Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstructions from Belgian peatbog

Abstract

Atmospheric deposition is an important part of the global climate system, and plays a key role in the marine and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles as a source for major and trace nutrient elements. Reconstruction of atmospheric deposition is crucial to understand the effects of the increased atmospheric depositions induced by humans on the environment and to help understanding Holocene climate variability. This study investigated potential paleoenvironmental proxies provided by major and trace elements and stable isotopes compositions of peat bogs. Peat bog cores were collected from Hautes-Fagnes plateau (Misten bog) (SE-Belgium). The analyses of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and lithogenic element concentrations as well as Nd isotopes were performed by HR-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS respectively, in a 7 m peat section representing 7300 years, dated by 210Pb and 14C methods. The Misten bog is highly affected by atmospheric supplies (natural and anthropogenic) and can be used to establish the changes in atmospheric dust during the Mid-Late Holocene. Dust fluxes show pronounced increase at 3200-2800BC, 600BC, AD600, 1000AD, 1200AD and from 1700 AD corresponding to local and regional human activities combined with climate change. Peat humification and testate amoebae were used to evaluate hydroclimatic conditions. The Nd values show large variability, between -5 and –13, identifying three major sources of dust: local soils, distal volcanic and desert particles. Our results provide evidence that climate forcing may be detected in ombrotrophic peat, even for the historical period that is characterised by a mixed climate-human control