Hydroclimate of the Last Glacial Maximum and deglaciation in southern Australia’s arid margin interpreted from speleothem records (23–15 ka)

Abstract

Abstract. Terrestrial data spanning the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and deglaciation from the southern Australian region are sparse, and limited to discontinuous sedimentological and geomorphological records with relatively large chronological uncertainties. This dearth of records has prevented a critical assessment of the role of the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude westerly winds on the region’s climate during this time period. In this study, two precisely-dated speleothem records for Mairs Cave, Flinders Ranges, are presented, providing a detailed terrestrial hydroclimatic record for the southern Australian drylands during 23–15 ka for the first time. Enhanced recharge to Mairs Cave is int..