Visualisation of luminescence excitation-emission timeseries: Palaeoclimate implications from a 10,000 year stalagmite record from Ireland

Abstract

Stalagmite luminescence excitation emission wavelength timeseries can provide high-resolution palaeoclimate records. Here, we employ multidimensional visualisation techniques in order to interpret a 10,000 year luminescence record from a stalagmite from Crag Cave, SW Ireland. Our results demonstrate three periods of distinct luminescence properties: (1) 0-4,000 BP, when they are affected by overlying agriculture. (2) 4,000-9,600 BP, where there is a strong correlation between luminescence and 13 C isotopic variations; we suggest the correlation demonstrates a vegetation response to climate change. (3) Before 9,600 BP, where a strong early Holocene transition is visible. Our results suggest that it took about 400-600 years for soils above the cave to stabilise after significant climate or environmental change, and that there was a complex vegetation response between 8,000 and 7,100 BP that my have been a lagged response to the '8.2 ka event'.