Eastern Andean environmental and climate synthesis for the last 2000 years BP from terrestrial pollen and charcoal records of Patagonia

• DOI: 10.5194/cpd-11-2121-2015
• Publication Date: 2015-06-03T06:09:06Z
• Authors: G. D. Sottile; M. E. Echeverria; M. V. Mancini; M. M. Bianchi; M. A. Marcos; F. P. Bamonte
• Keywords: Westerlies; Biome; Charcoal

Abstract. The Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds (SWW) constitute an important zonal circulation system that dominates the dynamics of mid-latitude climate. Little is known about climatic changes in South America comparison to Northern due low density proxy records, and adequate chronology sampling resolution address environmental last 2000 years. Since 2009, new pollen charcoal records from bog lakes northern southern Patagonia at east side Andes have been published with calibration assemblages related modern vegetation ecological behaviour. In this work we improve chronological control some eastern Andean previously sequences integrate dataset available interpret possible SWW variability centennial time scales. Through analysis past hydric balance compare these scenarios other western sensitive for Due distinct precipitation regimes exist between (40–45° S) (48–52° sites locations, shifts on latitudinal strength results large availability forest steppe communities. Therefore, can fossil as paleohydric every single site by construction indices during cal yrs BP. Our composite pollen-based be interpreted variation intensity respectively. Dataset integration suggest poleward 750 BP northward-weaker Ice Age (750–200 BP). These variations are synchronous Patagonian fire activity major shifts. We found phase regime (in terms timing biomass burning) Monte shrubland environments. Conversely, there antiphase forest-steppe ecotone may associated ENSO especially millennia. For 200 concluded belt were more intense than previous interval. show potential understanding millennial Patagonia.