Implications for central Italy paleoclimate from 95,000 yr B.P. until the early Holocene as evident from Frasassi Cave speleothems

A composite δ18O and δ13C record from Frasassi Cave speleothems in central Italy's Apennines reveals unique paleoclimate dynamics distinct from other Mediterranean regions between 95,000 and 10,000 years ago. Unlike Western and Eastern Mediterranean records, Frasassi data show no significant δ18O decrease during the sapropel S3 period (ca. 86,000–83,000 yr B.P.), suggesting limited hydrological activity or different rainfall sources. During the transition from MIS 5 to glacial MIS 4 (ca. 83,000–65,000 yr B.P.), Frasassi δ18O values decreased while others increased, aligning with Northern Hemisphere temperature trends. A pronounced isotopic event between ca. 54,500 and 52,500 yr B.P., marked by warming and pluvial conditions, was consistent across the Mediterranean but followed by a shift to colder conditions. The study highlights regional climate variability during the last glacial and early Holocene transition, with instability evident in Frasassi δ13C oscillations.

Kudielka, G., Bar-Matthews, M., Gilmour, M., Ayalon, A., Koeberl, C., & Montanari*, A. (2019). Implications for central Italy paleoclimate from 95,000 yr B.P. until the early Holocene as evident from Frasassi Cave speleothems. 250 Million Years of Earth History in Central Italy: Celebrating 25 Years of the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco, 429–445. https://doi.org/10.1130/2019.2542(24)