Patterns of aeolian deposition in subtropical Australia through the last glacial and deglacial periods
Date
2021
Authors
Lewis, R.J.
Tibby, J.
Arnold, L.J.
Gadd, P.
Jacobsen, G.
Barr, C.
Negus, P.M.
Mariani, M.
Penny, D.
Chittleborough, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Quaternary Research, 2021; 102:68-90
Statement of Responsibility
Richard J. Lewis, John Tibby, Lee J. Arnold, Patricia Gadd, Geraldine Jacobsen, Cameron Barr
Conference Name
Abstract
Debate about the nature of climate and the magnitude of ecological change across Australia during the last glacial maximum (LGM; 26.5–19 ka) persists despite considerable research into the late Pleistocene. This is partly due to a lack of detailed paleoenvironmental records and reliable chronological frameworks. Geochemical and geochronological analyses of a 60 ka sedimentary record from Brown Lake, subtropical Queensland, are presented and considered in the context of climate-controlled environmental change. Optically stimulated luminescence dating of dune crests adjacent to prominent wetlands across North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) returned a mean age of 119.9 ± 10.6 ka; indicating relative dune stability soon after formation in Marine Isotope Stage 5. Synthesis of wetland sediment geochemistry across the island was used to identify dust accumulation and applied as an aridification proxy over the last glacial-interglacial cycle. A positive trend of dust deposition from ca. 50 ka was found with highest influx occurring leading into the LGM. Complexities of comparing sedimentary records and the need for robust age models are highlighted with local variation influencing the accumulation of exogenic material. An inter-site comparison suggests enhanced moisture stress regionally during the last glaciation and throughout the LGM, returning to a more positive moisture balance ca. 8 ka.
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Dissertation Note
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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 February 2021
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© University of Washington. Published by Cambridge University Press, 2021.