Correlation of Alaskan varve Thickness with Climatic Parameters, and use in Paleoclimatic Reconstruction

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Perkins ◽  
John D. Sims
Keyword(s):  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Climatological Data ◽  
Dominant Source ◽  
Varve Thickness ◽  
Paleoclimatic Reconstruction ◽  
Regional Correlation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Northern Alaska

The thickness of varves in the sediments of Skilak Lake, Alaska, are correlated with the mean annual temperature (r = 0.574), inversely correlated with the mean annual cumulative snowfall (r = −0.794), and not correlated with the mean annual precipitation (r = 0.202) of the southern Alaska climatological division for the years 1907–1934 A.D. Varve thickness in Skilak Lake is sensitive to annual temperature and snowfall because Skilak Glacier, the dominant source of sediment for Skilak Lake, is sensitive to these climatic parameters. Trends of varve thickness are well correlated with trends of mean annual cumulative snowfall ( = −0.902) of the southern Alaska climatological division and with trends of mean annual temperature of the southern ( = 0.831) and northern ( = 0.786) Alaska climatological divisions. Trends of varve thickness also correlate with trends of annual temperature in Seattle and North Head, Washington ( = 0.632 and 0.850, respectively). Comparisons of trends of varve thickness with trends of annual temperature in California, Oregon, and Washington suggest no widespread regional correlation. Trends of annual snowfall in the southern Alaska climatological division and trends of annual temperature in the southern and northern Alaska climatological divisions are reconstructed for the years 1700–1906 A.D. Climatic reconstructions on the basis of varve thickness in Skilak Lake utilize equations derived from the regression of series of smoothed climatological data on series of smoothed varve thickness. Reconstruction of trends of mean annual cunulative snowfall in the southern Alaska climatological division suggests that snowfall during the 1700s and 1800s was much greater than that during the early and mid-1900s. The periods 1770–1790 and 1890–1906 show marked decreases in the mean annual snowfall. Reconstructed trends of the annual temperature of the northern and southern Alaska climatological divisions suggest that annual temperatures during the 1700s and 1800s were lower than those of the early and mid-1900s. Two periods of relatively high annual temperatures coincide with the periods of low annual snowfall thus determined.

scholarly journals Paleosols of the Interglacial Climates in Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Tarnocai
Keyword(s):  
Forest Soils ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Interglacial Period ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Tree Line ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Paleoclimatic Reconstruction ◽  
Soil Features ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACTAlthough paleosols are useful indicators of paleoclimates. it is first necessary to establish the relationships between the northern limits of the various contemporary soils and the pertinent climatic parameters. It is then necessary to determine the age of the various paleosols and, if possible, their northern limits. Comparison of the distribution and northern limits of the contemporary soils with the distribution and northern limits of the analogous paleosols then permits the reconstruction of the paleoenvironments. For the purposes of comparison the mean annual temperature of the Old Crow area during the Pliocene epoch was also determined (about 4°C) even though this was not an interglacial period. It was found that during the pre-lllinoian interglacial periods the central Yukon had a mean annual temperature of about 7°C while during the Sangamonian interglacial period it had a mean annual temperature of about - 3°C. During the Holocene epoch, the current interglacial period, the climate has been similar to or only slightly cooler than that existing during the Sangamonian interglacial period. The fluctuating position of the arctic tree line (and associated forest soils) during the Holocene epoch, however, indicates that the climate has also been fluctuating during this time. The paleoclimatic reconstruction presented in this paper also relies heavily on both diagnostic soil features and the soil development during the various interglacial periods.

scholarly journals Dust Storms in Northern China: Long-Term Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Climate Controls

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (17) ◽  
pp. 6683-6700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingyu Guan ◽  
Xiazhong Sun ◽  
Jing Yang ◽  
Baotian Pan ◽  
Shilei Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Dust Storm ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Dust Storms ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Spatiotemporal Characteristics ◽  
Dust Generation ◽  
The Mean

Airborne dust derived from desertification in northern China can be transported to East Asia and other regions, impairing human health and affecting the global climate. This study of northern China dust provides an understanding of the mechanism of dust generation and transportation. The authors used dust storm and climatological data from 129 sites and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) datasets in northern China to analyze spatiotemporal characteristics and determine the main factors controlling dust storms occurring during 1960–2007. Dust storm–prone areas are consistent with the spatial distribution of northern China deserts where the average wind speed (AWS) is more than 2 m s−1, the mean annual temperature (MAT) ranges from 5° to 10°C, and the mean annual precipitation (MAP) is less than 450 mm. Dust storms commonly occur on spring afternoons in a 3- to 6-h pattern. The three predominant factors that can affect DSF are the maximum wind speed, AWS, and MAT. During 1960–2007, dust storm frequency (DSF) in most regions of northern China fluctuated but had a decreasing trend; this was mainly caused by a gradual reduction in wind speed. The effect of temperature on DSF is complex, as positive and negative correlations exist simultaneously. Temperatures can affect source material (dust, sand, etc.), cyclone activity, and vegetation growth status, which influence the generation of dust storms. NDVI and precipitation are negatively correlated with DSF, but the effect is weak. Vegetation can protect the topsoil environment and prevent dust storm creation but is affected by the primary decisive influence of precipitation.

Efficacy of climate transfer functions: introduction of Eurasian populations of Larix into Alberta

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 1660-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald E Rehfeldt ◽  
Nadja M Tchebakova ◽  
Leonard K Barnhardt
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Quadratic Regression ◽  
Degree Days ◽  
Plant Populations ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Practical Implications

Growth and survival of eight populations of Larix sukaczewii Dylis and one of both Larix sibirica Ledeb. and Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. were used to assess the effectiveness of climate transfer functions for predicting the 13-year performance of Eurasian provenances introduced to Alberta. Quadratic regression models showed that transfer distances for five climate variables (mean annual temperature, degree-days <0°C, mean temperature in the coldest month, ratio of the mean annual temperature to mean annual precipitation, and the summer-winter temperature range) were particularly effective in predicting height and survival. Optimal transfer distances did not differ significantly from zero, and as a result, the best growth and survival in Alberta should be obtained by matching the provenance climate to that of the planting site for the five variables. Verification of the climate transfer functions with independent data from Russian provenance tests were strongly supportive. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of climate transfer functions for describing the response of plant populations to the environment and thereby have practical implications in reforestation.

scholarly journals INFLUENCES OF BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN THE SPRING WHEAT CROP

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita ČEPULIENĖ ◽  
Darija JODAUGIENĖ
Keyword(s):  
Spring Wheat ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Micro Structure ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

The natural biochemical, biophysical and biological processes in the soil is changing due to the intensive use of pesticides. At present, it is actual fertilization technologies, which are based on non-fertilizer rates increase bat on their rational use because in the fertilizer is unnecessary chemical compounds that promote mineral nutritional elements leaching. Have been studied the effect of biological preparations BactoMix, AgroMik and Rizobakterin on soil physical properties. Experiments were carried out in 2015–2016 at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University on Calcari-Endohypogleyic Luvisol. The mean annual temperature of the study site is 6.0–6.5 °C, mean annual precipitation is 600–650 mm and mean annual length of sun shine is 1750–1800 hour (Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service). Biological preparations sprayed on the soil surface and incorporated in the soil by sowing spring wheat. The use of biological preparations had a tendency to reduce soil density (from 2.3 to 5.3 %), to increase soil porosity (from 0.6 to 2.1 %). Biological preparations had no significant influence on quantity couples filled with moisture and air. The hardness of the soil after spring wheat harvest was the smallest in the fields sprayed by Rizobakterin preparation. The use of biological preparations BaktoMix and Rizobakterin significantly increased soil moisture. The following preparations significantly decreased soil pulverized fractions (micro structure) and significantly increased amount of particles larger than 10 mm.

Latest Villafranchian climate and landscape reconstructions at Pirro Nord (southern Italy)

Geology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 829-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugues-Alexandre Blain ◽  
Ana Fagoaga ◽  
Francisco Javier Ruiz-Sánchez ◽  
Josep Francesc Bisbal-Chinesta ◽  
Massimo Delfino
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
First Occurrence ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Early Pleistocene terrestrial climate conditions in the Mediterranean region, especially between 1.3 and 1.7 Ma, are poorly understood. Here, the amphibian and reptile fossil record from 24 fissures (Cava Pirro) of the Pirro Nord karstic complex (southern Italy) is used to infer quantitative paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. These numerical data indicate that the mean annual temperature may have been somewhat lower (–1.6 to –3.6 °C compared to modern temperatures) than that of today, and the mean annual precipitation slightly higher (+90 to +240 mm) than modern values. Seasonality was more pronounced, with cooler summers (–0.4 to –2.0 °C) and much colder winters (–1.2 to –6.0 °C). Rainfall distribution patterns during the year show more precipitation during the winter (+14 to +43 mm), with quantities of summer rainfall (–1.7 to +6.6 mm) being similar to modern values. The associated landscape comprised an open dry environment with scattered patches of woodland, locally along water courses or around swamps. This ecological scenario fits with early Pleistocene cold conditions, where the first occurrence of some eastern emigrants suggests a scenario of trans-Adriatic dispersal, as may have also occurred for the earliest European hominins.

scholarly journals The quantitative reconstruction of the paleoclimate between 5200 and 4300 cal yr BP in the Tianshui Basin, NW China

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 2741-2762 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Sun ◽  
X. Q. Li
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Quantitative Reconstruction ◽  
Subtropical Zone ◽  
Nw China ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Climate Event ◽  
Tianshui Basin ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. The quantitative reconstruction of the paleoclimate is the ultimate goal of studying past global change. Here, the Coexistence Approach (CA) was applied to reconstruct climatic factors quantitatively based on the fossil charcoal records between 5200 and 4300 cal yr BP in the Tianshui Basin, NW China. The climate of the Tianshui Basin belonged to the northern subtropical zone from 5200–4300 cal yr BP. The climatic tolerance ranges were selected, and the lower limit value was regarded as the logical climate factor to reflect the values of climatic factors. The CA analysis showed that the mean annual temperature (MAT) was approximately 13.2°C, and the mean annual precipitation (MAP) was approximately 778 mm between 5200 and 4900 cal yr BP. The MAT was approximately 13.2°C, and the MAP was approximately 688 mm between 4800 and 4300 cal yr BP. The MAT increased approximately 2.2°C, and the MAP increased approximately 280 mm from 5200–4900 cal yr BP. The MAT also increased approximately 2.2°C from 4800–4300 cal yr BP, while the MAP increased around 196 mm. No climate event occurred from 5200–4300 cal yr BP; however, a drought tendency appeared after 4800 cal yr BP.

scholarly journals Inferencias paleoclimáticas para el Mioceno tardío en la cuenca de Angastaco basadas en el análisis fisionómico foliar: Formación Palo Pintado, Salta, Argentina

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 418
Author(s):  
Juan M. Robledo ◽  
Maricel Y. Horn ◽  
Claudia I. Galli ◽  
Luisa M. Anzótegui
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Humid Environment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
La Rioja ◽  
Basin Region

The continental sedimentary rocks that constitute the Palo Pintado Formation of the late Miocene from Salta province, presents a great paleoclimatic interest due to the environmental conditions prevailing during this geochronologic interval. The geological and paleobotanical data suggest that during the sedimentary rocks accumulation of the Palo Pintado Formation (Angastaco Basin), wetter conditions would have existed comparing with other nearby and contemporary Formations, for example the Playa del Zorro Aloformation (late Miocene of Catamarca) and the Chiquimil (late Miocene of Tucumán), Salicas and the Toro Negro Formations (both from the late Miocene of La Rioja). In this study, the margin and the foliar area of the leaves contained on rocks from the Palo Pintado Formation are analyzed, in order to obtain the mean annual temperature (MAT) and the mean annual precipitation (MAP). The resulting values were: 23.98 °C and 330.8 mm. These results are coincident by the interpretation of different authors, who consider that the Palo Pintado Formation would have been deposited under a relatively humid environment, possibly as a consequence of the rains that affected locally the Angastaco basin región.

Northern Alaska–Kuskokwim Mountains, Domain 10

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl B. Alexander ◽  
Roger G. Coleman ◽  
Todd Keeler-Wolfe ◽  
Susan P. Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Marine Sediments ◽  
Strike Slip ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Thrust Faults ◽  
Brooks Range ◽  
Yukon River ◽  
Interior Alaska ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Northern Alaska

The ultramafic rocks in this domain are in the western part of the Brooks Range, the interior Alaska lowlands of the Koyukuk–Yukon Basin, the interior Alaska highlands of the Tanana–Yukon Upland, and the Kuskokwim Mountains. This domain extends east to the Seventymile River, a tributary of the Yukon River that is near the Canadian border, and presumably to the Clinton Creek area in the Yukon Territory. Although the highest elevations in the Brook Range are near 2700 m, those in the western mountains of the range are mostly <1400 m. Flatlands, hills, and low mountains dominate the Koyukuk–Yukon Basin and Tanana–Yukon Uplands, Elevations in the Kuskokwim Mountains are mostly <1000 m. Some of the mountains in uplands of the Tanana–Yukon Uplands are higher than 1600 m. Although the Brooks Range was glaciated during the Pleistocene, there was no glaciation in the Koyukuk–Yukon Basin, and only the higher elevations in the Tanana-Yukon Upland were glaciated during the Quaternary. Today, permafrost prevails throughout the Brooks Range, but it is discontinuous in the Koyukuk–Yukon Basin and Tanana–Yukon Upland and in the Kuskokwim Mountains (Ferrians 1965). Loess is extensive in the basins of interior Alaska and at lower elevations in the Kuskokwim Mountains, with some deposits >60 m thick (Péwé 1975). The climate is very cold throughout the domain, with severe winters and relatively short summers, although mean maximum summer (July) temperatures are >20°C (up to 24°C or 25°C) in the interior basins. With latitudes from 61°N to 68°N, days are very long during summers and very short during winters. The mean annual precipitation is 15–45 cm, with the greatest precipitation during summers. Even though the precipitation is low, the climate is not arid because evapotranspiration is limited by short and relatively cool summers. The freeze-free period is on the order of 60–90 days. The northern and interior Alaska ultramafics (serpentine) consist of Paleozoic and Mesozoic thrust slices emplaced onto Precambrian and Paleozoic marine sediments. They all belong to well-defined belts and are related to low-angle thrust faults or to later high strike–slip faults.

The tadpole of Ptychadena schillukorum (Werner, 1908 “1907”) (Amphibia: Anura: Ptychadenidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2115 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. GILLES ARMEL NAGO ◽  
BRICE A. SINSIN ◽  
MARK-OLIVER RÖDEL
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
West African ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
African Species ◽  
Short Rainy Season ◽  
The Mean ◽  
June July

The Ptychadenidae Dubois, 1987 are a frog family endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar (Frost 2008). Within the genus Ptychadena Boulenger, 1917 49 species are currently recognized as valid (Frost 2008), most of them breeding in temporary savanna ponds (Rödel 2000; Channing 2001; Channing & Howell 2006). In the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (PBR) in northern Benin this genus is extraordinary diverse. Here we recorded seven sympatric and partly syntopic Ptychadena species (Nago et al. 2006). The tadpoles of six West African species, P. bibroni (Hallowell, 1845), P. pumilio (Boulenger, 1920), P. oxyrhynchus (Smith, 1849), P. tellinii (Peracca, 1904), P. tournieri (Guibé & Lamotte, 1955) and P. trinodis (Boettger, 1881) have already been described (Lamotte & Zuber-Vogeli 1953; Guibé & Lamotte 1958; Lamotte et al. 1958, 1959; Lamotte & Perret 1961; Perret 1966; Rödel 2000; Rödel & Spieler 2000). Hence, P. schillukorum (Werner, 1908 “1907”) is the only West African savanna Ptychadena with an unknown tadpole. P. schillukorum ranges from Senegal, east to south-western Ethiopia and southern Somalia, south to Malawi, central Mozambique, south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and western Angola (Channing 2001; Nago et al. 2006). Recently it was reported from Egypt (Baha el Din 2006). It is hence either a very widespread savanna species or a member of a complex of cryptic species (see Nago et al. 2006 and Frost 2008 for synonyms of P. schillukorum). In West Africa it only occurs in drier savannas. In PBR these frogs breed in shallow savanna ponds, often in syntopy with Phrynobatrachus francisci Boulenger, 1912 and Phrynobatrachus natalensis (Smith, 1849) (Nago et al. 2006). The PBR is located in the Soudanian savanna zone in northern Benin (N 10°30-11°30, E 0°50-2°00). The climate is characterized by a short rainy season from late May or even June/July to early October. The mean annual precipitation is 1000 mm and the mean annual temperature is 27°C. For more details see Nago et al. (2006).

scholarly journals Leaf wax <i>n</i>-alkane patterns and compound-specific <i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C of plants and topsoils from semi-arid and arid Mongolia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Struck ◽  
Marcel Bliedtner ◽  
Paul Strobel ◽  
Jens Schumacher ◽  
Enkhtuya Bazarradnaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Average Chain Length ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Alkane Degradation ◽  
Leaf Wax ◽  
Significant Enrichment ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Leaf wax n-alkane patterns and their compound-specific δ13C signatures are valuable proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. So far, their potential has not been investigated in semi-arid to arid Mongolia. We have therefore analysed the leaf wax n-alkanes and their compound-specific δ13C signature of five plant species (Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Artemisia spp., Caragana spp. and Larix sp.) and topsoils (0–5 cm) along two transects in central and southern Mongolia. Grasses show a distinct dominance of the n-C31 homologue, whereas the shrubs Caragana spp. and Artemisia spp. are dominated by n-C29. Larix sp. is characterised by the mid-chain n-alkanes n-C23 and n-C25. From plant to topsoil, n-alkane patterns show the potential to differentiate between grass-covered sites from those covered by Caragana spp. n-Alkane concentrations and odd-over-even predominance (OEP) of the topsoils are distinctly influenced by mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation and aridity, likely reflecting the degree of n-alkane degradation and biomass production. In contrast, the average chain length (ACL) and the n-alkane ratio (n-C31∕n-C29+n-C31) are not affected by climatic parameters and, thus, are not biased by climate. The compound-specific δ13C signatures are strongly correlated to climate, showing a significant enrichment with increasing aridity, indicating the effect of water use efficiency. Our calibration results suggest that long-chain n-alkanes and their compound-specific δ13C signatures have great potential to reconstruct paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions when used in sediment archives from Mongolia.

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