@article{zhang2024,
title = {Isothermal thermoluminescence dating of speleothem growth – A case study from Bleßberg cave 2,},
author = {Junjie Zhang and Jennifer Klose and Denis Scholz and Norbert Marwan and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Lutz Katzschmann and Dennis Kraemer and Sumiko Tsukamoto},
doi = {10.1016/j.quageo.2024.101628},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-09-21},
urldate = {2024-09-21},
journal = {Quaternary Geochronology},
volume = {85},
pages = {101628},
abstract = {Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.
@misc{zhang2023,
title = {Isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) dating of a speleothem from Bleßberg Cave},
author = {J. Zhang and J. Klose and M. Sierralta and S. Tsukamoto and D. Scholz and N. Marwan and S. Breitenbach},
editor = {17th International Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating conference (LED2023), Copenhagen (Denmark)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-06-29},
urldate = {2023-06-29},
abstract = {The calcite thermoluminescence (TL) signal (280 °C peak) saturates at much higher doses (saturation dose up to 5000 Gy) compared to quartz and feldspar, which shows great potential to extend the dating limit. However, spurious TL signal occurred at the high temperature range hindered its application. The conventional multiple-aliquot additive-dose (MAAD) protocol used for TL dating applies extrapolation for equivalent dose (De) estimation, which also has large error. Isothermal TL (ITL) dating with the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol might be a promising way as it reduces the influence of the spurious TL signal, and it applies interpolation to obtain the De. However, this protocol has not been tested on samples with independent age control.
This study tests the ITL SAR dating protocol on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave, which has been accurately dated with 230Th/U (ca. 320–425 ka). ITL measurement at 235 °C for 200 °C can remove the 280 °C TL peak completely without TL contribution from higher temperature range. ITL De shows a plateau when the ITL temperature varies between 230 °C and 240 °C. Peak shifting and isothermal annealing tests indicate the 280 °C TL peak has a lifetime of tens of millions years at 10 °C, which is stable enough for the age range of this speleothem sample. The accurate alpha efficiency (α-value) and the U, Th distribution within the sample are measured to estimate the dose rate. The dose rate variation with time due to U-series disequilibrium is corrected for. The ITL ages are compared with the 230Th/U ages to evaluate the performance of the ITL dating protocol.},
note = {17th International Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating conference (LED2023), Copenhagen (Denmark)},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {presentation}
}
The calcite thermoluminescence (TL) signal (280 °C peak) saturates at much higher doses (saturation dose up to 5000 Gy) compared to quartz and feldspar, which shows great potential to extend the dating limit. However, spurious TL signal occurred at the high temperature range hindered its application. The conventional multiple-aliquot additive-dose (MAAD) protocol used for TL dating applies extrapolation for equivalent dose (De) estimation, which also has large error. Isothermal TL (ITL) dating with the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol might be a promising way as it reduces the influence of the spurious TL signal, and it applies interpolation to obtain the De. However, this protocol has not been tested on samples with independent age control.
This study tests the ITL SAR dating protocol on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave, which has been accurately dated with 230Th/U (ca. 320–425 ka). ITL measurement at 235 °C for 200 °C can remove the 280 °C TL peak completely without TL contribution from higher temperature range. ITL De shows a plateau when the ITL temperature varies between 230 °C and 240 °C. Peak shifting and isothermal annealing tests indicate the 280 °C TL peak has a lifetime of tens of millions years at 10 °C, which is stable enough for the age range of this speleothem sample. The accurate alpha efficiency (α-value) and the U, Th distribution within the sample are measured to estimate the dose rate. The dose rate variation with time due to U-series disequilibrium is corrected for. The ITL ages are compared with the 230Th/U ages to evaluate the performance of the ITL dating protocol.
Diese Studie untersucht die Methode der isothermalen Thermolumineszenz-Datierung, um das Alter von Tropfsteinen zu bestimmen. Die herkömmlichen Methoden zur Datierung von Höhlenformationen, wie die U/Th-Datierung, sind bei sehr alten Proben schwierig. Am LIAG wurde nun anhand des Stalagmiten BB2-1 untersucht, wie man die Thermolumineszenz-Datierung anpassen kann, damit sie korrekte Alter liefert. Da die Lichteinwirkung auf den Stalagmiten die Datierungsergebnisse beeinflussen kann, wurde ein Teil des Materials mir einer spezielle Säure entfernt, um diesen Effekt zu minimieren. Es wurde auch getestet, wie Licht die Ergebnisse dennoch beeinflussen könnte. Die Alters-Ergebnisse wurden mit U/Th-Altern, die an der Uni Mainz gemessen wurden, verglichen. Sie stimmen innerhalb der Fehlergenzen gut überein. Damit belegt die Studie, dass die Thermolumineszenz-Datierung zuverlässige Altersangaben für besonders alte Tropfsteine liefern kann.
Vergleich der Datierungsergebnisse von BB2-1 mit U/Th- und TL-Datierung.
@article{klose2024,
title = {Central European warm phases recorded by episodic speleothem growth during MIS 3},
author = {Jennifer Klose and Michael Weber and Denis Scholz},
doi = {10.6084/m9.figshare.27223863.v1},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-20},
urldate = {2024-11-20},
journal = {communications earth & environment},
volume = {5},
pages = {719},
abstract = {Speleothems provide exceptional age control and are a valuable archive for the identification of warm phases in temperate climates. Here we present a speleothem composite record from Germany, which shows episodic growth during the last glacial period, coinciding with several Greenland Interstadials. Using a combined approach of high-resolution solution and in-situ laser ablation 230Th/U-dating, we were able to precisely constrain the timing and duration of several particularly warm phases during Marine Isotope Stage 3. Climatic conditions favourable for speleothem growth occurred episodically until 32,000 years ago, much longer than reported from existing speleothem records. The inception of speleothem growth lags the onset of Greenland Interstadials and covers approximately 88% of their total duration during early, and approximately 25% during middle and late Marine Isotope Stage 3. This indicates progressive climatic cooling during Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the speleothem growth phases representing persistent Central European warm phases.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Speleothems provide exceptional age control and are a valuable archive for the identification of warm phases in temperate climates. Here we present a speleothem composite record from Germany, which shows episodic growth during the last glacial period, coinciding with several Greenland Interstadials. Using a combined approach of high-resolution solution and in-situ laser ablation 230Th/U-dating, we were able to precisely constrain the timing and duration of several particularly warm phases during Marine Isotope Stage 3. Climatic conditions favourable for speleothem growth occurred episodically until 32,000 years ago, much longer than reported from existing speleothem records. The inception of speleothem growth lags the onset of Greenland Interstadials and covers approximately 88% of their total duration during early, and approximately 25% during middle and late Marine Isotope Stage 3. This indicates progressive climatic cooling during Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the speleothem growth phases representing persistent Central European warm phases.
@phdthesis{klose2023phd,
title = {Quantitative multi-proxy climate reconstruction for MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Jennifer Klose},
editor = {Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Klose_Thesis_Jennifer-Klose.pdf},
doi = {10.25358/openscience-10558},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-05-01},
urldate = {2024-05-01},
abstract = {Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen
Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der
Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.
@proceedings{klose2023poster,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_SummerschoolSaoPaulo2023.pdf},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-07},
urldate = {2023-08-07},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
Klose, J.; Scholz, D.; Weber, M.; Vonhof, H.; Plessen, B.; Breitenbach, S.; Marwan, N.
Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany Konferenzberichte
@proceedings{klose2023,
title = {Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-07-19},
urldate = {2023-07-19},
abstract = {Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.
@proceedings{klose2022,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan and D. Scholz},
editor = {KR9 in Innsbruck, 2022},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_KR9-Innsbruck2022.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-07-19},
urldate = {2022-07-19},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {KR9 Konferenz in Innsbruck},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
Klose, Jennifer; Scholz, Denis; Breitenbach, Sebastian F. M.; Plessen, Birgit; Vonhof, Hubert
Determination of phases of warm climate during MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany Konferenzberichte
Poster, 2021, (GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources, Karlsruhe).
@proceedings{klose2021,
title = {Determination of phases of warm climate during MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Jennifer Klose and Denis Scholz and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Hubert Vonhof},
editor = {GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-09-22},
urldate = {2021-09-22},
abstract = {Speleothems provide a great opportunity for paleoclimate reconstruction because they occur almost worldwide and can be dated very precisely using the U-series disequilibrium method. The most commonly used climate proxies are stable isotope values (δ18O and δ13C) and trace elements. However, these are influenced by a variety of surface and in-cave processes, which results in a non-trivial interpretation of the speleothem proxy signals.
The last glacial period and in particular the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 is, compared to the recent warm phase, the Holocene, characterised by larger climate oscillations. These are detectable in δ18O records from Greenland ice cores and also climate archives in Europe, such as pollen or tree ring records. Unfortunately, little direct proxy evidence is available from central Europe, and the climatic and environmental conditions during MIS 3 remain largely enigmatic. Speleothem records from central Europe during MIS 3 are limited due to cold climate conditions and mainly restricted to the warmer southern or alpine regions.
Here we present the first results of two flowstones from Bleßberg Cave in Germany. Preliminary 230Th/U-ages make these flowstones the most northern continental growth of speleothems during MIS 3 in central Europe. Thus, these samples provide the unique opportunity to reconstruct climate variability during parts of the last glacial period. With the combination of several different proxies, such as stable isotopes, trace elements and the results from cave monitoring, we will be able to obtain detailed insights into environmental conditions in central Europe during MIS 3 and the Late Glacial.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources, Karlsruhe},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Speleothems provide a great opportunity for paleoclimate reconstruction because they occur almost worldwide and can be dated very precisely using the U-series disequilibrium method. The most commonly used climate proxies are stable isotope values (δ18O and δ13C) and trace elements. However, these are influenced by a variety of surface and in-cave processes, which results in a non-trivial interpretation of the speleothem proxy signals.
The last glacial period and in particular the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 is, compared to the recent warm phase, the Holocene, characterised by larger climate oscillations. These are detectable in δ18O records from Greenland ice cores and also climate archives in Europe, such as pollen or tree ring records. Unfortunately, little direct proxy evidence is available from central Europe, and the climatic and environmental conditions during MIS 3 remain largely enigmatic. Speleothem records from central Europe during MIS 3 are limited due to cold climate conditions and mainly restricted to the warmer southern or alpine regions.
Here we present the first results of two flowstones from Bleßberg Cave in Germany. Preliminary 230Th/U-ages make these flowstones the most northern continental growth of speleothems during MIS 3 in central Europe. Thus, these samples provide the unique opportunity to reconstruct climate variability during parts of the last glacial period. With the combination of several different proxies, such as stable isotopes, trace elements and the results from cave monitoring, we will be able to obtain detailed insights into environmental conditions in central Europe during MIS 3 and the Late Glacial.
Wachstumsphasen der Bleßberg-Tropfsteine im Vergleich zu anderen Klimadaten.
(a) Rekonstruktion des antarktischen Bodenwassers (AABW) basierend auf Pa/Th-Daten aus dem Bohrkern CDH19 von der Bermuda Rise (dunkel-türkise Linie).
(b) Rekonstruktion des Meeresspiegels im Roten Meer (dunkelblaue Linie).
(c) Rekonstruktion der Meereisbedeckung im Nordatlantik, basierend auf PbIP25 (ein Isoprenoid-Lipid) aus der südöstlichen Norwegischen See (hell-türkise Linie mit Dreiecken).
(d) Sommerliche Oberflächentemperaturen (SST) basierend auf Alkenon-Messungen aus Bohrkern MD01-2444 am Iberischen Rand (37°N, schwarze Linie).
(e, f) und (g): Rekonstruktionen der Vegetation, basierend auf Pollendaten von Süßgräsern (grün), Fichten (dunkelgrün) und Hainbuchen (gelb-grün) aus verschiedenen Eifel-Maar-Bohrkernen (AU3, AU4, HM4).
(h) Eistrümmer-Ablagerungen (IRD) aus Bohrkern MD01-2040 am Iberischen Rand (40°N, hellorange).
(i) Kombinierte relative Häufigkeit des Wachstums aller drei Bleßberg-Tropfsteinproben mit mehr als 30 % positiven Steigungen im Altersmodell (rot). Die Vor- und Nachlaufzeiten zwischen dem Beginn der DO-Ereignisse in Grönland und dem Beginn des Tropfsteinwachstums in der Bleßberg-Höhle sind angegeben. DO-Ereignisse (grau) und Heinrich-Ereignisse (blau) sind durch farbige Balken markiert.
Diese wissenschaftliche Untersuchung analysiert Tropfstein-Wachstumsphasen in der Bleßberg-Höhle anhand der Sinterproben BB-9, BB-10 und BB-15, um klimatische Veränderungen während der Marine-Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3), vor etwa 60.000 bis 30.000 Jahren, zu untersuchen. Die Tropfstein-Wachstumsphasen stimmen dabei mit warmen und feuchten Klimaphasen überein, die sogenannte Dansgaard-Oeschger-Ereignisse (DO-Ereignisse) markieren. Diese Ereignisse waren durch schnelle Erwärmungen während der letzten Eiszeit gekennzeichnet.
Insgesamt wurden neun Wachstumsphasen identifiziert, von denen acht mit DO-Ereignissen wie 16, 14–11 (60.14 – 48.55 ka BP) und 8–6 (38.12 – 32.82 ka BP) korrelieren. Diese Phasen traten während starker Meeresströmungen im Atlantik, warmen Meeresoberflächentemperaturen und reduzierter Meereisbedeckung auf. Besonders markant war die Wachstumsphase während DO14 (53.4 – 50.4 ka BP), dem längsten und wärmsten Ereignis von MIS 3. In dieser Zeit dominierte eine dichte Vegetation aus Picea- und Carpinus-Bäumen, was auf besonders günstige klimatische Bedingungen in Mitteleuropa hindeutet.
Eine wichtige Rolle spielen die Analyse der Kohlenstoffisotopenwerte (δ13C) und Sauerstoffisotopenwerte (δ18O) sowie von Calcium-Isotopen (δ44/42Ca). Die δ13C-Werte zeigen im Verlauf von MIS 3 einen Trend zu höheren Werten, was auf trockenere Bedingungen und eine weniger entwickelte Boden- und Vegetationsdecke hinweist. Calcium-Isotopen bestätigen ebenfalls den Trend zu einem trockeneren Klima, da Calcium bereits vor der Tropfsteinbildung ausfällt, was unter trockenen Bedingungen häufiger vorkommt. Die Untersuchung der Vegetation zeigt, dass sich diese von nicht-holzigen Pflanzen zu einer holzigen Vegetation entwickelte, besonders um 53.000 bis 51.000 Jahre vor heute. Später kehrte sie wieder zu nicht-holzigen Pflanzen zurück, was auf trockener werdende Bedingungen hindeutet. Die Sauerstoffisotopen zeigen ebenfalls einen Trend hin zu kälteren Bedingungen in den späteren Phasen von MIS 3.
Besonders während DO14 (ca. 53.500 bis 50.500 Jahre vor heute) gab es ein warmes, feuchtes Klima mit gut entwickelten Böden und dichter Vegetation. Dies ermöglichte ein kontinuierliches Tropfsteinwachstum. Am Ende dieser Phase traten zwei Kälteereignisse auf, die zu einem Rückgang der Vegetation und trockeneren, kälteren Bedingungen führten.
Insgesamt zeigen die Tropfstein-Daten aus der Bleßberg-Höhle wichtige Hinweise auf das Klima während MIS 3 und verdeutlichen, dass wechselnde Phasen von Feuchtigkeit und Trockenheit das Wachstum der Tropfsteine beeinflussten.
@article{zhang2024,
title = {Isothermal thermoluminescence dating of speleothem growth – A case study from Bleßberg cave 2,},
author = {Junjie Zhang and Jennifer Klose and Denis Scholz and Norbert Marwan and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Lutz Katzschmann and Dennis Kraemer and Sumiko Tsukamoto},
doi = {10.1016/j.quageo.2024.101628},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-09-21},
urldate = {2024-09-21},
journal = {Quaternary Geochronology},
volume = {85},
pages = {101628},
abstract = {Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.
@phdthesis{klose2023phd,
title = {Quantitative multi-proxy climate reconstruction for MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Jennifer Klose},
editor = {Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Klose_Thesis_Jennifer-Klose.pdf},
doi = {10.25358/openscience-10558},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-05-01},
urldate = {2024-05-01},
abstract = {Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen
Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der
Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.
@misc{zhang2023,
title = {Isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) dating of a speleothem from Bleßberg Cave},
author = {J. Zhang and J. Klose and M. Sierralta and S. Tsukamoto and D. Scholz and N. Marwan and S. Breitenbach},
editor = {17th International Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating conference (LED2023), Copenhagen (Denmark)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-06-29},
urldate = {2023-06-29},
abstract = {The calcite thermoluminescence (TL) signal (280 °C peak) saturates at much higher doses (saturation dose up to 5000 Gy) compared to quartz and feldspar, which shows great potential to extend the dating limit. However, spurious TL signal occurred at the high temperature range hindered its application. The conventional multiple-aliquot additive-dose (MAAD) protocol used for TL dating applies extrapolation for equivalent dose (De) estimation, which also has large error. Isothermal TL (ITL) dating with the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol might be a promising way as it reduces the influence of the spurious TL signal, and it applies interpolation to obtain the De. However, this protocol has not been tested on samples with independent age control.
This study tests the ITL SAR dating protocol on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave, which has been accurately dated with 230Th/U (ca. 320–425 ka). ITL measurement at 235 °C for 200 °C can remove the 280 °C TL peak completely without TL contribution from higher temperature range. ITL De shows a plateau when the ITL temperature varies between 230 °C and 240 °C. Peak shifting and isothermal annealing tests indicate the 280 °C TL peak has a lifetime of tens of millions years at 10 °C, which is stable enough for the age range of this speleothem sample. The accurate alpha efficiency (α-value) and the U, Th distribution within the sample are measured to estimate the dose rate. The dose rate variation with time due to U-series disequilibrium is corrected for. The ITL ages are compared with the 230Th/U ages to evaluate the performance of the ITL dating protocol.},
note = {17th International Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating conference (LED2023), Copenhagen (Denmark)},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {presentation}
}
The calcite thermoluminescence (TL) signal (280 °C peak) saturates at much higher doses (saturation dose up to 5000 Gy) compared to quartz and feldspar, which shows great potential to extend the dating limit. However, spurious TL signal occurred at the high temperature range hindered its application. The conventional multiple-aliquot additive-dose (MAAD) protocol used for TL dating applies extrapolation for equivalent dose (De) estimation, which also has large error. Isothermal TL (ITL) dating with the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol might be a promising way as it reduces the influence of the spurious TL signal, and it applies interpolation to obtain the De. However, this protocol has not been tested on samples with independent age control.
This study tests the ITL SAR dating protocol on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave, which has been accurately dated with 230Th/U (ca. 320–425 ka). ITL measurement at 235 °C for 200 °C can remove the 280 °C TL peak completely without TL contribution from higher temperature range. ITL De shows a plateau when the ITL temperature varies between 230 °C and 240 °C. Peak shifting and isothermal annealing tests indicate the 280 °C TL peak has a lifetime of tens of millions years at 10 °C, which is stable enough for the age range of this speleothem sample. The accurate alpha efficiency (α-value) and the U, Th distribution within the sample are measured to estimate the dose rate. The dose rate variation with time due to U-series disequilibrium is corrected for. The ITL ages are compared with the 230Th/U ages to evaluate the performance of the ITL dating protocol.
@bachelorthesis{kuehne2023,
title = {Spurenelementanalyse eines Speläothems der Marinen Isotopenstadien 9 und 11 aus der Blessberghöhle},
author = {Sofia Kühne},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bachelorarbeit_Sofia_Kuehne_2753456.pdf},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
school = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit einem Speläothem aus der Blessberghöhle in Thüringen. Diese Probe hatte jeweils eine Wachstumsphase während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 11 und während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 9. Dazwischen scheint es zu einem Wachstumsstopp gekommen zu sein. Die Probe wurde bereits datiert und auf Sauerstoff- und Kohlenstoffisotope untersucht, wobei im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zusätzlich die Spurenelemente gemessen wurden. Durch die Interpretation dieser Daten lassen sich Schlüsse über das Klima ziehen. Allerdings ist die genaue Analyse der Daten komplex, weshalb der Vergleich mit globalen Klimatrends von großer Bedeutung ist.
Für das MIS 11 deuten die Daten auf eine sich verändernde Umwelt in Richtung trockeneres und vegetationsärmeres Klima hin, das aufgrund der abflachenden globalen Temperatur zu dieser Zeit erklärt werden kann. Es lässt sich anhand von einer schnelleren Wachstumsrate auf erhöhten Niederschlag während des Wachstums schließen, im Gegensatz zum MIS 9. Im Bezug auf das MIS 9 sind keine eindeutigen Schlussfolgerungen möglich, doch das stabile Verhalten der Werte lässt darauf schließen, dass das Klima während des Höhepunkts des MIS 9-Wachstums (9e) nur geringe Veränderungen aufwies. Diese sind nicht eindeutig zu interpretieren, da unterschiedliche Argumente für oder gegen Vegetationswachstum und Niederschlagsmengen vorliegen.
Es ist jedoch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Interpretation der vorliegenden Daten Unsicherheiten birgt. Zusätzliche Informationen wie ein Vergleich zu Proben aus der Höhle, die zur gleichen Zeit wuchsen, sowie mehr Wissen über lokale Faktoren, die die Höhlenbedingungen beeinflusst haben und weitere Altersdatierungen könnten zu einer akkurateren Deutung führen. Daher wären weitere Forschungsarbeiten erforderlich, um die aufgestellten Vermutungen zu verifizieren und um ein umfassenderes Bild der vergangenen Gegebenheiten zu erhalten.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {bachelorthesis}
}
Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit einem Speläothem aus der Blessberghöhle in Thüringen. Diese Probe hatte jeweils eine Wachstumsphase während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 11 und während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 9. Dazwischen scheint es zu einem Wachstumsstopp gekommen zu sein. Die Probe wurde bereits datiert und auf Sauerstoff- und Kohlenstoffisotope untersucht, wobei im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zusätzlich die Spurenelemente gemessen wurden. Durch die Interpretation dieser Daten lassen sich Schlüsse über das Klima ziehen. Allerdings ist die genaue Analyse der Daten komplex, weshalb der Vergleich mit globalen Klimatrends von großer Bedeutung ist.
Für das MIS 11 deuten die Daten auf eine sich verändernde Umwelt in Richtung trockeneres und vegetationsärmeres Klima hin, das aufgrund der abflachenden globalen Temperatur zu dieser Zeit erklärt werden kann. Es lässt sich anhand von einer schnelleren Wachstumsrate auf erhöhten Niederschlag während des Wachstums schließen, im Gegensatz zum MIS 9. Im Bezug auf das MIS 9 sind keine eindeutigen Schlussfolgerungen möglich, doch das stabile Verhalten der Werte lässt darauf schließen, dass das Klima während des Höhepunkts des MIS 9-Wachstums (9e) nur geringe Veränderungen aufwies. Diese sind nicht eindeutig zu interpretieren, da unterschiedliche Argumente für oder gegen Vegetationswachstum und Niederschlagsmengen vorliegen.
Es ist jedoch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Interpretation der vorliegenden Daten Unsicherheiten birgt. Zusätzliche Informationen wie ein Vergleich zu Proben aus der Höhle, die zur gleichen Zeit wuchsen, sowie mehr Wissen über lokale Faktoren, die die Höhlenbedingungen beeinflusst haben und weitere Altersdatierungen könnten zu einer akkurateren Deutung führen. Daher wären weitere Forschungsarbeiten erforderlich, um die aufgestellten Vermutungen zu verifizieren und um ein umfassenderes Bild der vergangenen Gegebenheiten zu erhalten.
@bachelorthesis{geier2022,
title = {^{230}Th/U – Datierung eines Speläothems der Marinen Isotopenstadien 9 und 11 aus der Bleßberghöhle in Thüringen},
author = {Florian Geier},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bachelorarbeit-Florian-Geier-2744515.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-06-01},
urldate = {2022-06-01},
school = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
abstract = {Im Zuge des gegenwärtigen Klimawandels gewinnen Rekonstruktionen des vergangenen Klimas zunehmend an Bedeutung, da durch sie klimatische Entwicklungen besser verstanden werden können. Speläotheme bilden ein terrestrisches Archiv, welche mittels der 230Th/U-Datierung absolut und sehr präzise datiert werden können. Die datierten Wachstumsphasen von Speläothemen liefern unmittelbar Rückschlüsse auf vergangene klimatische Gegebenheiten, da ihr Wachstum von der Tropfwasser- und damit der Niederschlagswasserverfügbarkeit abhängen. Aus diesen Wachstumsphasen lassen sich wärmere und feuchtere Zeiträume abgrenzen (Interglaziale). Der Stalagmit BB2‘1 aus der Bleßberghöhle im südlichen Thüringen wurde mit dieser Methode datiert. Sein Wachstum fand in den Interglazialen Marines Isoptenstadium (MIS) 11e-c und MIS 9e statt. Besonders im MIS 11e wurde viel Wachstum des BB2‘1 verzeichnet. Im Vergleich mit anderen Klimaarchiven können die klimatischen Bedingungen um die Bleßberghöhle in einen globalen Kontext gesetzt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass das Klima um die Bleßberghöhle an globale, klimatische Veränderungen gekoppelt war und sehr früh auf diese reagierte.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {bachelorthesis}
}
Im Zuge des gegenwärtigen Klimawandels gewinnen Rekonstruktionen des vergangenen Klimas zunehmend an Bedeutung, da durch sie klimatische Entwicklungen besser verstanden werden können. Speläotheme bilden ein terrestrisches Archiv, welche mittels der 230Th/U-Datierung absolut und sehr präzise datiert werden können. Die datierten Wachstumsphasen von Speläothemen liefern unmittelbar Rückschlüsse auf vergangene klimatische Gegebenheiten, da ihr Wachstum von der Tropfwasser- und damit der Niederschlagswasserverfügbarkeit abhängen. Aus diesen Wachstumsphasen lassen sich wärmere und feuchtere Zeiträume abgrenzen (Interglaziale). Der Stalagmit BB2‘1 aus der Bleßberghöhle im südlichen Thüringen wurde mit dieser Methode datiert. Sein Wachstum fand in den Interglazialen Marines Isoptenstadium (MIS) 11e-c und MIS 9e statt. Besonders im MIS 11e wurde viel Wachstum des BB2‘1 verzeichnet. Im Vergleich mit anderen Klimaarchiven können die klimatischen Bedingungen um die Bleßberghöhle in einen globalen Kontext gesetzt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass das Klima um die Bleßberghöhle an globale, klimatische Veränderungen gekoppelt war und sehr früh auf diese reagierte.
@inproceedings{sierralta2015,
title = {Insights in Bleßberg cave: Speleothem chronology and geochemical research},
author = {Melanie Sierralta and Lutz Katzschmann and Wilhelm Nikonow and Dieter Rammlmair},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-03-23},
booktitle = {75. Jahrestagung der Deutsche Geophysikalische Gesellschaft in Hannover},
abstract = {During construction works on the railway network between Ebensfeld and Erfurt a karst cave was found in the Bleßberg tunnel. The so called „Bleßberg Cave“ developed in limestone of the Lower Muschelkalk. The investigations by the Geological Survey of Thuringia (TLUG), the mining agency of Thuringia, and the incorporated society of cave explorer in Thuringia revealed impressing objects (stalagmites, stalactites, sinter, excentriques, cave lake, cave creek), which were partly sampled; furthermore the extent of the cave was measured. The more than 1000 m long cave had no natural entrance. Based on interdisciplinary studies on the sampled material information about the development and age of the cave will be obtained. Speleothem represent an impressive and unique archive for climate and palaeoenvironmental changes. The growth of stalagmites can be linked to warm climate phases of past. In these warm stages, the growth of stalagmites depends on the precipitation and the water supply; thus palaeoenvironmental conditions are preserved. The aim of this study is to decode the environmental condi- tions using high resolution techniques. Selected stalagmites and sinters were radiometrically dated by 230Th/U and analysed for their stable isotopic compositions. Furthermore, micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyses were performed to evaluate trace element dis- tribution and identify growth phases of the speleothem. Most elements revealed the layered texture of the specimen while distribution of Al recorded the fractures. Some visibly identified hiatuses could be associated with changes in chemistry (Si, Fe). The determined 230Th/U ages on several speleothem samples range between 6 ka and 360 ka. In combination with high res- olution stable isotope investigation they provide insights into climatic changes from MIS 11 to the Holocene.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
During construction works on the railway network between Ebensfeld and Erfurt a karst cave was found in the Bleßberg tunnel. The so called „Bleßberg Cave“ developed in limestone of the Lower Muschelkalk. The investigations by the Geological Survey of Thuringia (TLUG), the mining agency of Thuringia, and the incorporated society of cave explorer in Thuringia revealed impressing objects (stalagmites, stalactites, sinter, excentriques, cave lake, cave creek), which were partly sampled; furthermore the extent of the cave was measured. The more than 1000 m long cave had no natural entrance. Based on interdisciplinary studies on the sampled material information about the development and age of the cave will be obtained. Speleothem represent an impressive and unique archive for climate and palaeoenvironmental changes. The growth of stalagmites can be linked to warm climate phases of past. In these warm stages, the growth of stalagmites depends on the precipitation and the water supply; thus palaeoenvironmental conditions are preserved. The aim of this study is to decode the environmental condi- tions using high resolution techniques. Selected stalagmites and sinters were radiometrically dated by 230Th/U and analysed for their stable isotopic compositions. Furthermore, micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyses were performed to evaluate trace element dis- tribution and identify growth phases of the speleothem. Most elements revealed the layered texture of the specimen while distribution of Al recorded the fractures. Some visibly identified hiatuses could be associated with changes in chemistry (Si, Fe). The determined 230Th/U ages on several speleothem samples range between 6 ka and 360 ka. In combination with high res- olution stable isotope investigation they provide insights into climatic changes from MIS 11 to the Holocene.
Am BB2-1 aus der Bleßberghöhle 2 wurden bereits 2014/15 am LIAG einige erste Untersuchungen durchgeführt, wie Altersbestimmungen, erste Spurenelement- und Sauerstoffisotopen-Analysen. Dadurch war das ungefähre Alter des Stalagmiten bekannt: 360 bis 301 ka BP.
2022 wurde im Rahmen einer Bachelorarbeit an der Uni Mainz der Stalagmit BB2-1 systematisch datiert und die neuen Alter ausgewertet. Dafür wurden 14 Datierungsproben entnommen und in der Arbeitsgruppe Isotopengeochemische Paläoklimatologie der Uni Mainz mittels U/Th-Datierung auf einer moderneren Anlage als am LIAG datiert. Mögliche Verunreinigungen wurden berücksichtigt und die Alter entsprechend korrigiert. Die Alter sind daher deutlich genauer als die bereits bekannten.
Das älteste Alter wurde wie erwartet an der Basis des Stalagmiten gefunden. Es beträgt 425,46 ± 5,43 ka BP. Das jüngste Alter, an der Oberkante des Stalagmiten, beträgt 320,49 ± 9,58 ka BP. Die Alter dazwischen ändern sich nicht gleichmäßig. In den unteren 4/5 des Stalagmiten sind die Alter alle älter als 400 ka BP. Nur in dem oberen Fünftel sind die Alter deutlich jünger und liegen zwischen 341,31 und 320,49 ka BP.
Stalagmit BB2/1 mit Bohrstellen (rot) der einzelnen Proben mit den gemessenen und korrigierten Altern.
Damit lassen sich Wachstumsphasen des Stalagmiten definieren: Der untere, größere Teil ist im Isotopenstadium 11 gewachsen, der obere, jüngere Teil im Isotopenstadium 9. Bei beiden Stadien handelt es sich um Warmzeiten. In der Kaltzeit davor, dazwischen und danach ist der Stalgamit nicht gewachsen. Interessant ist, daß das Wachstum nur in den beginnenden Phasen der Warmzeiten stattfand, welche wärmer sind als die folgenden Phasen innerhalb des betreffenden Isotopenstadiums (Wachstum in MIS 11e bis 11c sowie in MIS 9e). Danach fand kein Stalagmitenwachstum mehr statt, auch nicht mehr in jüngeren Warmzeiten, was eine Änderung der hydrologischen Verhältnisse vermuten läßt.
Die Hauptarbeitsgebiete der Arbeitsgruppe liegen im Bereich der organischen und anorganischen Spurenanalytik unter Einsatz und Weiterentwicklung massenspektrometrischer Methoden, oft in Kombination mit chromatographischen Verfahren.
An der Forschung in der Bleßberghöhle beteiligt sich die Gruppe durch Rekonstruktion der Vegetation über der Höhle durch Analyse von Biopolymeren in Stalagmiten und durch Analyse von biochemischen Feuer-Markern in Boden-, Wasser- und Stalagmitproben.
@incollection{breitenbach_bbh2022,
title = {Die Bleßberghöhle – ein Glücksfall für die Klimaforschung},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Norbert Marwan},
editor = {Thüringer Höhlenverein, e. V.},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-02-22},
urldate = {2022-02-22},
booktitle = {Nächster Halt: Bleßberghöhle},
address = {Suhl},
abstract = {Höhlen stellen generell für die Wissenschaft ein wertvolles Archiv dar, aus dem vielfältige und interessante Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden können. So gehören sie inzwischen auch zu den bedeutendsten Klimaarchiven auf dem Festland (See- und Meeressedimente stellen andere wichtige Archive dar). Solange die Höhlensedimente und Sinter ungestört bleiben, können hydrologische und klimatische Bedingungen detailliert aufgezeichnet werden. Die Bleßberghöhle ist in diesem Zusammenhang ein ausgesprochener Glücksfall, da sie über viele Jahrtausende komplett verschlossen war und so vor äußeren Störungen bewahrt wurde. Sie ist in vielen Abschnitten mit verschiedensten Sinterformen geschmückt. Für die Rekonstruktion regionaler Klimaänderungen sind vor allem die Stalagmiten geeignet. Die wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung des aus der Bleßberghöhle gesammelten Materials ist ein langwieriger Prozess und noch lange nicht abgeschlossen. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt können aber bereits erste interessante Aussagen gemacht werden, auf die wir hier nach einem kurzen allgemeinen Einblick in verschiedene Aspekte der Paläoklimaforschung eingehen wollen.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Höhlen stellen generell für die Wissenschaft ein wertvolles Archiv dar, aus dem vielfältige und interessante Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden können. So gehören sie inzwischen auch zu den bedeutendsten Klimaarchiven auf dem Festland (See- und Meeressedimente stellen andere wichtige Archive dar). Solange die Höhlensedimente und Sinter ungestört bleiben, können hydrologische und klimatische Bedingungen detailliert aufgezeichnet werden. Die Bleßberghöhle ist in diesem Zusammenhang ein ausgesprochener Glücksfall, da sie über viele Jahrtausende komplett verschlossen war und so vor äußeren Störungen bewahrt wurde. Sie ist in vielen Abschnitten mit verschiedensten Sinterformen geschmückt. Für die Rekonstruktion regionaler Klimaänderungen sind vor allem die Stalagmiten geeignet. Die wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung des aus der Bleßberghöhle gesammelten Materials ist ein langwieriger Prozess und noch lange nicht abgeschlossen. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt können aber bereits erste interessante Aussagen gemacht werden, auf die wir hier nach einem kurzen allgemeinen Einblick in verschiedene Aspekte der Paläoklimaforschung eingehen wollen.
@inproceedings{breitenbach2016,
title = {A multi-proxy reconstruction of Holocene climate change from Blessberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Sarah Wenz and Jens Leonhardt and Rik Tjallingii and Denis Scholz and Klaus-Peter Jochum and Norbert Marwan},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Breitenbach_poster_EGU_2016.pdf},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {18},
pages = {EGU2016-14213},
abstract = {Although Holocene climate dynamics were relatively stable compared to glacial conditions, climatic changes had significant impact on ecosystems and human society on various timescales (Mayewski et al. 2004, Donges et al. 2015, Tan et al. 2015). Precious few high-resolution records on Holocene temperature and precipitation conditions in Central Europe are available (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012).
Here we present a speleothem-based reconstruction of past climate dynamics from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, central Germany. Three calcitic stalagmites were recovered when the cave was discovered during tunneling operations in 2008. Samples BB-1, -2 and -3 were precisely dated by the 230Th/U-method, with errors between 10 and 160 years (2σ). The combined record covers large parts of the Holocene (10 – 0.4 ka BP). δ13C and δ18O were analysed at 100 μm resolution. To gain additional insights in infiltration conditions, Sr/Ca and S/Ca were measured on BB-1 and BB-3 using an Röntgenanalytik Eagle XXL μXRF scanner.
Differences to other central European records (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012) suggest complex interaction between multiple factors influencing speleothem δ18O in Blessberg Cave. Furthermore, no clear influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on our proxies is found. However, a link across the N Atlantic realm is indicated by a centennial-scale correlation between Blessberg δ18O values and minerogenic input into lake SS1220 in Greenland over the last 5 ka (Olsen et al. 2012). In addition, recurrence analysis indicates an imprint of Atlantic Bond events on Blessberg δ18O values (Marwan et al. 2014), corroborating the suggested link with high northern latitudes. Larger runoff into the Greenland lake seems to be associated with lower δ18O, higher δ13C and S/Ca ratios, as well as lower Sr/Ca ratios in Blessberg Cave speleothems. This might be linked to lower local temperature and/or changes in precipitation seasonality. Opposing millennial scale trends with lowering S/Ca ratios and δ13C values but increasing Sr/Ca ratios calls for more than one controlling factor. Most likely, δ13C decreased through the Holocene due to afforestation, which in turn might have increased sulphate retention in the thickening soil cover (Frisia et al. 2005) and limited sulphur flux into the cave. Alternatively, marine sulfur flux could have diminished with winter wind intensities. However, additional data is required to clarify this hypothesis. A positive Sr/Ca trend through the Holocene might result from increasing prior calcite precipitation induced by a negative moisture balance in summer.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Although Holocene climate dynamics were relatively stable compared to glacial conditions, climatic changes had significant impact on ecosystems and human society on various timescales (Mayewski et al. 2004, Donges et al. 2015, Tan et al. 2015). Precious few high-resolution records on Holocene temperature and precipitation conditions in Central Europe are available (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012).
Here we present a speleothem-based reconstruction of past climate dynamics from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, central Germany. Three calcitic stalagmites were recovered when the cave was discovered during tunneling operations in 2008. Samples BB-1, -2 and -3 were precisely dated by the 230Th/U-method, with errors between 10 and 160 years (2σ). The combined record covers large parts of the Holocene (10 – 0.4 ka BP). δ13C and δ18O were analysed at 100 μm resolution. To gain additional insights in infiltration conditions, Sr/Ca and S/Ca were measured on BB-1 and BB-3 using an Röntgenanalytik Eagle XXL μXRF scanner.
Differences to other central European records (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012) suggest complex interaction between multiple factors influencing speleothem δ18O in Blessberg Cave. Furthermore, no clear influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on our proxies is found. However, a link across the N Atlantic realm is indicated by a centennial-scale correlation between Blessberg δ18O values and minerogenic input into lake SS1220 in Greenland over the last 5 ka (Olsen et al. 2012). In addition, recurrence analysis indicates an imprint of Atlantic Bond events on Blessberg δ18O values (Marwan et al. 2014), corroborating the suggested link with high northern latitudes. Larger runoff into the Greenland lake seems to be associated with lower δ18O, higher δ13C and S/Ca ratios, as well as lower Sr/Ca ratios in Blessberg Cave speleothems. This might be linked to lower local temperature and/or changes in precipitation seasonality. Opposing millennial scale trends with lowering S/Ca ratios and δ13C values but increasing Sr/Ca ratios calls for more than one controlling factor. Most likely, δ13C decreased through the Holocene due to afforestation, which in turn might have increased sulphate retention in the thickening soil cover (Frisia et al. 2005) and limited sulphur flux into the cave. Alternatively, marine sulfur flux could have diminished with winter wind intensities. However, additional data is required to clarify this hypothesis. A positive Sr/Ca trend through the Holocene might result from increasing prior calcite precipitation induced by a negative moisture balance in summer.
Die ersten Ergebnisse der geochemischen Analysen der drei Stalagmiten BB-1 bis BB-3 lassen bereits Aussagen über die klimatischen Veränderungen des Klimas der letzten 14.000 Jahre zu. Eine ausführliche Interpretation findet sich im Beitrag Klimazonenverschiebung in Mitteleuropa.
Für die quantitative Rekonstruktion vergangener Feuchtigkeitsregime werden detaillierte Messungen der Umweltbedingungen in der Höhle, im Boden und an der Oberfläche durchgeführt. Dieses Programm wird von der Northumbria Uni geleitet und bekommt Unterstützung von allen Seiten, besonders auch von den Höhlenforschern vor Ort. In der Höhle werden vor allem Wasserproben für die Analyse stabiler Isotope (δD und δ18O) gesammelt und eine Reihe von Parametern gemessen, wie z. B. Luft- und Wassertemperatur in der Höhle, Wasserdruck, pCO2 und Tropfraten. An der Oberfläche werden Lufttemperatur und Bodentemperaturen in verschiedenen Tiefen gemessen. Ausserdem wird in der Höhle Karbonat auf Uhrgläsern gesammelt, um Kalibrationsstudien zu unterstützen und die Wachstumsdynamik der Stalagmiten besser zu verstehen.
Die ersten drei Stalagmiten aus der Bleßberghöhle (BB-1, BB-2, BB-3) sind während der letzten etwa 10.000 Jahre, dem Holozän, gewachsen. Anhand der Analyse stabiler Isotope und von Spurenelementen wird versucht, verschiedene Aspekte der damals herrschenden Umwelt- und Klimabedingungen zu rekonstruieren. Obwohl es bereits erste interessante publizierte Ergebnisse gibt, geht die Untersuchung dieser Proben weiter.
DFG-Projekt: Quantitative Rekonstruktion des Klimas in Mitteleuropa während des MIS 3 basierend auf Multi-Proxy Daten präzise datierter Spaläotheme (Flowstones) aus der Bleßberg Höhle, Deutschland
Verglichen mit unserer aktuellen Warmzeit, dem Holozän, ist das letzte Glazial und besonders das Marine Isotopenstadium 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 bis 27 ka) durch starke Klimaoszillationen geprägt. Dies wird beispielsweise durch Daten von Sauerstoffisotopen (δ18O) Daten grönländischer Eisbohrkerne oder auch europäischen Klimaarchiven wie Pollen- oder Baumring-Datensätzen belegt. Leider gibt es jedoch wenige direkte Proxy-basierte Nachweise aus der Region Zentraleuropas, weshalb die Klima- und Umweltbedingungen während des MIS 3 noch immer größtenteils unbekannt sind. Zentraleuropäische Speläotheme mit Wachstumsphasen während des MIS 3 sind durch vermutlich kalte Klimabedingungen limitiert und treten primär in wärmeren südlicheren, sowie alpinen Regionen, in denen das Wachstum durch Schmelzwässer ermöglicht wurde, auf.
Die Datierung mehrere Proben aus der Bleßberg-Höhle (Deutschland) mit Hilfe der 230Th/U-Methode präsentierte allerdings zwei Flowstones, welche während des MIS 3 und des Spätglazials gewachsen sind. Diese beiden Flowstones repräsentieren damit den nördlichsten (kontinentalen) Wachstum von Speläothemen in Mitteleuropa.
Das Hauptziel dieses Projekts ist die Erstellung eines präzise datierten Multi-Proxy Datensatzes für das MIS 3, sowie das Spätglazial, basierend auf den zwei Flowstones aus der Bleßberg Höhle. Dies gibt uns die einzigartige Möglichkeit in ausgewählten Phasen des letzten Glazials präzise datierte Informationen zur Variabilität des terrestrischen Klimas zu erhalten, die derzeit für Mitteleuropa basierend auf Speläothemen nicht verfügbar sind. Mit der Kombination verschiedener Proxys wie stabile Isotope oder Spurenelemente, der Ergebnisse eines Höhlenmonitoring-Programms, der Analayse von δD und δ18O Daten von fluid inclusions und einer isotope-enabled Klimamodellierung, bekommen wir die Möglichkeit detaillierte Einblicke in die Umweltbedingungen Zentraleuropas während des MIS 3 und des Spätglazials zu erhalten.
Die Arbeitsgruppe Isotopengeochemische Paläoklimatologie/Speläothemforschung besteht seit September 2009 und wird von Prof. Dr. Denis Scholz geleitet. Hauptziel der Arbeitsgruppe ist die Rekonstruktion von Klimaschwankungen in der Vergangenheit. Als Klimaarchiv dienen sekundäre Mineralablagerungen in Höhlen, sogenannte Speläotheme.
An der Forschung in der Bleßberghöhle beteiligt sich die Gruppe durch Datierung und geochemische Analysen von Stalagmiten.
@article{klose2024,
title = {Central European warm phases recorded by episodic speleothem growth during MIS 3},
author = {Jennifer Klose and Michael Weber and Denis Scholz},
doi = {10.6084/m9.figshare.27223863.v1},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-20},
urldate = {2024-11-20},
journal = {communications earth & environment},
volume = {5},
pages = {719},
abstract = {Speleothems provide exceptional age control and are a valuable archive for the identification of warm phases in temperate climates. Here we present a speleothem composite record from Germany, which shows episodic growth during the last glacial period, coinciding with several Greenland Interstadials. Using a combined approach of high-resolution solution and in-situ laser ablation 230Th/U-dating, we were able to precisely constrain the timing and duration of several particularly warm phases during Marine Isotope Stage 3. Climatic conditions favourable for speleothem growth occurred episodically until 32,000 years ago, much longer than reported from existing speleothem records. The inception of speleothem growth lags the onset of Greenland Interstadials and covers approximately 88% of their total duration during early, and approximately 25% during middle and late Marine Isotope Stage 3. This indicates progressive climatic cooling during Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the speleothem growth phases representing persistent Central European warm phases.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Speleothems provide exceptional age control and are a valuable archive for the identification of warm phases in temperate climates. Here we present a speleothem composite record from Germany, which shows episodic growth during the last glacial period, coinciding with several Greenland Interstadials. Using a combined approach of high-resolution solution and in-situ laser ablation 230Th/U-dating, we were able to precisely constrain the timing and duration of several particularly warm phases during Marine Isotope Stage 3. Climatic conditions favourable for speleothem growth occurred episodically until 32,000 years ago, much longer than reported from existing speleothem records. The inception of speleothem growth lags the onset of Greenland Interstadials and covers approximately 88% of their total duration during early, and approximately 25% during middle and late Marine Isotope Stage 3. This indicates progressive climatic cooling during Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the speleothem growth phases representing persistent Central European warm phases.
@article{zhang2024,
title = {Isothermal thermoluminescence dating of speleothem growth – A case study from Bleßberg cave 2,},
author = {Junjie Zhang and Jennifer Klose and Denis Scholz and Norbert Marwan and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Lutz Katzschmann and Dennis Kraemer and Sumiko Tsukamoto},
doi = {10.1016/j.quageo.2024.101628},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-09-21},
urldate = {2024-09-21},
journal = {Quaternary Geochronology},
volume = {85},
pages = {101628},
abstract = {Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Speleothems are a key archive of past climatic and environmental changes. 230Th/U dating is the most commonly used method to determine speleothem ages. However, incorporation of non-radiogenic thorium may hamper 230Th/U dating, and samples older than 600 ka also remain out-of-reach. Calcite exhibits a thermoluminescence (TL) signal at 280 °C with a high characteristic saturation dose, and provides significant potential to date carbonate samples over several million years. Hitherto, the application of TL dating for calcite has mainly been hindered by two factors: 1) a spurious TL signal occurring in the high temperature range, and 2) non-uniform dose rate due to U-series disequilibrium. Here we test an isothermal TL (ITL) dating method on a speleothem sample from Bleßberg cave 2, Germany. We show that the ITL signal measured at 240 °C can completely remove the 280 °C TL peak with a negligible TL contribution from the higher temperature range, thus reducing the influence from the spurious signal. The time-dependent dose rate variation can be simulated using the initial radioactivity of 238U, 234U, 230Th and their decay constants. We use the 230Th/U dating method to provide precise and accurate radiometric ages documenting that the speleothem grew between 425.5 ± 5.4 and 320.5 ± 9.7 ka. The ITL ages (421 ± 23 to 311 ± 23 ka) of four subsamples from the speleothem are consistent with the 230Th/U ages at isochronous sampling positions, showing the general reliability of the ITL dating method. ITL dating provides a pathway to construct chronologies for palaeoclimate reconstructions for speleothems beyond the range of the 230Th/U-method and for samples that are unsuitable for U-series dating methods.
@phdthesis{klose2023phd,
title = {Quantitative multi-proxy climate reconstruction for MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Jennifer Klose},
editor = {Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Klose_Thesis_Jennifer-Klose.pdf},
doi = {10.25358/openscience-10558},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-05-01},
urldate = {2024-05-01},
abstract = {Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen
Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der
Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Speläotheme zeichnen sich als sensitive Klimaarchive aus und haben sich in letzten
Jahrzehnten als solche etabliert. Sie haben das Potential wertvolle Informationen über das
Paläoklima kontinuierlich aufzuzeichnen und können mit den Uran-
Ungleichgewichtsmethoden präzise datiert werden. Das Berechnen von unabhängigen Altersmodellen kombiniert mit Analysen verschiedener Klimaproxys, wie δ18O und δ13C,
Spurenelementen oder Tropfwassereinschlüssen ermöglicht es, hochaufgelöste
Paläoklimarekonstruktionen zu erstellen.
Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO)-Ereignisse sind kurzfristige Klimaschwankungen über
einige hunderte oder wenige tausende Jahre, welche vor allem während der marinen
Isotopenstufe 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60 - 30 ka BP) auftraten. Obwohl erste Beweise für die
Ereignisse in grönländischen Eisbohrkernen entdeckt wurden, sind sie mittlerweile global
nachweisbar. DO-Ereignisse zeichnen sich durch eine rasche Erwärmung, gefolgt von
gradueller Abkühlung aus, während das MIS 3 generell als eine kältere Periode definiert
ist. Daher wurde die Tatsache, dass bisher kaum zentraleuropäische Speläotheme aus dem
MIS 3 gefunden wurden, mit zu kaltem oder trockenem Klima begründet. Im Rahmen
dieser Arbeit wurden drei MIS 3 Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle in Deutschland
detailliert untersucht. Durch die Kombination von lösungs-basierter und in-situ
Laserablation 230Th/U-Datierung konnte das komplexe Wachstum der Proben präzise
aufgeschlüsselt werden.
Es konnten mehrere Wachstumsepisoden im MIS 3 identifiziert werden, welche primär
zeitgleich zu DO-Ereignissen in Grönland auftraten. Die Wachstumsphasen wurde daher
als eigenständiger Proxy für günstige Klimabedingungen für Speläothemwachstum
etabliert, d.h. Perioden mit ausreichender Boden- und Vegetationsbedeckung über der
Höhle und der Möglichkeit das Tropfwasser in die Höhle gelangt. Darüber hinaus wurde
eine multi-Proxy Analyse durchgeführt mit dem Ziel möglichst vielfältige Informationen
über das MIS 3 in Mitteleuropa zu erhalten. Ein langfristiger Trend zeigt die generelle
Verschlechterung des Klimas mit Fortschreiten des MIS 3 auf. Eine besonders warme und
kontinuierliche Wachstumsphase trat zeitgleich mit DO14 auf. Außerdem wurden zwei
kurzzeitige Kälteereignisse innerhalb des DO14 aufgezeichnet, welches die hohe
Sensitivität der Speläotheme aus der Bleßberg Höhle verdeutlicht.
Weitere kurzzeitige Klimaereignisse wurden während des spätglazialen Teils der Speläothem-Proben (ca. 14,5 - 1,7 ka BP) aufgezeichnet und ein hochauflösender multi-
Proxy-Datensatz, der das Holozän (11,7 ka BP - rezent) bis 0,6 ka BP abdeckt, wurde
erstellt.
@proceedings{klose2023poster,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_SummerschoolSaoPaulo2023.pdf},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-07},
urldate = {2023-08-07},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
Klose, J.; Scholz, D.; Weber, M.; Vonhof, H.; Plessen, B.; Breitenbach, S.; Marwan, N.
Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany Konferenzberichte
@proceedings{klose2023,
title = {Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-07-19},
urldate = {2023-07-19},
abstract = {Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.
@bachelorthesis{kuehne2023,
title = {Spurenelementanalyse eines Speläothems der Marinen Isotopenstadien 9 und 11 aus der Blessberghöhle},
author = {Sofia Kühne},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bachelorarbeit_Sofia_Kuehne_2753456.pdf},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
school = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit einem Speläothem aus der Blessberghöhle in Thüringen. Diese Probe hatte jeweils eine Wachstumsphase während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 11 und während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 9. Dazwischen scheint es zu einem Wachstumsstopp gekommen zu sein. Die Probe wurde bereits datiert und auf Sauerstoff- und Kohlenstoffisotope untersucht, wobei im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zusätzlich die Spurenelemente gemessen wurden. Durch die Interpretation dieser Daten lassen sich Schlüsse über das Klima ziehen. Allerdings ist die genaue Analyse der Daten komplex, weshalb der Vergleich mit globalen Klimatrends von großer Bedeutung ist.
Für das MIS 11 deuten die Daten auf eine sich verändernde Umwelt in Richtung trockeneres und vegetationsärmeres Klima hin, das aufgrund der abflachenden globalen Temperatur zu dieser Zeit erklärt werden kann. Es lässt sich anhand von einer schnelleren Wachstumsrate auf erhöhten Niederschlag während des Wachstums schließen, im Gegensatz zum MIS 9. Im Bezug auf das MIS 9 sind keine eindeutigen Schlussfolgerungen möglich, doch das stabile Verhalten der Werte lässt darauf schließen, dass das Klima während des Höhepunkts des MIS 9-Wachstums (9e) nur geringe Veränderungen aufwies. Diese sind nicht eindeutig zu interpretieren, da unterschiedliche Argumente für oder gegen Vegetationswachstum und Niederschlagsmengen vorliegen.
Es ist jedoch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Interpretation der vorliegenden Daten Unsicherheiten birgt. Zusätzliche Informationen wie ein Vergleich zu Proben aus der Höhle, die zur gleichen Zeit wuchsen, sowie mehr Wissen über lokale Faktoren, die die Höhlenbedingungen beeinflusst haben und weitere Altersdatierungen könnten zu einer akkurateren Deutung führen. Daher wären weitere Forschungsarbeiten erforderlich, um die aufgestellten Vermutungen zu verifizieren und um ein umfassenderes Bild der vergangenen Gegebenheiten zu erhalten.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {bachelorthesis}
}
Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit einem Speläothem aus der Blessberghöhle in Thüringen. Diese Probe hatte jeweils eine Wachstumsphase während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 11 und während des Marinen Isotopenstadiums 9. Dazwischen scheint es zu einem Wachstumsstopp gekommen zu sein. Die Probe wurde bereits datiert und auf Sauerstoff- und Kohlenstoffisotope untersucht, wobei im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zusätzlich die Spurenelemente gemessen wurden. Durch die Interpretation dieser Daten lassen sich Schlüsse über das Klima ziehen. Allerdings ist die genaue Analyse der Daten komplex, weshalb der Vergleich mit globalen Klimatrends von großer Bedeutung ist.
Für das MIS 11 deuten die Daten auf eine sich verändernde Umwelt in Richtung trockeneres und vegetationsärmeres Klima hin, das aufgrund der abflachenden globalen Temperatur zu dieser Zeit erklärt werden kann. Es lässt sich anhand von einer schnelleren Wachstumsrate auf erhöhten Niederschlag während des Wachstums schließen, im Gegensatz zum MIS 9. Im Bezug auf das MIS 9 sind keine eindeutigen Schlussfolgerungen möglich, doch das stabile Verhalten der Werte lässt darauf schließen, dass das Klima während des Höhepunkts des MIS 9-Wachstums (9e) nur geringe Veränderungen aufwies. Diese sind nicht eindeutig zu interpretieren, da unterschiedliche Argumente für oder gegen Vegetationswachstum und Niederschlagsmengen vorliegen.
Es ist jedoch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Interpretation der vorliegenden Daten Unsicherheiten birgt. Zusätzliche Informationen wie ein Vergleich zu Proben aus der Höhle, die zur gleichen Zeit wuchsen, sowie mehr Wissen über lokale Faktoren, die die Höhlenbedingungen beeinflusst haben und weitere Altersdatierungen könnten zu einer akkurateren Deutung führen. Daher wären weitere Forschungsarbeiten erforderlich, um die aufgestellten Vermutungen zu verifizieren und um ein umfassenderes Bild der vergangenen Gegebenheiten zu erhalten.
@proceedings{klose2022,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan and D. Scholz},
editor = {KR9 in Innsbruck, 2022},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_KR9-Innsbruck2022.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-07-19},
urldate = {2022-07-19},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {KR9 Konferenz in Innsbruck},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
@bachelorthesis{geier2022,
title = {^{230}Th/U – Datierung eines Speläothems der Marinen Isotopenstadien 9 und 11 aus der Bleßberghöhle in Thüringen},
author = {Florian Geier},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bachelorarbeit-Florian-Geier-2744515.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-06-01},
urldate = {2022-06-01},
school = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
abstract = {Im Zuge des gegenwärtigen Klimawandels gewinnen Rekonstruktionen des vergangenen Klimas zunehmend an Bedeutung, da durch sie klimatische Entwicklungen besser verstanden werden können. Speläotheme bilden ein terrestrisches Archiv, welche mittels der 230Th/U-Datierung absolut und sehr präzise datiert werden können. Die datierten Wachstumsphasen von Speläothemen liefern unmittelbar Rückschlüsse auf vergangene klimatische Gegebenheiten, da ihr Wachstum von der Tropfwasser- und damit der Niederschlagswasserverfügbarkeit abhängen. Aus diesen Wachstumsphasen lassen sich wärmere und feuchtere Zeiträume abgrenzen (Interglaziale). Der Stalagmit BB2‘1 aus der Bleßberghöhle im südlichen Thüringen wurde mit dieser Methode datiert. Sein Wachstum fand in den Interglazialen Marines Isoptenstadium (MIS) 11e-c und MIS 9e statt. Besonders im MIS 11e wurde viel Wachstum des BB2‘1 verzeichnet. Im Vergleich mit anderen Klimaarchiven können die klimatischen Bedingungen um die Bleßberghöhle in einen globalen Kontext gesetzt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass das Klima um die Bleßberghöhle an globale, klimatische Veränderungen gekoppelt war und sehr früh auf diese reagierte.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {bachelorthesis}
}
Im Zuge des gegenwärtigen Klimawandels gewinnen Rekonstruktionen des vergangenen Klimas zunehmend an Bedeutung, da durch sie klimatische Entwicklungen besser verstanden werden können. Speläotheme bilden ein terrestrisches Archiv, welche mittels der 230Th/U-Datierung absolut und sehr präzise datiert werden können. Die datierten Wachstumsphasen von Speläothemen liefern unmittelbar Rückschlüsse auf vergangene klimatische Gegebenheiten, da ihr Wachstum von der Tropfwasser- und damit der Niederschlagswasserverfügbarkeit abhängen. Aus diesen Wachstumsphasen lassen sich wärmere und feuchtere Zeiträume abgrenzen (Interglaziale). Der Stalagmit BB2‘1 aus der Bleßberghöhle im südlichen Thüringen wurde mit dieser Methode datiert. Sein Wachstum fand in den Interglazialen Marines Isoptenstadium (MIS) 11e-c und MIS 9e statt. Besonders im MIS 11e wurde viel Wachstum des BB2‘1 verzeichnet. Im Vergleich mit anderen Klimaarchiven können die klimatischen Bedingungen um die Bleßberghöhle in einen globalen Kontext gesetzt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass das Klima um die Bleßberghöhle an globale, klimatische Veränderungen gekoppelt war und sehr früh auf diese reagierte.
@bachelorthesis{bojack2022,
title = {Rekonstruktion des MIS 3 anhand von Wachstumsphasen eines präzise datierten Speläothems aus der Bleßberghöhle},
author = {Stephan Bojack},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BSc-Arbeit-S-Bojack.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
school = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {bachelorthesis}
}
Klose, Jennifer; Scholz, Denis; Breitenbach, Sebastian F. M.; Plessen, Birgit; Vonhof, Hubert
Determination of phases of warm climate during MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany Konferenzberichte
Poster, 2021, (GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources, Karlsruhe).
@proceedings{klose2021,
title = {Determination of phases of warm climate during MIS 3 in Central Europe based on precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Jennifer Klose and Denis Scholz and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Hubert Vonhof},
editor = {GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-09-22},
urldate = {2021-09-22},
abstract = {Speleothems provide a great opportunity for paleoclimate reconstruction because they occur almost worldwide and can be dated very precisely using the U-series disequilibrium method. The most commonly used climate proxies are stable isotope values (δ18O and δ13C) and trace elements. However, these are influenced by a variety of surface and in-cave processes, which results in a non-trivial interpretation of the speleothem proxy signals.
The last glacial period and in particular the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 is, compared to the recent warm phase, the Holocene, characterised by larger climate oscillations. These are detectable in δ18O records from Greenland ice cores and also climate archives in Europe, such as pollen or tree ring records. Unfortunately, little direct proxy evidence is available from central Europe, and the climatic and environmental conditions during MIS 3 remain largely enigmatic. Speleothem records from central Europe during MIS 3 are limited due to cold climate conditions and mainly restricted to the warmer southern or alpine regions.
Here we present the first results of two flowstones from Bleßberg Cave in Germany. Preliminary 230Th/U-ages make these flowstones the most northern continental growth of speleothems during MIS 3 in central Europe. Thus, these samples provide the unique opportunity to reconstruct climate variability during parts of the last glacial period. With the combination of several different proxies, such as stable isotopes, trace elements and the results from cave monitoring, we will be able to obtain detailed insights into environmental conditions in central Europe during MIS 3 and the Late Glacial.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {GeoKarlsruhe 2021: Sustainable Earth – From processes to resources, Karlsruhe},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Speleothems provide a great opportunity for paleoclimate reconstruction because they occur almost worldwide and can be dated very precisely using the U-series disequilibrium method. The most commonly used climate proxies are stable isotope values (δ18O and δ13C) and trace elements. However, these are influenced by a variety of surface and in-cave processes, which results in a non-trivial interpretation of the speleothem proxy signals.
The last glacial period and in particular the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 is, compared to the recent warm phase, the Holocene, characterised by larger climate oscillations. These are detectable in δ18O records from Greenland ice cores and also climate archives in Europe, such as pollen or tree ring records. Unfortunately, little direct proxy evidence is available from central Europe, and the climatic and environmental conditions during MIS 3 remain largely enigmatic. Speleothem records from central Europe during MIS 3 are limited due to cold climate conditions and mainly restricted to the warmer southern or alpine regions.
Here we present the first results of two flowstones from Bleßberg Cave in Germany. Preliminary 230Th/U-ages make these flowstones the most northern continental growth of speleothems during MIS 3 in central Europe. Thus, these samples provide the unique opportunity to reconstruct climate variability during parts of the last glacial period. With the combination of several different proxies, such as stable isotopes, trace elements and the results from cave monitoring, we will be able to obtain detailed insights into environmental conditions in central Europe during MIS 3 and the Late Glacial.
@phdthesis{waltgenbach2019,
title = {Evaluation of the potential of speleothems for reconstruction of (short-term) phases of extreme climate},
author = {Sarah Waltgenbach},
editor = {Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-10-24},
urldate = {2019-10-24},
abstract = {Speleothems are secondary carbonate deposits and can be found in caves all over the world. In addition to several proxies (i.e., stable carbon and oxygen isotopes as well as trace elements), which can be measured in high resolution, they can also be precisely dated with the 230Th/U disequilibrium method. The high-resolution multi-proxy records enable the reconstruction of past environmental conditions, such as temperature, precipitation as well as vegetation and soil activity. Cave monitoring data contributes to a better understanding of the site-specific processes, which influence the geochemical composition of a speleothem. Based on these advantages, speleothems are an important paleoclimate archive. The reconstruction of paleoclimate conditions, especially during climate anomalies, would improve the understanding and prediction of future climate changes. During the Holocene, several phases of substantial climate variability have been recorded. These include the 8.2 ka cold event and several centennial scale climate oscillations during the last 2500 years, such as the Roman Warm Period, the Dark Ages Cold Period, the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age.
In this thesis, the potential of speleothems for the reconstruction of such phases with extreme climate conditions is evaluated. For this purpose, six speleothems from three different cave systems in Germany (Bleßberg Cave, Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth cave system) have been studied. The high-resolution stable isotope and trace element measurements enable a multi-proxy comparison of the 8.2 ka event and the climate anomalies of the last 2500 years in different speleothems from different caves. The 8.2 ka cooling event is recorded in the stable oxygen isotope values of three stalagmites from Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth cave system as a pronounced negative excursion and can be divided into a ‘whole event’ and a ‘central event’. The timing and duration of the event differ between the individual records. In the speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system the 8.2 ka event was dated earlier and has a shorter duration than in the stalagmite from Bunker Cave. Whereas the Bunker Cave speleothem also shows a negative peak in the stable carbon isotope values and the Mg content, the stalagmites from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system do not show distinct features in other proxies. Thus, the negative peak in the stable oxygen isotope values during the 8.2 ka event is mainly related to changes in the stable oxygen isotope values of the precipitation above the caves and reflect large-scale changes in the North Atlantic.
Four speleothems from Bunker Cave and the Herbstlabyrinth cave system cover the last 2500 years. Their high-resolution multi-proxy records with near annual resolution enable a reconstruction of the climate conditions during the Late Holocene and all speleothems show evidence for intervals of climate variability during this time. The multi-proxy records of the speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system indicate a higher vegetation productivity because of more humid conditions during the Roman Warm Period and the Dark Ages Cold Period. However, at Bunker Cave, climate conditions during the Dark Ages Cold Period were cold and dry. The contrasting pattern is observed during the Medieval Warm Period, which is characterized by warm and humid conditions at Bunker Cave and dry climate at the Herbstlabyrinth cave system. During the Little Ice Age, climate conditions at both cave sites were cold and dry with a lower vegetation productivity due to less precipitation. A common signal generated by a principal component analysis including the stable isotope as well as Mg data of all four speleothems also indicates differences in temperature and precipitation during some of these cold and warm phases. Thus, despite the short distance between Bunker Cave and the Herbstlabyrinth cave system, the climate conditions during the climate oscillations mentioned above, were not always the same at the two cave sites, suggesting that site-specific processes and effects may have a strong influence on the speleothem stable isotope signals and the speleothem geochemistry.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Speleothems are secondary carbonate deposits and can be found in caves all over the world. In addition to several proxies (i.e., stable carbon and oxygen isotopes as well as trace elements), which can be measured in high resolution, they can also be precisely dated with the 230Th/U disequilibrium method. The high-resolution multi-proxy records enable the reconstruction of past environmental conditions, such as temperature, precipitation as well as vegetation and soil activity. Cave monitoring data contributes to a better understanding of the site-specific processes, which influence the geochemical composition of a speleothem. Based on these advantages, speleothems are an important paleoclimate archive. The reconstruction of paleoclimate conditions, especially during climate anomalies, would improve the understanding and prediction of future climate changes. During the Holocene, several phases of substantial climate variability have been recorded. These include the 8.2 ka cold event and several centennial scale climate oscillations during the last 2500 years, such as the Roman Warm Period, the Dark Ages Cold Period, the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age.
In this thesis, the potential of speleothems for the reconstruction of such phases with extreme climate conditions is evaluated. For this purpose, six speleothems from three different cave systems in Germany (Bleßberg Cave, Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth cave system) have been studied. The high-resolution stable isotope and trace element measurements enable a multi-proxy comparison of the 8.2 ka event and the climate anomalies of the last 2500 years in different speleothems from different caves. The 8.2 ka cooling event is recorded in the stable oxygen isotope values of three stalagmites from Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth cave system as a pronounced negative excursion and can be divided into a ‘whole event’ and a ‘central event’. The timing and duration of the event differ between the individual records. In the speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system the 8.2 ka event was dated earlier and has a shorter duration than in the stalagmite from Bunker Cave. Whereas the Bunker Cave speleothem also shows a negative peak in the stable carbon isotope values and the Mg content, the stalagmites from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system do not show distinct features in other proxies. Thus, the negative peak in the stable oxygen isotope values during the 8.2 ka event is mainly related to changes in the stable oxygen isotope values of the precipitation above the caves and reflect large-scale changes in the North Atlantic.
Four speleothems from Bunker Cave and the Herbstlabyrinth cave system cover the last 2500 years. Their high-resolution multi-proxy records with near annual resolution enable a reconstruction of the climate conditions during the Late Holocene and all speleothems show evidence for intervals of climate variability during this time. The multi-proxy records of the speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth cave system indicate a higher vegetation productivity because of more humid conditions during the Roman Warm Period and the Dark Ages Cold Period. However, at Bunker Cave, climate conditions during the Dark Ages Cold Period were cold and dry. The contrasting pattern is observed during the Medieval Warm Period, which is characterized by warm and humid conditions at Bunker Cave and dry climate at the Herbstlabyrinth cave system. During the Little Ice Age, climate conditions at both cave sites were cold and dry with a lower vegetation productivity due to less precipitation. A common signal generated by a principal component analysis including the stable isotope as well as Mg data of all four speleothems also indicates differences in temperature and precipitation during some of these cold and warm phases. Thus, despite the short distance between Bunker Cave and the Herbstlabyrinth cave system, the climate conditions during the climate oscillations mentioned above, were not always the same at the two cave sites, suggesting that site-specific processes and effects may have a strong influence on the speleothem stable isotope signals and the speleothem geochemistry.
@article{breitenbach2019,
title = {Holocene interaction of maritime and continental climate in Central Europe: New speleothem evidence from Central Germany},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Sarah Waltgenbach and Rik Tjallingii and Jens Leonhardt and Klaus-Peter Jochum and Hanno Meyer and Bedartha Goswami and Norbert Marwan and Denis Scholz},
doi = {10.1016/j.gloplacha.2019.03.007},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-00-00},
journal = {Global and Planetary Change},
volume = {176},
pages = {144–161},
abstract = {Central European climate is strongly influenced by North Atlantic (Westerlies) and Siberian High circulation patterns, which govern precipitation and temperature dynamics and induce heterogeneous climatic conditions, with distinct boundaries between climate zones. These climate boundaries are not stationary and shift geographically, depending on long-term atmospheric conditions. So far, little is known about past shifts of these climate boundaries and the local to regional environmental response prior to the instrumental era.
High resolution multi-proxy data (stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, S/Ca and Sr/Ca) from two Holocene stalagmites from Bleßberg Cave (Thuringia) are used here to differentiate local and pan-regional environmental and climatic conditions Central Germany through the Holocene. Carbon isotope and S/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios inform us on local Holocene environmental changes in and around the cave, while δ18O (when combined with independent records) serves as proxy for (pan-)regional atmospheric conditions.
The stable carbon isotope record suggests repeated changes in vegetation density (open vs. dense forest), and increasing forest cover in the late Holocene. Concurrently, decreasing S/Ca values indicate more effective sulfur retention in better developed soils, with a stabilization in the mid-Holocene. This goes in hand with changes in effective summer infiltration, reflected in the Sr/Ca profile. Highest Sr/Ca values between 4 ka and 1 ka BP indicate intensified prior calcite precipitation resulting from reduced effective moisture supply.
The region of Bleßberg Cave is sensitive to shifts of the boundary between maritime (Cfb) and continental (Dfb) climate and ideally suited to reconstruct past meridional shifts of this divide. We combined the Bleßberg Cave δ18O time series with δ18O data from Bunker Cave (western Germany) and a North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) record from lake SS1220 (SW Greenland) to reconstruct the mean position of the Cfb-Dfb climate boundary. We further estimate the dynamic interplay of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Siberian High and their influence on Central European climate. Repeated shifts of the Cfb-Dfb boundary over the last 4000 years might explain previously observed discrepancies between proxy records from Europe. Detailed correlation analyses reveal multi-centennial scale alternations of maritime and continental climate and, concurrently, waning and waxing influences of Siberian High and NAO on Central Europe.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Central European climate is strongly influenced by North Atlantic (Westerlies) and Siberian High circulation patterns, which govern precipitation and temperature dynamics and induce heterogeneous climatic conditions, with distinct boundaries between climate zones. These climate boundaries are not stationary and shift geographically, depending on long-term atmospheric conditions. So far, little is known about past shifts of these climate boundaries and the local to regional environmental response prior to the instrumental era.
High resolution multi-proxy data (stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, S/Ca and Sr/Ca) from two Holocene stalagmites from Bleßberg Cave (Thuringia) are used here to differentiate local and pan-regional environmental and climatic conditions Central Germany through the Holocene. Carbon isotope and S/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios inform us on local Holocene environmental changes in and around the cave, while δ18O (when combined with independent records) serves as proxy for (pan-)regional atmospheric conditions.
The stable carbon isotope record suggests repeated changes in vegetation density (open vs. dense forest), and increasing forest cover in the late Holocene. Concurrently, decreasing S/Ca values indicate more effective sulfur retention in better developed soils, with a stabilization in the mid-Holocene. This goes in hand with changes in effective summer infiltration, reflected in the Sr/Ca profile. Highest Sr/Ca values between 4 ka and 1 ka BP indicate intensified prior calcite precipitation resulting from reduced effective moisture supply.
The region of Bleßberg Cave is sensitive to shifts of the boundary between maritime (Cfb) and continental (Dfb) climate and ideally suited to reconstruct past meridional shifts of this divide. We combined the Bleßberg Cave δ18O time series with δ18O data from Bunker Cave (western Germany) and a North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) record from lake SS1220 (SW Greenland) to reconstruct the mean position of the Cfb-Dfb climate boundary. We further estimate the dynamic interplay of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Siberian High and their influence on Central European climate. Repeated shifts of the Cfb-Dfb boundary over the last 4000 years might explain previously observed discrepancies between proxy records from Europe. Detailed correlation analyses reveal multi-centennial scale alternations of maritime and continental climate and, concurrently, waning and waxing influences of Siberian High and NAO on Central Europe.
@inproceedings{breitenbach2018,
title = {Tracing past shifts of the boundary between maritime and continental climate over Central Europe},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Sarah Waltgenbach and Rik Tjallingii and Jens Leonhardt and Klaus-Peter Jochum and Hanno Meyer and Norbert Marwan and Denis Scholz},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EGU2018-9046.pdf},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {20},
pages = {EGU2018-9046},
abstract = { European climate is characterized by heterogeneous climate conditions, with distinct boundaries between zones that can be classified according to the Köppen classification (Peel et al. 2007), and detected using climate network techniques (Rheinwalt et al. 2016). These boundaries are not stationary, but shift geographically, depending on large scale atmospheric conditions. Central European climate is strongly influenced by intricately linked North Atlantic Oscillation and Siberian High (SH), which govern precipitation and temperature over Europe. Shifts of these climatic boundaries in response to global warming and circulation changes might lead to more frequent extreme weather patterns like heat waves, with significant repercussions for society (Cohen et al. 2014). Speleothem-based palaeoclimate reconstructions enable us to understand underlying forcing mechanisms and speed of climatic reorganizations. Here we present a first reconstruction of multi-centennial shifts of the boundary between western European maritime Cfb climate and continental Dfb climate through the last ca. 5,000 years using speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Thuringia, Central Europe. Thanks to its location near the Cfb-Dfb climatic boundary, Bleßberg Cave is ideally suited to reconstruct past W-E shifts of this divide longitudinally crossing Central Europe. We compare a decadally resolved stalagmite δ18O record with data from Bunker Cave (Mischel et al. 2017), western Germany, and an NAO reconstruction from Greenland (Olsen et al. 2012). Over the last 5,000 years, the boundary between Cfb and Dfb climate shifted repeatedly. When the Cfb-Dfb border was east (west) of Bleßberg (Bunker) Cave maritime (continental) climate prevailed at both sites. Discrepancies between investigated proxy records are found when the boundary is located between the two caves. Comparison with the Greenland NAO record shows that a westerly shifted boundary is often associated with a strong SH and a negative NAO. An easterly shift, in contrast, is found to be linked with weak a SH and a positive NAO.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
European climate is characterized by heterogeneous climate conditions, with distinct boundaries between zones that can be classified according to the Köppen classification (Peel et al. 2007), and detected using climate network techniques (Rheinwalt et al. 2016). These boundaries are not stationary, but shift geographically, depending on large scale atmospheric conditions. Central European climate is strongly influenced by intricately linked North Atlantic Oscillation and Siberian High (SH), which govern precipitation and temperature over Europe. Shifts of these climatic boundaries in response to global warming and circulation changes might lead to more frequent extreme weather patterns like heat waves, with significant repercussions for society (Cohen et al. 2014). Speleothem-based palaeoclimate reconstructions enable us to understand underlying forcing mechanisms and speed of climatic reorganizations. Here we present a first reconstruction of multi-centennial shifts of the boundary between western European maritime Cfb climate and continental Dfb climate through the last ca. 5,000 years using speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Thuringia, Central Europe. Thanks to its location near the Cfb-Dfb climatic boundary, Bleßberg Cave is ideally suited to reconstruct past W-E shifts of this divide longitudinally crossing Central Europe. We compare a decadally resolved stalagmite δ18O record with data from Bunker Cave (Mischel et al. 2017), western Germany, and an NAO reconstruction from Greenland (Olsen et al. 2012). Over the last 5,000 years, the boundary between Cfb and Dfb climate shifted repeatedly. When the Cfb-Dfb border was east (west) of Bleßberg (Bunker) Cave maritime (continental) climate prevailed at both sites. Discrepancies between investigated proxy records are found when the boundary is located between the two caves. Comparison with the Greenland NAO record shows that a westerly shifted boundary is often associated with a strong SH and a negative NAO. An easterly shift, in contrast, is found to be linked with weak a SH and a positive NAO.
@inproceedings{breitenbach2016,
title = {A multi-proxy reconstruction of Holocene climate change from Blessberg Cave, Germany},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Sarah Wenz and Jens Leonhardt and Rik Tjallingii and Denis Scholz and Klaus-Peter Jochum and Norbert Marwan},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Breitenbach_poster_EGU_2016.pdf},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {18},
pages = {EGU2016-14213},
abstract = {Although Holocene climate dynamics were relatively stable compared to glacial conditions, climatic changes had significant impact on ecosystems and human society on various timescales (Mayewski et al. 2004, Donges et al. 2015, Tan et al. 2015). Precious few high-resolution records on Holocene temperature and precipitation conditions in Central Europe are available (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012).
Here we present a speleothem-based reconstruction of past climate dynamics from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, central Germany. Three calcitic stalagmites were recovered when the cave was discovered during tunneling operations in 2008. Samples BB-1, -2 and -3 were precisely dated by the 230Th/U-method, with errors between 10 and 160 years (2σ). The combined record covers large parts of the Holocene (10 – 0.4 ka BP). δ13C and δ18O were analysed at 100 μm resolution. To gain additional insights in infiltration conditions, Sr/Ca and S/Ca were measured on BB-1 and BB-3 using an Röntgenanalytik Eagle XXL μXRF scanner.
Differences to other central European records (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012) suggest complex interaction between multiple factors influencing speleothem δ18O in Blessberg Cave. Furthermore, no clear influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on our proxies is found. However, a link across the N Atlantic realm is indicated by a centennial-scale correlation between Blessberg δ18O values and minerogenic input into lake SS1220 in Greenland over the last 5 ka (Olsen et al. 2012). In addition, recurrence analysis indicates an imprint of Atlantic Bond events on Blessberg δ18O values (Marwan et al. 2014), corroborating the suggested link with high northern latitudes. Larger runoff into the Greenland lake seems to be associated with lower δ18O, higher δ13C and S/Ca ratios, as well as lower Sr/Ca ratios in Blessberg Cave speleothems. This might be linked to lower local temperature and/or changes in precipitation seasonality. Opposing millennial scale trends with lowering S/Ca ratios and δ13C values but increasing Sr/Ca ratios calls for more than one controlling factor. Most likely, δ13C decreased through the Holocene due to afforestation, which in turn might have increased sulphate retention in the thickening soil cover (Frisia et al. 2005) and limited sulphur flux into the cave. Alternatively, marine sulfur flux could have diminished with winter wind intensities. However, additional data is required to clarify this hypothesis. A positive Sr/Ca trend through the Holocene might result from increasing prior calcite precipitation induced by a negative moisture balance in summer.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Although Holocene climate dynamics were relatively stable compared to glacial conditions, climatic changes had significant impact on ecosystems and human society on various timescales (Mayewski et al. 2004, Donges et al. 2015, Tan et al. 2015). Precious few high-resolution records on Holocene temperature and precipitation conditions in Central Europe are available (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012).
Here we present a speleothem-based reconstruction of past climate dynamics from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, central Germany. Three calcitic stalagmites were recovered when the cave was discovered during tunneling operations in 2008. Samples BB-1, -2 and -3 were precisely dated by the 230Th/U-method, with errors between 10 and 160 years (2σ). The combined record covers large parts of the Holocene (10 – 0.4 ka BP). δ13C and δ18O were analysed at 100 μm resolution. To gain additional insights in infiltration conditions, Sr/Ca and S/Ca were measured on BB-1 and BB-3 using an Röntgenanalytik Eagle XXL μXRF scanner.
Differences to other central European records (e.g., von Grafenstein et al. 1999, Fohlmeister et al. 2012) suggest complex interaction between multiple factors influencing speleothem δ18O in Blessberg Cave. Furthermore, no clear influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on our proxies is found. However, a link across the N Atlantic realm is indicated by a centennial-scale correlation between Blessberg δ18O values and minerogenic input into lake SS1220 in Greenland over the last 5 ka (Olsen et al. 2012). In addition, recurrence analysis indicates an imprint of Atlantic Bond events on Blessberg δ18O values (Marwan et al. 2014), corroborating the suggested link with high northern latitudes. Larger runoff into the Greenland lake seems to be associated with lower δ18O, higher δ13C and S/Ca ratios, as well as lower Sr/Ca ratios in Blessberg Cave speleothems. This might be linked to lower local temperature and/or changes in precipitation seasonality. Opposing millennial scale trends with lowering S/Ca ratios and δ13C values but increasing Sr/Ca ratios calls for more than one controlling factor. Most likely, δ13C decreased through the Holocene due to afforestation, which in turn might have increased sulphate retention in the thickening soil cover (Frisia et al. 2005) and limited sulphur flux into the cave. Alternatively, marine sulfur flux could have diminished with winter wind intensities. However, additional data is required to clarify this hypothesis. A positive Sr/Ca trend through the Holocene might result from increasing prior calcite precipitation induced by a negative moisture balance in summer.
@inproceedings{wenz2016,
title = {Timing and duration of climate variability during the 8.2 ka event reconstructed from four speleothems from Germany},
author = {Sarah Wenz and Denis Scholz and Christoph Spötl and Birgit Plessen and Simon Mischel and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Klaus-Peter Jochum and Jens Fohlmeister },
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EGU2016-12731.pdf},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {18},
pages = {EGU2016-12731},
abstract = {The most prominent climate anomaly of the Holocene is the 8.2 ka event, which reflects the impact of a dramatic freshwater influx into the North Atlantic during an interglacial climate state. Thus, it can be considered as a possible analogue for future climate change. Due to the short-lived nature of the event (160.5 ± 5.5 years; Thomas et al., 2007), a detailed investigation requires archives of both high temporal resolution and accurate chronology.
We present high-resolution stable oxygen and carbon isotope (ca. 3-4 years) as well as sub-annually resolved trace element records of the 8.2 ka event from stalagmites (BB-3, Bu4, HLK2 and TV1) from three cave systems in Germany (Blessberg Cave, Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth). The location of these caves in central European is well suited in order to detect changes in temperature and precipitation in relation to changes in the North Atlantic region (Fohlmeister et al., 2012). The 8.2 ka event is clearly recorded as a pronounced negative excursion in the δ18O values of all four speleothems. While stalagmites BB-3 from Blessberg Cave and Bu4 from Bunker Cave also show a negative excursion in the δ13C values during the event, the two speleothems from Herbstlabyrinth show no distinctive features in their δ13C values. The timing, duration and structure of the event differ between the individual records. In BB-3, the event occurs earlier (ca. 8.4 ka) and has a relatively short duration of ca. 90 years. In Bu4, the event occurs later (ca. 8.1 ka) and shows a relatively long duration of more than 200 years. In the two speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth, the event is replicated and has a timing between 8.3 and 8.1 ka and a duration of ca. 150 years. These differences may at least in part be related to the dating uncertainties of 100-200 years (95 % confidence limits).
},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The most prominent climate anomaly of the Holocene is the 8.2 ka event, which reflects the impact of a dramatic freshwater influx into the North Atlantic during an interglacial climate state. Thus, it can be considered as a possible analogue for future climate change. Due to the short-lived nature of the event (160.5 ± 5.5 years; Thomas et al., 2007), a detailed investigation requires archives of both high temporal resolution and accurate chronology.
We present high-resolution stable oxygen and carbon isotope (ca. 3-4 years) as well as sub-annually resolved trace element records of the 8.2 ka event from stalagmites (BB-3, Bu4, HLK2 and TV1) from three cave systems in Germany (Blessberg Cave, Bunker Cave and Herbstlabyrinth). The location of these caves in central European is well suited in order to detect changes in temperature and precipitation in relation to changes in the North Atlantic region (Fohlmeister et al., 2012). The 8.2 ka event is clearly recorded as a pronounced negative excursion in the δ18O values of all four speleothems. While stalagmites BB-3 from Blessberg Cave and Bu4 from Bunker Cave also show a negative excursion in the δ13C values during the event, the two speleothems from Herbstlabyrinth show no distinctive features in their δ13C values. The timing, duration and structure of the event differ between the individual records. In BB-3, the event occurs earlier (ca. 8.4 ka) and has a relatively short duration of ca. 90 years. In Bu4, the event occurs later (ca. 8.1 ka) and shows a relatively long duration of more than 200 years. In the two speleothems from the Herbstlabyrinth, the event is replicated and has a timing between 8.3 and 8.1 ka and a duration of ca. 150 years. These differences may at least in part be related to the dating uncertainties of 100-200 years (95 % confidence limits).
@inproceedings{marwan2014,
title = {Recurrence properties as signatures for abrupt climate change},
author = {Norbert Marwan and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Denis Scholz and Jens Leonhardt
},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EGU2014-8893.pdf},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {16},
pages = {EGU2014-8893},
abstract = { The study of recurrence properties of dynamical systems has been shown to be very successful in characterising typical dynamical behaviour, finding regime transitions, or detecting couplings and synchronisations, even for short, noisy, and nonstationary data, as typical in Earth Sciences. Recurrence plots and their quantifications are powerful techniques for the investigation of recurrence and increasingly attract attention in recent years. We demonstrate the potential of the newly introduced extension of recurrence plot analysis by complex network measures for the detection of abrupt dynamical changes. This method is applied on a Holocene palaeoclimate data set from Central Europe derived from a stalagmite from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, Germany. The stalagmite δ18O proxy record covers the middle to late Holocene (6000-400 years BP). Dating uncertainties are considered by an ensemble approach derived from the COPRA framework. Characteristic changes in the recurrence properties reflecting regular dynamics coincide well with the occurrence of the Bond events 1, 2, and 3. During Bond events the Central European climate variability appears more regular. The analysis presented here examplifies the potency of quantitative recurrence methods in detecting climatic events, which otherwise remain hidden in the raw proxy time series. },
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The study of recurrence properties of dynamical systems has been shown to be very successful in characterising typical dynamical behaviour, finding regime transitions, or detecting couplings and synchronisations, even for short, noisy, and nonstationary data, as typical in Earth Sciences. Recurrence plots and their quantifications are powerful techniques for the investigation of recurrence and increasingly attract attention in recent years. We demonstrate the potential of the newly introduced extension of recurrence plot analysis by complex network measures for the detection of abrupt dynamical changes. This method is applied on a Holocene palaeoclimate data set from Central Europe derived from a stalagmite from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, Germany. The stalagmite δ18O proxy record covers the middle to late Holocene (6000-400 years BP). Dating uncertainties are considered by an ensemble approach derived from the COPRA framework. Characteristic changes in the recurrence properties reflecting regular dynamics coincide well with the occurrence of the Bond events 1, 2, and 3. During Bond events the Central European climate variability appears more regular. The analysis presented here examplifies the potency of quantitative recurrence methods in detecting climatic events, which otherwise remain hidden in the raw proxy time series.
@proceedings{klose2023poster,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_SummerschoolSaoPaulo2023.pdf},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-07},
urldate = {2023-08-07},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {Summer School on Speleothem Sciences 2023, Sao Paulo},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
Klose, J.; Scholz, D.; Weber, M.; Vonhof, H.; Plessen, B.; Breitenbach, S.; Marwan, N.
Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany Konferenzberichte
@proceedings{klose2023,
title = {Timing and progression of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and D. Scholz and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan},
editor = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-07-19},
urldate = {2023-07-19},
abstract = {Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {XXI INQUA Conference, Rome (Italy)},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Speleothems can be dated with unprecedented precision using U-series disequilibrium methods and provide numerous climate proxies, such as stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon isotopes (δ13C) or trace elements, resulting in long, sometimes continuous climate proxy records. Therefore, speleothems have great potential for reconstruction of past climate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and precise determination of the timing and duration of Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events. While first discovered in Greenland ice cores, various speleothem records around the globe provided clear evidence for the supra-regional character of the D/O events. However, MIS 3 speleothem records from Central Europe are very limited. Here we present three spleothem (flowstone) MIS 3 records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany.
All flowstones show episodic growth with distinctive, partially very thin (<2 mm) growth phases, interrupted by visible hiatuses consisting of detrital material. Precise and accurate 230Th/U dating of the individual growth phases is challenging due to potential detrital contamination from these layers. Combining different sampling and analytical techniques, we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers with very high precision, i.e., 2σ-age uncertainties of at most a few hundred years.
The timing of the growth phases aligns with several D/O events, which have not been recorded in other Central European speleothems yet. The δ18O and δ13C records of all three flowstones are highly correlated which suggests a dominant process influencing both isotope systems. Comparison with the Sr and Mg records provides evidence for a strong influence of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) in the aquifer above and inside the cave on the stable isotope and trace element signals. In addition, all proxy records are interpreted as evidence for past changes in precipitation and vegetation density and document a clear trend from more humid climate during early MIS 3 (ca. 57 – 50 ka) to less humid conditions during mid and late MIS 3 (ca. 45 – 30 ka).
Our multi-proxy approach thus allows us not only to precisely determine the timing, duration, and progression of several D/O events, but also to deepen our general understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 in Central Europe.
@proceedings{klose2022,
title = {Timing of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Central Europe based on three precisely dated speleothems from Bleßberg Cave, Germany},
author = {J. Klose and M. Weber and H. Vonhof and B. Plessen and S. Breitenbach and N. Marwan and D. Scholz},
editor = {KR9 in Innsbruck, 2022},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/klose_KR9-Innsbruck2022.pdf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-07-19},
urldate = {2022-07-19},
abstract = {The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.},
howpublished = {Poster},
note = {KR9 Konferenz in Innsbruck},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
The last glacial period and especially Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 57 - 27 ka) was characterized by various climate oscillations (i.e., rapid increases in temperature, followed by a gradual cooling, the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D/O) events), which were first discovered in Greenland ice cores. Although their causes are still not fully understood, clear evidence for their supra-regional character was found in various climate records around the globe. However, European speleothem samples, which grew during MIS 3, are limited and mainly restricted to alpine regions, where glacier meltwater enabled speleothem growth, and to south/south-western parts of Europe characterised by a generally warmer climate. This led to the opinion that it was too cold and/or too dry in central Europe for speleothem growth. Here we present three speleothem (flowstone) records from Bleßberg Cave, Germany, which grew during MIS 3.
All flowstones show episodical growth patterns with distinctive, thin growth phases. Potential contamination deriving form detrital material deposited during hiatuses between individual growth phases, open-system behaviour around the hiatuses and the limited thickness of the growth layers are the biggest challenges during sampling for 230Th/U dating. By combination of different sampling techniques (i.e., laser ablation and micro-milling) in addition to the common approach of handheld drilling and due to the relatively high 238U concentration of the samples (approx. 0.4 – 1 µg/g), we were able to date even the thinnest growth layers (< 2 mm) of the Bleßberg flowstones with a very high precision (i.e., with 2σ-age uncertainties of a few hundred years or even lower).
The timing of the growth phases of the Bleßberg flowstones correlates with several D/O events recorded in the Greenland ice cores. This proves that at least some phases of MIS 3 had favourable climate conditions for speleothem growth in Central Europe. In addition, the analysis of the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) for all three flowstones revealed several D/O events, which have not been recorded in any other speleothem from central Europe so far. This will enhance our understanding of climate variability during MIS 3 and specific D/O events in central Europe.
@incollection{breitenbach_bbh2022,
title = {Die Bleßberghöhle – ein Glücksfall für die Klimaforschung},
author = {Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Norbert Marwan},
editor = {Thüringer Höhlenverein, e. V.},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-02-22},
urldate = {2022-02-22},
booktitle = {Nächster Halt: Bleßberghöhle},
address = {Suhl},
abstract = {Höhlen stellen generell für die Wissenschaft ein wertvolles Archiv dar, aus dem vielfältige und interessante Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden können. So gehören sie inzwischen auch zu den bedeutendsten Klimaarchiven auf dem Festland (See- und Meeressedimente stellen andere wichtige Archive dar). Solange die Höhlensedimente und Sinter ungestört bleiben, können hydrologische und klimatische Bedingungen detailliert aufgezeichnet werden. Die Bleßberghöhle ist in diesem Zusammenhang ein ausgesprochener Glücksfall, da sie über viele Jahrtausende komplett verschlossen war und so vor äußeren Störungen bewahrt wurde. Sie ist in vielen Abschnitten mit verschiedensten Sinterformen geschmückt. Für die Rekonstruktion regionaler Klimaänderungen sind vor allem die Stalagmiten geeignet. Die wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung des aus der Bleßberghöhle gesammelten Materials ist ein langwieriger Prozess und noch lange nicht abgeschlossen. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt können aber bereits erste interessante Aussagen gemacht werden, auf die wir hier nach einem kurzen allgemeinen Einblick in verschiedene Aspekte der Paläoklimaforschung eingehen wollen.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Höhlen stellen generell für die Wissenschaft ein wertvolles Archiv dar, aus dem vielfältige und interessante Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden können. So gehören sie inzwischen auch zu den bedeutendsten Klimaarchiven auf dem Festland (See- und Meeressedimente stellen andere wichtige Archive dar). Solange die Höhlensedimente und Sinter ungestört bleiben, können hydrologische und klimatische Bedingungen detailliert aufgezeichnet werden. Die Bleßberghöhle ist in diesem Zusammenhang ein ausgesprochener Glücksfall, da sie über viele Jahrtausende komplett verschlossen war und so vor äußeren Störungen bewahrt wurde. Sie ist in vielen Abschnitten mit verschiedensten Sinterformen geschmückt. Für die Rekonstruktion regionaler Klimaänderungen sind vor allem die Stalagmiten geeignet. Die wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung des aus der Bleßberghöhle gesammelten Materials ist ein langwieriger Prozess und noch lange nicht abgeschlossen. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt können aber bereits erste interessante Aussagen gemacht werden, auf die wir hier nach einem kurzen allgemeinen Einblick in verschiedene Aspekte der Paläoklimaforschung eingehen wollen.
@inproceedings{marwan2014,
title = {Recurrence properties as signatures for abrupt climate change},
author = {Norbert Marwan and Sebastian F. M. Breitenbach and Birgit Plessen and Denis Scholz and Jens Leonhardt
},
url = {https://bbh.pik-potsdam.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EGU2014-8893.pdf},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-04-01},
booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts},
volume = {16},
pages = {EGU2014-8893},
abstract = { The study of recurrence properties of dynamical systems has been shown to be very successful in characterising typical dynamical behaviour, finding regime transitions, or detecting couplings and synchronisations, even for short, noisy, and nonstationary data, as typical in Earth Sciences. Recurrence plots and their quantifications are powerful techniques for the investigation of recurrence and increasingly attract attention in recent years. We demonstrate the potential of the newly introduced extension of recurrence plot analysis by complex network measures for the detection of abrupt dynamical changes. This method is applied on a Holocene palaeoclimate data set from Central Europe derived from a stalagmite from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, Germany. The stalagmite δ18O proxy record covers the middle to late Holocene (6000-400 years BP). Dating uncertainties are considered by an ensemble approach derived from the COPRA framework. Characteristic changes in the recurrence properties reflecting regular dynamics coincide well with the occurrence of the Bond events 1, 2, and 3. During Bond events the Central European climate variability appears more regular. The analysis presented here examplifies the potency of quantitative recurrence methods in detecting climatic events, which otherwise remain hidden in the raw proxy time series. },
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The study of recurrence properties of dynamical systems has been shown to be very successful in characterising typical dynamical behaviour, finding regime transitions, or detecting couplings and synchronisations, even for short, noisy, and nonstationary data, as typical in Earth Sciences. Recurrence plots and their quantifications are powerful techniques for the investigation of recurrence and increasingly attract attention in recent years. We demonstrate the potential of the newly introduced extension of recurrence plot analysis by complex network measures for the detection of abrupt dynamical changes. This method is applied on a Holocene palaeoclimate data set from Central Europe derived from a stalagmite from Blessberg Cave, Thuringia, Germany. The stalagmite δ18O proxy record covers the middle to late Holocene (6000-400 years BP). Dating uncertainties are considered by an ensemble approach derived from the COPRA framework. Characteristic changes in the recurrence properties reflecting regular dynamics coincide well with the occurrence of the Bond events 1, 2, and 3. During Bond events the Central European climate variability appears more regular. The analysis presented here examplifies the potency of quantitative recurrence methods in detecting climatic events, which otherwise remain hidden in the raw proxy time series.
Am PIK werden u. a. neue Methoden entwickelt, die einerseits neue Aspekte in Paläoklimadaten untersuchen, die aber auch mit den Schwierigkeiten klarkommen, die für gewöhnlich mit Paläoklimaanalysen zusammenhängen – wie z. B. Lücken in den Daten, Unsicherheiten der Alter oder Unregelmäßigkeiten der Datenpunkte. Dabei handelt es sich zwar um Grundlagenforschung, aber diese wird auch sofort auf interessante Fragestellungen angewendet.
Ein Schwerpunkt ist die Entwicklung und Anwendung von Methoden, die speziell die wiederkehrenden Muster untersuchen (im englischen: „recurrence“). Diese Methoden sind sehr erfolgreich für das Auffinden von abrupten Änderungen, aber auch für das Vergleichen verschiedener Datensätze, um z. B. herauszufinden, ob es da gegenseitige Einflüsse gibt.
In einer unserer ersten Analysen von den drei Stalagmiten BB-1 bis BB-3, hatten wir uns die Sauerstoffisotope von BB-1 mit diesen Wiederkehr-Methoden angeschaut. Dabei hatten wir extra auch die Datierungsunsicherheit mit berücksichtigt. Durch die Datierungsunsicherheiten gibt es kleine Verschiebungen der Zeitreihe entlang der x-Achse. Innerhalb der Unsicherheiten sind daher verschiedene Realisierungen des Verlaufs der gemessenen Sauerstoffisotope möglich.
Sauerstoffisotope von BB-1. Durch die Datierungsunsicherheiten gibt es verschiedene Möglichkeiten, zu welcher Zeit es Änderungen in diesem Klima-Archiv gab. Der Stalagmit ist in der Zeit von vor etwa 6.000 bis vor etwa 400 Jahren gewachsen.
Die Wiederkehrmuster werden mit einem speziellen Analysewerkzeug untersucht, dem sogenannten „recurrence plot“. Damit lassen sich Zeiten darstellen, zu denen ähnliche Zustände aufgetreten sind. Die Muster, die man in so einem „recurrence plot“ sieht, haben eine tiefere Bedeutung und können weiter analysiert und quantifiziert werden, um Änderungen in der Dynamik des zugrundeliegenden Prozesses zu finden.
Recurrence plot einer Realisierung der gemessenen Sauerstoff-Isotope in BB-1.
Die numerische Analyse von „recurrence plots“ liefert verschiedene Ergebnisse, die verschiedene Aspekte der Klimadynamik beleuchten. Zwei solcher Ergebnisse sind hier kurz dargestellt: einerseits die Komplexität der Klimavariabilität („Transitivity“) und andererseits, wie gut so ein Klimasignal vorhersagbar wäre („Determinism“). Beide Ergebnisse zeigen eine generelle Tendenz zu größerer Komplexität und geringerer Vorhersagbarkeit für jüngere Alter. Sie zeigen aber auch für bestimmte Zeitpunkte kurzzeitige Anstiege zu besserer Vorhersagbarkeit, nämlich ungefähr vor 4.200, 2.800 und 1.400 Jahren. Genau zu diesen Zeitpunkten kam es zu kurzzeitigen und schnellen Vereisungen im Nordatlantik, den sogenannten „Bond-Ereignissen“. Gleichzeitig gibt es Variationen in der Komplexität des Klimasignals („Transitivity“), allerdings bewegen sich diese Variationen innerhalb eines Unsicherheitsbereiches (Konfidenzintervall), so daß wir diese nicht wirklich interpretieren dürfen.
Quantitative Analyse von Wiederkehrmustern in den Sauerstoffisotopen-Messungen von BB-1.
