated mud/peat cores from a paleo-pingo depression in the Sanjiang Plain, a climatically sensitive region to monsoon variation, to reveal the paleoenvironmental history of the wetland and discuss the regional impacts from monsoon evolution. A paleolake developed in the study area before 5.5 ka BP, and a peatland initiated thereafter consequent upon the gradual shrinking of the paleolake. This transition lasted until 4.5 ka BP, when the paleolake changed entirely to a wetland. Considering the prevalent monsoon climate in the Sanjiang Plain, we suggest that the lake-to-wetland transition from 5.5 to 4.5 ka BP indicates a rapid decline of the East Asian summer monsoon in addition to autogenic basin infilling processes. Such a remarkable monsoon weakening event has been documented across northern China, and we associate this with ocean–atmosphere interactions throughout low-latitude regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding environmental hazards presented by river flooding has been enhanced by paleoflood analysis, which uses sedimentary records to document floods beyond historical records. Bottomland overbank deposits (e.g., natural levees, floodbasins, meander scars, low terraces) have the potential as continuous paleoflood archives of flood frequency and magnitude, but they have been under-utilized because of uncertainty about their ability to derive flood magnitude estimates. The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study that illuminates tremendous potential of bottomland overbank sediments as reliable proxies of both flood frequency and magnitude. Methods involve correlation of particle-size measurements of the coarse tail of overbank deposits (> 0.25 mm sand) from three separate sites with historical flood discharge records for the upper Little Tennessee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the southeastern United States. Results show that essentially all floods larger than a 20% probability event can be detected by the coarse tail of particle-size distributions, especially if the temporal resolution of sampling is annual or sub-annual. Coarser temporal resolution (1.0 to 2.5 year sample intervals) provides an adequate record of large floods, but is unable to discriminate individual floods separated by only one to three years. Measurements of > 0.25 mm sand that are normalized against a smoothed trend line through the down-column data produce highly significant correlations (R 2 values of 0.50 to 0.60 with p -values of 0.004 to < 0.001) between sand peak values and flood peak discharges, indicating that flood magnitude can be reliably estimated. In summary, bottomland overbank deposits can provide excellent continuous records of paleofloods when the following conditions are met: 1) Stable depositional sites should be chosen; 2) Analysis should concentrate on the coarse tails of particle-size distributions; 3) Sampling of sediment intervals should achieve annual or better resolution; 4) Time-series data of particle-size should be detrended to minimize variation from dynamic aspects of fluvial sedimentation that are not related to flood magnitude; and 5) Multiple sites should be chosen to allow for replication of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the country with the most population in the world, and its climate is extremely diverse due to tremendous differences in latitude, longitude, and altitude, ranging from tropical in the far south to subarctic in the far north and alpine in the higher elevations of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Accurate assessment of its modern climate change is conductive to addressing global warming threat. Along with the development of Past Global Changes (PAGES) research, the focus has changed from paleo-climate reconstructions to using paleo-data for assessing the present and predicting the future. Previous studies have been devoted to climate change assessment using modern climate observations and simulations. This paper presents a new assessment approach based on the mid-Holocene, which provides a naturally oriented warming that can be compared to modern human-made global warming. A variety of climatic data, including modern observations, paleo-climate records, CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) and PMIP3 (Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project 3) simulations, as well as lake level models, were applied in this synthesis. Numerical climate classification was introduced to evaluate climate change impacts to Chinese climate zones on various time scales. The results show that winter and summer seasons have different response to the naturally oriented mid-Holocene warming but human-made global warming makes the warming trend appear in all seasons. Temperate and continental dry winter climates expand dramatically during the mid-Holocene warm period; however, the future global warming could have few impacts to Chinese climate zones. Furthermore, the East Asian summer monsoon was strengthened obviously by the mid-Holocene warm climate and strong low-latitude insolation. There is no consistent trend both for the winter and summer monsoon on the background of human-made global warming. In this study, a new benchmark was established based on paleo-climate to evaluate the impacts of human-made global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper combines complex archaeological records from excavations of sandstone rockshelters with paleobotanical investigations in the adjacent wetlands of Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Several pollen diagramms from nearby peatbogs are used to document the paleoenvironmental development from the Late Glacial to the Middle Holocene. In addition, two recently excavated key archaeological sections were selected to document human behavioral responses to the climatic development: Kostelní rokle, and Smolný kámen. This region remained mostly unsettled during the Upper Paleolithic (Magdalenian or Epigravettian) so that the Late Paleolithic colonization after the LGM appears to be a major behavioral adaptation. The Early and Middle Mesolithic foragers developed this pattern to be optimally adapted to the versatile landscape of sandstone plateaus and canyons during the Holocene. The aim was to exploit its changing vegetational, aquatic and terrestric faunal resources, until the Late Mesolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the relative sea-level changes associated with the Atlantic Patagonian coast derived from sea-level index points whose elevation was determined by a differential global position system (DGPS). Bioencrustations from outcrops located near Camarones, Chubut, Argentina, consist of autochthonous deposits characterized by Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782), encrusting acervulinid foraminifera, coralline red algae and bryozoans. The association of the different organisms is interpreted as being associated with an intertidal environment, and they have been used as index points to establish the relative sea-level position. The main conclusion is that the relative sea-level between c. 7000 and 5300 cal. yr BP was in the range of c. 2-4 m a.s.l., with a mean value of c. 3.5 m a.s.l. Our data seem to support the existence of different rates of relative sea-level fall in different sectors of Atlantic Patagonia during the Holocene and highlight the importance of a more precise and accurate relative sea-level estimation by producing new data and revisiting the indicative meaning of most of the indicators so far used in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of paleoseismogeological investigations including tree-ring analysis and radiocarbon dating in pleistoseist zone of the 2003 Chuya earthquake, SE Altai, Russia. Twenty-five radiocarbon dates of previously unknown evidences of prehistoric earthquakes along the fault bounders of the Chagan-Uzun massif, North Chuya and South Chuya ranges are reported. Perspectives of applying dendroseismological approach within the high mountainous seismically active southeastern part of Russian Altai are demonstrated. In addition to estimating the germination ages of trees growing on the bare surfaces of seismically triggered landslides, analysis of wood penetrating injuries in the individual tree ring series was applied for dating paleorock-falls. Analysis of distribution patterns of tree-ring anomalies and injured trees suggests a criterion of recognizing seismic origin of past rock-falls. Dendrochronologically obtained dates of abrupt intensifications of rock-falls can be considered as supposed dates of past earthquakes, which should be verified by alternative proxy data. Obtained results argue for the high regional seismicity in the second half of the Holocene. Strong earthquakes occurred here AD 1532, and 600-700, 1300-1500, 2400-2700, 3400-3700, 3800-4200 cal BP. This data clarifies the chronology of seismic events within the SE Altai. The specified recurrence interval of strong earthquakes is about 400 years during the last 4000 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a biostratigraphic framework for the last 50 kyr in the contourite depositional system (CDS) of the Gulf of Cádiz with a solid and independent age control, and tests the reliability of faunal-based analyses in a bottom current-dominated environment related to high current velocities. The distribution of planktonic foraminifera and pteropods has been studied in twenty-two piston cores of the Holocene and Late Pleistocene age from the Gulf of Cádiz. A detailed correlation between the cores has been made possible by a large radiocarbon and isotopic data set and a high degree of similarity of frequency changes within several species by coiling direction changes of Globorotalia truncatulinoides and Globorotalia hirsuta and by occurrences of the polar species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma and Limacina retroversa . Occurrences of these polar species are clearly related to paleoclimatic oscillations and reflect rapidly changing surface water conditions in the Gulf of Cádiz during the latest Pleistocene that have been observed regardless of sedimentation rates and sedimentary environments (contouritic drifts vs slope without bottom current influence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the landscape and management of firewood resources during the Holocene at La Garrotxa (Girona, NE Iberia), a middle mountain region (400-1600 m a.s.l.) located within a volcanic area in the Pre-Pyrenees. Anthracological and palynological data from archaeological sites and lacustrine and peat deposits in this area have been considered in an interdisciplinary approach to the landscape and use of resources. According to Early Holocene palynological data, the landscape was characterised by the progressive expansion of forests, mainly dominated by conifers (pine and juniper) and deciduous trees (oak and hazel). The Holocene Climatic Optimum led to the culmination of forest expansion, with the dominance of dense oak forests, the landscape that the first farming societies found on arrival in this area. During the Middle to Late Holocene transition ( c. 4000 cal BP), the expansion of evergreen sclerophyllous trees and the regression of broadleaf deciduous trees are recorded, in response to both climatic and anthropic causes. Deciduous Quercus and Buxus sempervirens were the most important taxa in all periods and areas, as shown in charcoal data from 26 archaeological levels. However, some other taxa had certain importance in some periods and sites. The variability observed between sites is discussed in terms of the availability of resources and the transformation of landscape evidenced in pollen records. This could explain the appearance of evergreen Quercus and other Mediterranean taxa in the Middle-Late Holocene anthracological record. The characteristics of the sites and socio-historical processes have also been considered in order to understand the use of firewood. In that sense, social necessities would have been the determining factor in planning timber and firewood procurement strategies rather than adapting to the environmental availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a first integrated survey on the occurrence and distribution of geogenic contaminants in groundwater resources of Western Amazonia in Peru. An increasing number of groundwater wells have been constructed for drinking water purposes in the last decades; however, the chemical quality of the groundwater resources in the Amazon region is poorly studied. We collected groundwater from the regions of Iquitos and Pucallpa to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics, including trace elements. The source aquifer of each well was determined by interpretation of the available geological information, which identified four different aquifer types with distinct hydrochemical properties. The majority of the wells in two of the aquifer types tap groundwater enriched in aluminum, arsenic, or manganese at levels harmful to human health. Holocene alluvial aquifers along the main Amazon tributaries with anoxic, near pH-neutral groundwater contained high concentrations of arsenic (up to 700 μg/L) and manganese (up to 4 mg/L). Around Iquitos, the acidic groundwater (4.2 ≤ pH ≤ 5.5) from unconfined aquifers composed of pure sand had dissolved aluminum concentrations of up to 3.3 mg/L. Groundwater from older or deeper aquifers generally was of good chemical quality. The high concentrations of toxic elements highlight the urgent need to assess the groundwater quality throughout Western Amazonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine oxygen isotope stage 5a (MIS 5a), MIS 3a, and Holocene were highlighted periods in paleoclimate studies. Many scientists have published a great number of studies in this regard, but they paid more attention to qualitative research, and there was often a lack of quantitative data. In this paper, based on chronological evidence from a paleolake in arid China, MIS 5a, MIS 3a, and Holocene lake area, the precipitation of the drainage area and the runoff of the inflowing rivers of the lake were reconstructed with ArcGIS spatial analysis software and the improved water and energy balance model which was calibrated by modern meteorological and hydrological data in the Shiyang River drainage basin. The results showed that the paleolake areas were 1824, 1124, and 628 km for MIS 5a, MIS 3a, and Holocene; meanwhile, the paleoprecipitation and runoff were 293.992-297.433, 271.105-274.294, and 249.431-252.373 mm and 29.103 × 10-29.496 × 10, 18.810 × 10-18.959 × 10, and 10.637 × 10-10.777 × 10 mm, respectively. The quantitative data can help us not only strengthen the understanding of paleoclimatic characteristics but also recognize the complexity and diversity of the climate system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of anthracological analyses conducted to further the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of NE Iberia and to provide better insights into the impact of human activity on the landscape. This study is based on the analysis of charred plant remains from five archaeological sites located ∼ 20 km to the southwest of the city of Barcelona. The site chronology spans from the Upper Pleistocene to the mid-Holocene. The MIS 5-stage is represented by the Cova del Rinoceront (ca. 74–175 ka), which yielded scarce anthracological remains, composed primarily of angiosperms. MIS 3 and the HS4 stadial are represented by the Cova del Coll Verdaguer (ca. 33.4–55 ka) and the Terrasses de la Riera dels Canyars (39.6 ka cal BP) respectively, both pointing to the recurrent presence of Pinus sylvestris type. The Holocene record is represented by the Cova Bonica (ca. 7200–4600 cal BP), presenting a predominance of Quercus, Pinus and a considerable variability of shrubs and small tree types. Finally, Cal Maurici (ca. 6100–3700 cal BP) constitutes a natural deposit in shallow marshes, and presents charcoals washed down the river. The sequence presented is completed and compared with other sequences located in NE Iberia. The assemblages allow us to evaluate the evolution and transformation of the forested landscapes originated by the climate variations that occurred during the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene and to assess changes in the woody vegetation resulting from cultural or natural transformations. These outcomes are discussed in terms of a comparison of natural vs . anthropogenic anthracological records and the data are contextualized and examined in the broader context of the other assemblages recovered in the NE Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental and long-standing question of southern African palaeoclimatology is the way tropical and temperate climate system dynamics have influenced rainfall regimes across the subcontinent since the Last glacial maximum. In this paper, we analyse a selection of recently published palaeoclimate reconstructions along a southwest-northeast transect across South Africa. These records span the last 22,000 years, and encompass the transition between the region's winter and summer rainfall zones. In synthesis, these records confirm broad elements of the dominant paradigm, which proposes an inverse coeval relationship between temperate and tropical systems, with increased precipitation in the winter (summer) rainfall zone during glacial (interglacial) periods. Revealed, however, is a substantially more complex dynamic, with millennial-scale climate change events being strongly – even predominantly – influenced by the interaction and combination of temperate and tropical systems. This synoptic forcing can create same sign anomalies across the South African rainfall zones, contrary to expectations based on the classic model of phase opposition. These findings suggest a new paradigm for the interpretation of southern African palaeoenvironmental records that moves beyond simple binary or additive influences of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arakawa incised-valley fill beneath the Tokyo area, Japan, has formed by delta progradation during Holocene transgression and highstand. This paper presents the integrated stratigraphy of this valley fill as deduced from three continuous sediment cores with rich radiocarbon age control and abundant data from the surrounding, and compares the filling history with the adjacent Nakagawa valley. Six depositional units make up the valley fill, distinguished based on sedimentary facies. In a sequence-stratigraphic framework, these units span from lowstand fluvial deposits (latest Pleistocene) through retrogradational to transgressive marine deposits (early and middle Holocene), to highstand fluvio-deltaic deposits (middle and late Holocene). The isochron and stacking pattern of sedimentary facies indicate that around 8 cal ka BP the shoreline trajectory flipped from landwards to seawards and maximum flooding occurred in the Arakawa valley. This is considerably earlier than in the neighboring Nakagawa valley, where this happened between 7 and 6 cal ka BP. Differences in the sediment supply at the time of transgression explain the diachronicity. The findings identify the Tone River, which was at that time feeding the Arakawa valley, as a system of very large sediment supply, compared to average rivers worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulk organic stable carbon isotope (δ 13 C) and element geochemistry (total organic carbon (TOC) and organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N)) analysis is a developing technique in Holocene relative sea-level (RSL) research. The uptake of this technique in Northern Europe is limited compared to North America, where the common existence of coastal marshes with isotopically distinctive C 3 and C 4 vegetation associated with well-defined inundation tolerance permits the reconstruction of RSL in the sediment record. In Northern Europe, the reduced range in δ 13 C values between organic matter sources in C 3 estuaries can make the identification of elevation-dependent environments in the Holocene sediment record challenging and this is compounded by the potential for post-depositional alteration in bulk δ 13 C values. The use of contemporary regional δ 13 C, C/N and TOC datasets representing the range of physiographic conditions commonly encountered in coastal wetland sediment sequences opens up the potential of using absolute values of sediment geochemistry to infer depositional environments and associated reference water levels. In this paper, the application of contemporary bulk organic δ 13 C, C/N and TOC to reconstruct Holocene RSL is further explored. An extended contemporary regional geochemical dataset of published δ 13 C, C/N and TOC observations ( n = 142) from tidal-dominated C 3 wetland deposits (representing tidal flat, saltmarsh, reedswamp and fen carr environments) in temperate NW Europe is compiled, and procedures implemented to correct for the 13 C Suess effect on contemporary δ 13 C are detailed. Partitioning around medoids analysis identifies two distinctive geochemical groups in the NW European dataset, with tidal flat/saltmarsh and reedswamp/fen carr environments exhibiting characteristically different sediment δ 13 C, C/N and TOC values. A logistic regression model is developed from the NW European dataset in order to objectively identify in the sediment record geochemical groups and, more importantly, group transitions, thus allowing the altitude of reference water levels to be determined. The application of this method in RSL research is demonstrated using the Holocene sediments of the Mersey Estuary (UK), in which δ 13 C, C/N and TOC variability is typical of that encountered in Holocene sediments from C 3 coastal wetlands in NW Europe. Group membership was predicted with high probability in the depositional contexts studied and the accuracy of group prediction is verified by microfossil evidence. The method presented facilitates the application of δ 13 C, C/N and TOC analysis in RSL reconstruction studies in C 3 vegetated wetlands throughout temperate NW Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the environmental, climate and vegetation changes reconstructed for the last 14.6 kyr cal BP from the Marboré Lake sedimentary sequence, the highest altitude record (2612 m a.s.l.) in the Pyrenees studied up to date. We investigate the sensitivity of this high altitude site to vegetational and climate dynamics and altitudinal shifts during the Holocene by comparing palynological spectra of the fossil sequence and pollen rain content from current moss pollsters. We hypothesize that the input of sediments in lakes at such altitude is strongly controlled by ice phenology (ice-free summer months) and that during cold periods Pollen Accumulation Rate (PAR) and Pollen Concentration (PC) reflect changes in ice-cover and thus is linked to temperature changes. Low sedimentation rates and low PC and PAR occurred during colder periods as the Younger Dryas (GS-1) and the Holocene onset (12.6–10.2 kyr cal BP), suggesting that the lake-surface remained ice-covered for most of the year during these periods. Warmer conditions are not evident until 10.2 kyr cal BP, when an abrupt increase in sedimentation rate, PC and PAR occur, pointing to a delayed onset of the Holocene temperature increase at high altitude. Well-developed pinewoods and deciduous forest dominated the mid montane belt since 9.3 kyr cal BP until mid-Holocene (5.2 kyr cal BP). A downwards shift in the deciduous forest occurred after 5.2 kyr cal BP, in agreement with the aridity trend observed at a regional and Mediterranean context. The increase of herbaceous taxa during the late-Holocene (3.5 kyr cal BP-present) reflects a general trend to reduced montane forest, as anthropogenic disturbances were not evident until 1.3 kyr cal BP when Olea proportions from lowland areas and other anthropogenic indicators clearly expand. Our study demonstrates the need to perform local experimental approaches to check the effect of ice phenology on high altitude lakes sensitivity to vegetation changes to obtain more realistic reconstructions of mountain vegetation belts dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Magdalen Islands (Québec, Canada) in the centre of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are located in a strategic position for providing an overview of the relative sea-level (RSL) history of the Maritime Provinces of eastern Canada. Although data are available for the coastal terrestrial areas of the Maritimes, data from the Gulf are very scarce and both the RSL and glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA) models extrapolate for this central region. This study provides new stratigraphic and chronological data from four outcrops and two coring sites on the Magdalen Islands. In addition to the five samples used mainly for age control purposes, nine new luminescence ages are presented. With these new data added to the available literature, a new RSL curve is reconstructed for the LGM to the late Holocene period and a partial curve is proposed for the interval between the late MIS 4 to the MIS 3. Data also indicate a few insights for the MIS 5 period. Results reveal that for the LGM to the late Holocene, the curve corresponds to the J-shaped curve scenario recognized in the literature. The RSL changes during this period are the result of glacio-isostatic rebound, migration and collapse of the peripheral forebulge, and eustatic sea-level changes. For the LGM to the early Holocene, glacio-isostatic depression curves displaying a few local differences are also proposed. For the late Holocene, the data constrain the curve between two types of indicators, i.e. marine and terrestrial, and indicate that the RSL has risen at least 3 m during the last two millennia. Sediments dated to the MIS 5 and the interval between the late MIS 4 and the MIS 3 illustrate that the GIA following the LGM also occurred for the MIS 5 interglacial and the MIS 3 interstadial. Finally, recent GIA models are discussed in light of the results of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For several decades, geomorphologists have focused on the functioning of geomorphic systems after deglaciation. The relative importance of paraglacial vs. periglacial processes has been highly debated. At present, the development of dating techniques allows to contribute to this debate. We reconstruct in this paper the geomorphic evolution of Tindastóll mountain slopes in Laxárdalur valley (Skagafjörður area, central northern Iceland), where a chronological framework can be established through tephrochronology and an assemblage of dated raised beaches. Volumetric calculations of constructed and excavated landforms were created from field data and from DEM and geographical information system techniques. Collectively, our data exhibit a first stage of paraglacial landsliding during the first half of the Holocene, followed by a stage of scree and rockglacier development (during the second half of the Holocene, but before 1100 AD). Our estimations indicate that more than 85% of the total sediment production were due to rock slope failure, and the rate of bedrock denudation due to periglacial processes was about one half of the rate of paraglacial processes. Nevertheless, paraglacial and periglacial processes cannot be seen here as antagonistic processes: they are organized in a sequence during which periglacial processes are conditioned (enhancement of bedrock denudation rates) by fracturing and consequent mass wasting. Screes and concomitant rockglaciers were indeed preconditioned by the landslide, while areas non-affected by landslides have remained mostly intact, characterized by a very low rate of accumulation due to geomorphic (periglacial) activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the chronology of the Holocene evolution of the Baltic Sea based on the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating methods applied to a core taken from the Arkona Basin. The dating results were supplemented by grain size and geochemical analysis. The obtained results of OSL and radiocarbon dating enabled the construction of an age-depth model and confirmed the continuous sedimentation since 9900 cal yrs BP. One of the most interesting findings of this study is a clear relationship between the rate of sedimentation and fluctuations in the energy of depositional environment. The analyzed sediment core revealed two sections of different accumulation rates. The bottom section was deposited until 2700 cal yrs BP when the Ancylus Lake and the Littorina Sea were present, characterized by the accumulation rate estimated at around 0.46 mm year-1 and the dynamic sedimentation environment confirmed by grain size parameters. The accumulation rate at the top section deposited during the Post-Littorina Sea stage was estimated at around 1 mm year-1. This stage, characterized by more stable deposition and lower-energy environment conditions, was confirmed by small grain size, symmetric skewness and increasing content of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents chironomid-based transfer functions for temperature reconstructions intended for use in the Australian tropics and sub-tropics. Temperature was the primary independent control of chironomid assemblages. Two transfer functions were created to infer mean annual (MAT) and mean summer temperature as represented by February temperatures (MFT) as it was not reasonable to automatically assume that chironomid populations in the tropics are controlled by summer temperatures. Weighted average partial least square (WA-PLS) models were the most robust. For MAT they produced a coefficient of determination (r 2 jack ) of 0.83, a maximum bias of 1.74 °C and a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.35 °C while for MFT an r 2 jack of 0.76, maximum bias of 2.43 °C, and RMSEP of 2.43 °C was achieved. Based on the statistics we recommend that the MAT model is used for chironomid work in tropical regions. Though chironomid head capsule counts were low, we tentatively applied the MAT function to published Holocene chironomid data from Lake Barrine, northeast Queensland. The results suggest only minor temperature change through the last 9000 years. Based on other proxies, this appears to result in realistic temperature reconstructions. Consequently we highlight that sub-fossil chironomids have the potential to provide high quality temperature records for the Australian tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the geological and morphological evolution of the prograded Cassino barrier during the middle and late Holocene. A special focus is given on the presentation and discussion of records of environmental changes that occurred during barrier progradation. The results demonstrated that variable rates of progradation were produced by environmental changes that affected the coastal sediment budget, such as changes in the wave climate. The total progradation of 18 km recorded for the Cassino barrier is probably the highest extension of progradation registered for a ridge plain associated with a coastal barrier. Sea-level changes during barrier progradation were accessed by the high difference between the degree of compaction of the foredune and backshore/foreshore deposits detected by the drilling system applied in this study and were confirmed by the limit of those deposits, which were also revealed by GPR records. During most of the time of barrier progradation, an overall sea-level fall of approximately 2 ± 1 m occurred. Six sets of relict foredune ridges were identified, and the limits between them were well marked by ridge truncations and the formation of transgressive dune sheets (TDS). Optically stimulated luminescence ages show that the TDS were formed under the driest climate conditions, with age periods very close to 3.8, 3.5, 1.9, 1.5, 0.22 and 0.09 ka ago, interspersed with ages of known wetter conditions in southern Brazil. The modern phases of TDS formation, with ages varying from 0.25 to 0.22 ka ago, were coincident with the time period of the younger pulse of the Little Ice Age (LIA), which was characterized by arid and cold conditions in southern South America. A comparison with prograded barriers located 350 to 600 km to the north suggests the existence of teleconnections, with phases of TDS and parabolic dunes that formed with a time interval of approximately 405 to 583 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the role of fjords in modulating the long-term interaction between ice sheets and glaciers with the surrounding ocean requires the investigation of glacigenic landform and sediment archives. In Svalbard, there is a wealth of data from fjords in west Spitsbergen that constrains the glacial history of this sector of the Svalbard-Barents Sea Ice Sheet (SBIS) since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and the nature and timing of subsequent ice retreat. In contrast, however, very little is known about the glacial history of fjords in east Spitsbergen. This paper combines multibeam swath-bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, lithological data and radiocarbon dates from Lomfjorden, Svalbard, to provide the first insights into the dynamics of tidewater glaciers and associated glacimarine sedimentary processes in a northeast Spitsbergen fjord. At the LGM, a fast-flowing ice stream drained the SBIS through Lomfjorden, serving as a tributary to a south-north flowing ice stream in Hinlopenstretet. Ice advance is recorded by streamlined bedrock, glacial lineations and drumlins. A radiocarbon date of ∼9.7 ka BP from the outer fjord provides a minimum date for retreat of this ice stream, and suggests that Lomfjorden was ice-free earlier than fjords in west Spitsbergen. Ice retreat occurred in a slow and step-wise manner, indicated by the presence of recessional moraines and De Geer moraines. By 4.5 ka BP the local tidewater glaciers had probably retreated inland of their present positions. The limited extent of glacigenic landform assemblages in front of these glaciers implies that any Holocene re-advances were probably restricted. The principal sedimentary processes during deglaciation were suspension settling from meltwater, causing deposition of weakly stratified, bioturbated mud in ice-distal settings at rates of 0.02–0.08 cm a −1 , and gravitational mass flows forming sandy turbidites in ice-proximal areas. Iceberg ploughmarks and ice-rafted debris provide evidence for the presence of large icebergs during deglaciation. Our data suggest an early and extensive deglaciation in east Spitsbergen fjords and show that previous reconstructions of the extent of the SBIS need to be revised as new data emerges from east Spitsbergen. The data confirm that tidewater glaciers from different regions of Spitsbergen behaved differently since the LGM, and that variations in landform-sediment assemblages occur even within geographically adjacent fjords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the relationship between past peoples and the sea in a context of oceanic islands, just as in the case of other cultural behaviours, it is necessary to consider many more factors than the mere proximity to the coast. Traditions, ways of life, sailing ability and knowledge, diet, and so on, determine the way in which this relationship is expressed. This paper addresses this matter through the study of external auditory exostosis (EAE) among the aboriginal population of Gran Canaria. The analysis has been completed by contrasting this bioanthropological marker with such other variables as chronology, territory, social dynamics and environmental changes. The study examined a large sample (MNI = 637) from all over the island and a time interval of more than 1200 years, practically the whole pre-Hispanic period. EAE is present in 17.1% of the total population analysed, with no statistically significant differences between males and females. This high prevalence is even more evident when considering its notable incidence among coastal communities and its chronological concentration, between the 13th and 15th centuries, that is, the last 300 years of the historical sequence considered. On balance, the results indicate relevant variation in the relationship that these populations had with the sea in accordance with the historical processes and social changes that took place over more than a millennium. • Island colonization, migrations and lifestyle changes on an African island. • Historical development of an insular Libyan-Berber population between the 3rd and 15th centuries CE. • Archaeological traces of environmental changes and social transformation. • External auricular exostosis (EAE) as a diachronic marker of the interaction of humans with the marine environment. • Cultural markers in the western confines of the Maghreb between the 3rd-15th centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patagonia features the most extensive glaciers of the Southern Hemisphere, excluding Antarctica, and a vast inventory of glacial landforms, so it is thought to have played a key role in (paleo)glacier studies since the late 19th century. However, no systematic attempts to characterize the specific research trends and the scientific community focused on Patagonian cryosphere have been conducted so far. To fill this gap, we analyzed the metadata associated to 305 articles compiled from the Web of Science database following a bibliometric approach covering the period between 1976 and 2020. Our results point to an irregular but net increase on the number of contributions on Patagonian (paleo)glaciers. Mass balance analyses based on satellite data of present-day glaciers and the reconstruction of past glacier activity by dating glacial landforms formed during the Last Glacial Termination, were the most addressed topics during the analyzed period. Patagonian (paleo)glacier studies are mostly published in generic Earth Sciences publications, followed by Quaternary and glaciological journals. Most of the studies were led by scientists from the United Kingdom, followed by Chile, Argentina and United States. In terms of collaborations, these studies can be divided into two main clusters, one composed by researchers from United States, Chile and Argentina institutions, and another mostly composed by British researchers. So far, the most prolific authors are nearly equally distributed in nationality, yet gender inclusion and international collaborations are still caveats that must be solved. Even though our query on the Web of Science missed highly influential (so-called) grey literature, such as local scientific journals and technical reports, the reviewed scientific literature unambiguously indicates that Patagonia is a privileged location for (paleo)glaciers studies worldwide and that it will continue offering vast opportunities to tackle critical questions related to global cryosphere and past-to-present climate changes. • Patagonia is a privilege site for studying present and past glacier dynamics and the evolution of climate changes at hemispheric and global scale. • Glacier dynamics during the 20th century and and the Last Glacial Termination are the most common topics addressed in past decades in the WOS. • Patagonian (paleo)glacier studies has contributed to the development or improvement of diverse analytical techniques. • United Kingdom, United States, Chile and Argentina produced the largest number of WOS-listed papers on (paleo)glaciers in past decades. • The related scientific community is fairly heterogeneous. Although, inclusion and international collaboration issues still need to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the Early to Middle Holocene evolution of a prominent group of ground-water fed lakes in the southeastern hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) of northwest China. Specifically, we describe a sediment profile record from the Taoerlegetu (TR) palaeolake basin using multiple proxies of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio, δ13C org , grain size and mineral composition based on a well-dated trench profile. As C/N values suggest that sedimentary organic matter mainly originated from aquatic plants, δ13Corg values can be used as a qualitative proxy for water level because aquatic plants in different biotopes (water depth) have different δ13C values. Our results show that from 10.9 to 9.1 cal kyr B.P., water level rose slowly, and aquatic macrophytes occupied the lake basin. From 9.1 to 5.5 cal kyr B.P., water level reached an even higher level and phytoplankton replaced macrophytes as the major contributor to organic matter. The humid episode of the lakes in the hinterland of the BJD in the early Holocene might be related to the increased groundwater supply from the northeast region of the Tibet Plateau. These findings are consistent with earlier studies of lacustrine and peat sediments found in periphery of the modern lake group, which indicate that their geographic extent may have been larger in the past. A relative drought period recorded in the studied succession from 8.5 to 8.0 cal kyr B.P. marks an interval of reduced ground-water transport from the Tibet Plateau. This interval probably corresponds to the "8.2 ka cold event" and provides evidence that this widespread climate episode influenced groundwater processes across inland Asia. • The δ13C org value could be used as a qualitative indicator for the change of water level. • Lakes in the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert shows different evolution progress with these in the edge. • The main water source of lakes in the hinterland of the BJD in the Early Holocene comes from the Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martínez and Rojas (2013) published a paper about the relative sea level during the Holocene in Uruguay. The paper of Martínez and Rojas could be handled as an attempt to construct a sea-level curve from data collected from different sources: open-ocean coast, the Río de la Plata coastline and the outlet of Uruguay River. In this sense, several processes were involved: storm effects at open-ocean beaches, the Holocene enclosing of coastal lagoons, storms within the funnel-shaped estuary and the floods of the Uruguay River. However, they included a series of omissions, inaccuracies, errors and critics to our work, that need to be amended, rectified and argued. In response we present a historical background about the research on this issue in Uruguay. We refute the comments about the empirical framework used to construct the first sea-level curve for Uruguay (Bracco et al., 2008, 2011b). We point out that the assumptions on which the curve proposed by Martínez and Rojas (2013) is based are mistaken. In addition, there are limitations of the performed statistical techniques, and errors — mainly systematic — within their formulation. We present evidence that the decrease in sea level from middle Holocene would not have been constant. Instead, a rapid sea level decrease would have taken place by 4300yrBP. Finally, we not only compare our sea level curve with that proposed by Martínez and Rojas, but also we corrected the altimetry errors incurred in their formulation. We conclude that the similarity supports the validity of our curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]