See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Assessment of Speleothem Paleoenvironment Proxies Using Studies in Modern Karst Systems
Abstract:
Having demonstrated that speleothem calcite oxygen isotope ratios are sensitive to tropical cyclone precipitation, stalagmites may be poised to break new ground in hurricane-climate research. To advance the study of hurricane-climate interactions, we must assess the utility of stalagmite isotopic records for reconstructing aspects of paleo-hurricane activity, such as landfall dates or frequency, storm intensity, and rainfall amount. I present initial assessments of the overall reliability of the stalagmite tropical cyclone proxy and the quality of various hurricane proxy signals given currently available data and sampling techniques. It is also vital to understand the conditions that limit the usefulness of stalagmites as storm recorders. The history of late 20th century tropical cyclone strikes and inter-stalagmite comparison together provide essential constraints on this application. I will also discuss the influence of potentially limiting factors on the resulting speleothem parameters and the implications of tropical cyclone infiltration for the fidelity of lower resolution speleothem paleoclimatology in affected regions.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Assessment of Speleothem Paleoenvironment Proxies Using Studies in Modern Karst Systems