Middle Holocene climate variability from a stalagmite from Alilica Cave (Southern Balkans)

We present a stable isotope (delta 13C and delta18O) and growth rate record from a southern Balkans stalagmite, LID1, deposited between ca. 8.4 and 4.1 ka. Both stable isotope time series show significant changes at the centennial-millennial time scale, which are broadly consistent with variations in growth rate. The delta 13C signal and the growth rate appear related to soil-vegetation development over the cave catchment, influenced by regional temperature and hydrological variations. Also for the delta 18O record, a hydrological significance is proposed and particularly a dependence from the amount of precipitation at the cave site appears likely. Comparison of the multiproxy record from LID with regional hydroclimatic and temperature records shows both similarities and differences. Similarities appear related to the influences of large-scale atmospheric patterns such as the strength of the Siberian High and of the North Atlantic Oscillation, both exerting effects on local climate parameters like temperature, precipitation amount and seasonality. Differences arises from the complex interplay of different climatic regimes and of local conditions. Frequency analyses of the stable isotope time series shows periodicities similar to those related to solar activity, suggesting a solar modulation for the observed variability. Overall, the presented LID1 record adds a piece in the puzzle of the regional paleo climatic framework for the Middle Holocene in the Mediterranean region.