Abstract: The elevations and ages of a sequence of three uplifted Pleistocene coral reefs on the Northwest Peninsula of Haiti have been determined. With the assignment of a sea level of +6 meters (relative to the present day) at 130,000 years before present and constant uplift of the reefs, the data indicate that sea level stood –10 and –13 meters at 108,000 and 81,000 years before present, respectively. These results are in substantial agreement with those reported for Barbados and New Guinea and support the hypothesis of constant uplift for each area. Sea level data from raised reefs indicate that the interglacial marine oxygen isotope oscillations during oxygen isotope stage 5 are a result of 30 percent ice volume effects and 70 percent temperature effects.

Abstract: Modern pollen surface samples from six lake and marsh sites in the northern California Coast Ranges establish a linear relation between elevation and the oakl(oak + pine) pollen ratio. Modern temperature and precipitation lapse rates were used to convert variations in the pollen ratio into temperature and precipitation changes. Pollen data from two cores from Clear Lake, Lake County, California, spanning the past 40,000 and 130,000 years were used to estimate temperature and precipitation changes through the last full glacial cycle. The maximum glacial cooling is estimated to be 7 ° to 8 ° C; the last full interglacial period was about 1.5 ° C warmer than the Holocene, and a mid-Holocene interval was warmer than the present. The estimated precipitation changes are probably less reliable than the estimated temperature changes .

Abstract: A palynological study of a Late Pleistocene sequence in the Hula Basin yielded 15 palynological zones The first five, with low AP levels, were correlated with the greater part of the last interglacial The later, with high AP levels, revealed two main humid fluctuations, and were correlated with the early phases of the last glacial, up to approximately 45 000 YBP The very humid conditions at the beginning of the last glacial may explain the erosional phase between Lower and Upper Mousterian layers in the caves of northern Israel

Abstract: Over 180 $^{230}$ Th/ $^{234}$ U ages have been obtained for 87 speleothems from caves in the Craven district of northwest England. Periods of abundant speleothem growth, 0-13, 90-135 and 170 to > 350 ka, are correlated with interglacial isotope stages 1, 5 and 7-9 respectively. Periods of zero growth, 14-35 and 140-165 ka, are correlated with glacial stages 2 and 6 respectively. A prominent break in growth of one speleothem, dated at about 260 ka, may be correlated with glacial stage 8. Lower-frequency growth from 35 to 90 ka is correlated with stages 3 and 4. The results may also be related to the British Quaternary sequence within the range of $^{14}$ C determinations, as follows: 0-13 ka. Flandrian plus late Devensian deglaciation; 14-35 ka, late Devensian glaciation; 35-45 ka. Upton Warren interstadial. Low but finite speleothem abundance during the period 45-90 ka correlates with the early Devensian and is in good agreement with evidence indicating the non-glacial, but tundra-like, climate over this period. The Ipswichian interglacial is broadly related to the abundant growth period 90-135 ka, but is more closely defined by the interval 115-135 ka, from results of dating speleothems enclosing remains of Ipswichian fauna in one cave. By analogy with the zero speleothem abundance during the late Devensian glaciation, the period 140-165 ka may be tentatively correlated with the Wolstonian glaciation. Lack of direct stratigraphic relationships with, or absolute ages of, middle to early Pleistocene stages prevents further correlation of speleothem age data. From the frequency of abundance of speleothem basal ages for the period 0-13 ka, it appears that speleothem growth lags ice recession by up to 4 ka.

Abstract: According to the astronomical theory of palaeoclimates, the glacial–interglacial oscillations of the Pleistocene have their origin in the insolation forcing caused by the orbital variations of the Earth1. The potential response of the climatic system to the resulting insolation perturbations has been investigated mainly using zonally-averaged energy balance models (EBM)2–6. Atmospheric general circulation models (GCM) include many essential processes (such as the hydrological cycle) neglected in EBMs, but, because of their high computational cost, can be used only for ‘snapshot’ reconstructions of climate at certain times in the past. We show here that the climatic transition at the end of the last interglacial is a particularly relevant period for GCM studies of the sensitivity of climate to the astronomical variations of insolation. We have used a low-resolution spectral GCM to simulate two annual cycles with the insolation conditions of 125,000 yr BP and 115,000 yr BP. For the 115-kyr simulation we find an annual mean cooling over Canada of more than 2 K and increased precipitation. We suggest that such a pattern of response to the insolation changes would favour the extension of permanent snow cover over the Labrador area and could have triggered formation of the Laurentide ice sheet.

Abstract: Sediment cores of late Quaternary age from the continental margin and deep sea (Bounty Trough) southeast of New Zealand reveal an alternating sequence of glacial and interglacial sediments. During glacial episodes of lowered sea level, glaciation in the Southern Alps was at its peak, and east coast rivers delivered enormous volumes of terrigenous sediments to the shelf edge. At these times, sediments of the deep adjacent basins were dominated by micaceous hemipelagic deposits with a low biogenic component consisting mostly of siliceous remains (radiolaria and sponge spicules). Planktonic foraminifera, although present, were much reduced in abundance because of increased dissolution, as in deeper water subantarctic cores farther to the south. Cool-water forms dominated. During interglacial episodes, terrigenous sediment supply to the deep basins was reduced in response to higher sea levels and as glaciers retreated and deposited much of their loads in newly formed glacial lakes and on the plains. Terrigenous sediment dilution of the biogenic portion was thus much reduced. Calcium carbonate dissolution also was reduced. These processes, in combination, led to the deposition of foraminifera-rich hemipelagic sediments. Siliceous biogenic productivity decreased. Thus, the late Quaternary marine sediment record in the area adjacent to southeast New Zealand is dominated by paleoclimatic influences that control terrigenous input, calcium carbonate dissolution, biogenic productivity, and the migration of planktonic assemblages.

Abstract: Although the history of carbonate dissolution has been studied for many years, few records of dissolution through an entire glacial cycle are available for the western North Atlantic (North American Basin). Using 14 cores from the Muir and Siboney Seamounts, located about 240 km northeast of Bermuda, changes in carbonate dissolution were examined over the last 125,000 years. The core depth range spans more than 3000 m, 1780 m-4980 m, insuring that major changes in dissolution will be recorded. Weight percent carbonate was plotted as a function of water depth for five stratigraphically defined levels to determine temporal changes in the sedimentary lysocline and calcite compensation depth (CCD). During the Holocene, the lysocline is located between 4050 m and 4350 m; the CCD is not pre ent even in the deepest sample (4980 m). The late glacial ( 18,000 years B.P.) lysocline may have shoaled to about 2500 m, whereas during early glacial time ( 72,000 years B.P) it deepened to about 3400 m. The mid-glacial carbonate maximum ( 60,000 years B.P; interstadial?) is marked by a deepening of the lysocline to about 3800 m. During the entire glacial episode, the CCD aappears to have remained fixed at 4650 m. The last interglacial ( 125,000 years B.P) was a time favorable to carbonate preservation; the lysocline was deeper than 4650 m, the deepest core containing sediments of this age Increased glacial dissolution appears to result from changes in deep circulation. The establishment of the CCD during glacial time is interpreted as indicating increased Antarctic Bottom Water flow. The lysocline, on the other hand, may reflect the degree of stagnation of North Atlantic Deep Water.

Abstract: Semiahmoo and Dashwood drifts were deposited during the penultimate glaciation, and Highbury Sediments and Muir Point Formation during the last interglacial. These sediments are defined and described, and stratotypes are established for them.Based on arboreal pollen assemblages, lithologic similarity, and relative stratigraphic position, Semiahmoo Drift of the Fraser Lowland is tentatively correlated with Dashwood Drift of Vancouver Island. Stone provenance, till fabrics, glaciotectonic structures, cross-bedding, and stone imbrication indicate that regional ice and meltwater flowed out of major fiords in the Coast Mountains and into the ancestral Strait of Georgia during the penultimate glaciation. Ice flowed southeastward against the east coast of Vancouver Island, and down the axis of the strait. Pollen and molluscs in Semiahmoo and Dashwood fossiliferous muds give evidence of transition from glaciomarine to marine conditions at the close of the penultimate glaciation.Highbury Sediments of the Fraser Lo...

Abstract: In the vast region of East and southern Africa the alternating glacial and interglacial periods of the Quaternarv were characterized by considerable changes in temperature and precipitation. During the last glacial maximum the influence of the ITCZ was limited, while the circulation systems were strengthened. The ocean surface waters were cooler and the Benguela Current was activated. In the montane areas of East Africa and also in southern Africa the temperature dropped by about 6°C. During this hypothermal period, rainfall on the east African plateau and mountains diminished. Summer precipitation could still penetrate the eastern half of southern Africa from the Indian Ocean, while the western half was arid to semi-arid. Cyclonic winter rain migrated further north beyond the latitude of the Orange River. The consequences of these climatic changes during the last glacial maximum were that the woodlands of East Africa opened up. On the plateau of South Africa austro-afroalpine vegetation dominated. The south coastal plain was very windy and cold to temperate, while the Namib and Kalahari were respectively hyper-arid and semi-humid. During hyperthermals the vegetation pattern resembled present-day conditions more closely.

Abstract: The Duck Hawk Bluffs, of southwestern Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, record a succession of late Tertiary – Quaternary events. Organic-bearing sediments of eolian, fluvial, and lacustrine origin that overlie the Late Cretaceous Kanguk Formation and the Miocene Beaufort Formation record preglacial events of Pliocene and (or) early Quaternary age and are assigned to the Worth Point Formation. These are covered by glacial sediments of the Duck Hawk Bluffs Formation associated with the Banks Glaciation, the oldest of the three recognized glaciations to reach the island. Associated with the glacial deposits are marine or glaciomarine sediments deposited in the glacio-isostatically depressed area as the ice both advanced and retreated. These sediments are in turn covered by interglacial sediments (Morgan Bluffs Formation), by marine deposits (Big Sea sediments associated with the Thomsen Glaciation), and by younger interglacial sediments (Cape Collinson Formation). Events associated with the e...

Abstract: The late Quaternary sequence off eastern South Island, New Zealand, consists of ~ 100 m of alternating bluish gray pelagic oozes and greenish gray hemipelagic oozes that extend uninterruptedly back to the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary (0.73 m.y.). A very high resolution (-2400 yr.) record of sediment texture, calcium carbonate content, and planktonic and benthic foraminiferal oxygen and carbon isotope composition demonstrates an in-phase cyclical fluctuation between the sedimentary parameters that closely correspond to the pelagic-hemipelagic sedimentation cycles and the isotope composition. Pelagic oozes, formed during interglacial periods of high eustatic sea level, are characterized by calcareous microfossils, relative enrichment in sand and clay sizes, high carbonate contents, reduced δ18θ values, and increased 613C values. Hemipelagic oozes, associated with glacial episodes and lowered eustatic sea level, include common terrigenous material and siliceous microfossils, are enriched in silt sizes, have low carbonate contents, high δ18θ values, and low δ13 values. The history of alpine glaciations and associated erosion of the South Island of New Zealand, as expressed by the appearance of hemipelagic oozes, can be correlated directly with the major fluctuations of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets as expressed by the influence of eustatic sea-level changes on the oxygen isotope composition of both planktonic and benthic foraminifers. This high-accumulation-rate record contains conspicuous intervals of highfrequency, high-amplitude isotope variability including the presence of multiple glacial/interglacial intervals within single isotope stages, and offers one of the best sections cored to date for detailed study of the evolution and history of climate change over the last 0.75 m.y.

Abstract: Pech de l'Aze is a group of caves and rock shelters near Sarlat, in the Dordogne district of south-west France. In the cave Pech I there occurs a remanent of breccia containing Mousterian (middle Palaeolithic) artefacts of Denticulate and Typical varieties, overlying a travertine layer. We have used the 230Th/234U dating method to determine the age of this travertine: 123±15 kyr. This age is consistent with deposition of this travertine during isotope state 5e, the warmest substage of the last interglacial. We show here that this result is consistent with geological and palaeontological estimates of the age of sediments filling the cave1.

Abstract: In 1924 a Pleistocene deposit containing remains of spruce ( Picea ) and fruits of an arctic buttercup ( Ranunculus hyperboreus ) was discovered in a sewer trench in the grounds of Bembridge School, Isle of Wight (southern England). This deposit has been reinvestigated by means of two boreholes which show that the organic deposits rest directly on Bembridge Marls (Lower Oligocene) and are overlain by 3 m of head which is devoid of fossils. A new lithostratigraphical unit, the Steyne Wood Clay, is proposed for the organic deposit which lies between 38–40 m O.D. The contained fossils (pollen, plant macrofossils, diatoms, Mollusca, Ostracoda and Foraminifera) are described and demonstrate that this unit was deposited in an estuarine environment. The pollen spectra suggest that this occurred during the post-temperate zone of a Middle Pleistocene interglacial. The Steyne Wood Clay thus represents the highest fossiliferous intertidal deposit of Middle Pleistocene age yet described from the British Isles. Its relationship with the Slindon-Goodwood Raised Beach and other related deposits which lie at a similar elevation is discussed.

Abstract: Southeastern Minnesota contains an extensive karst, developed in limestones and dolomites ranging in age from Early Ordovician to Middle Devonian. Preliminary results from U-series dated speleothems from caves within the karst show cyclic deposition of secondary calcium carbonate that coincides with cycles of late Pleistocene glaciation. Peak intervals of deposition, which broadly correlate with interglacial or interstadial climates, occur from the present to 13,000 yr B.P., from 35,000 to 70,000 yr B.P., from 90,000 to 170,000 yr B.P., and an undivided interval from 170,000 to 350,000 yr B.P. Intervals of little or no deposition are thought to reflect glacial climates. The youngest growth intervals can be interpreted in terms of known glacial records in the Midwest, but for the older intervals, where the glacial record is not well defined and beyond the range of radioactive dating, it becomes more difficult to correlate speleothem deposition to glacial cycles. Although the groups of ages are in general agreement with sea-level curves, the correlation is not exact. Local climatic conditions seem to have had as much importance in determining when deposition occurred as did the major climatic cycles recorded in the marine record.

Abstract: The earliest recognizable Quaternary sediments in Spitsbergen, dated by the thermoluminescence method for about 413, 000 years BP and composed of marine clays, are ascribed to the Torellkjegla (=Holstein, Mazovian) Interglacial. These clays are overlain by deposits of the Wedel Jarlsberg Land glaciations (=Saalian, Middle-Polish glaciations), dated by the thermoluminescence method for 313,000 to 220,000 years BP. The maximum of the Sorkapp Land (=Weichselian, Vistulian) Glaciation an Spitsbergen was certified for about 45,000 to 40,000 years BP. An attempt of correlation of the Spitsbergen glaciations with Scandinavian glaciations in Poland indicates a distinct convergence in time of the main Quaternary climatic fluctuations in the Artctic and in Central Europe.

Abstract: Two major problems of climatic history on time scales of 1–103 years have commanded recent attention, namely the abrupt transitions (of less than 100 years duration) between warm and cold phases, and the apparently simultaneous global increase or decrease of sensible heat flux and evaporation during glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) phases, respectively. A global geophysical feedback mechanism is proposed, based on recent evidence relating to oceanic upwelling (and downwelling). These data indicate a simultaneous increase or decrease in the atmospheric content of carbon dioxide and water vapour, both of which are responsible for changes in the ‘greenhouse effect’ in response to changes in the intensity of upwelling. Quantitative estimates are given of the variations in oceanic evaporation during the transition between the late-glacial and the Holocene. This feedback mechanism probably has caused significant changes of atmospheric CO2 and H2O on a time scale of about 100 years, leading to abrupt climatic fluctuations and marked variations in the heat budget of the ocean-atmosphere system.

Abstract: Summary. Pollen, plant macrofossils and Mollusca suggesting a mid-Ipswichian age are described from a clast of detritus mud found in gravels underlying the floodplain of the River Kennet at Thatcham, Berkshire. The clast of fluvial mud contained rich fossil assemblages giving evidence of deciduous forest habitats and fens, besides conditions within the river. Non-marine Mollusca from a sample of clay-silt from the interglacial site at Sandy Lane, Aveley are described. Thirteen species are added to the published list of Mollusca. Among these additions, Pseudamnicola confusa is important in providing the first evidence from the site of slightly brackish conditions. The fauna as a whole is similar to fluvial faunas of Ipswichian Interglacial age.

Abstract: Macrofossils and pollen have been recovered from a glacial till in Jackson Co., Illinois, assigned to the Early Illinoian Liman Substage. The assemblage is dominated by bryophyte and vascular plant taxa of boreal and boreal-temperate distributions. A few taxa of temperate distribution are also present. The boreal elements are evidently from a glacial period (presumably the Early Illinoian); it is not entirely clear whether the other members of the flora are contemporaneous with the boreal plants or are redeposited from interglacial sediments. Overall, the assemblage is ecologically consistent, and is similar to Late Wisconsinan macrofossil floras in eastern and central North America. Habitats and communities indicated by the assemblage include hardwater lake, calcareous wetland and spruce-fir-tamarack forest or woodland.