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Limitations of precipitation reconstructions using equilibrium-line altitudes exemplified for former glaciers in the Southern Black Forest, Central Europe.

Authors :
Hofmann, Felix Martin
Steiner, Martin
Hergarten, Stefan
Preusser, Frank
Source :
Quaternary Research; Jan2024, Vol. 117, p135-159, 25p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

To further elucidate the Late Pleistocene glacial history of mid-elevation mountainous regions in Central Europe, <superscript>10</superscript>Be cosmic-ray exposure (CRE) dating was applied to moraines in the Zastler Tal Valley in the Southern Black Forest. Periods of glacier recession from moraines in this valley began no later than 16 ka, 15 ka, and 13 ka. CRE ages of moraines in this and other parts of the Southern Black Forest cluster around 17–16 ka and 15–14 ka, thus suggesting a common forcing of glacier recession. Equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) during moraine formation were calculated for precipitation reconstruction. Observed spatial discrepancies in ELAs at ca. 15–14 ka are explained best by the size of snow-contributing areas. The reconstructed annual precipitation at the ELA for ca. 16 ka and ca. 15 ka is affected by large uncertainties, representing a wide range from ~50% to ~150% of present-day values. Due to various factors, such as drifting snow, the lower bounds of the estimates appear most realistic, thus concurring with the common hypothesis of less precipitation during the last glacial termination than today in Central Europe. Further research is needed before ELAs of small ice masses can be employed for precise precipitation estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00335894
Volume :
117
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Quaternary Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175227822
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/qua.2023.53