Abstract
Holocene records from two lakes on the Faroe Islands were investigated to determine regional climatic variability:
the fairly wind-exposed Lake Starvatn on Streymoy and the more sheltered Lake Lykkjuvo¨tn on Sandoy.
Sediment cores were analysed for content of biogenic silica, organic carbon and clastic material, and magnetic
susceptibility. In addition, a new qualitative proxy for past lake ice cover and wind activity was developed using
the flux of clastic grains that are larger than 255 mm. Both long-term and short-term climatic developments were
similar between the two lakes, suggesting a response to a regional climate signal. The long-term climate
development is characterized by early Holocene rapid warming followed by Holocene climatic optimum
conditions ending around 8300 cal. yr BP. A more open landscape as evidenced from increased sand grain influx
in the period 8300/7200 cal. yr BP could reflect the aftermath of the 8200 cal. yr BP event, although the event
itself is not recognized in either of the two lake records. From around 7200 cal. yr BP the mid-Holocene climate
deterioration is observed and from 4200 cal. yr BP the climate deteriorated further with increased amplitude of
centennial cooling episodes.
the fairly wind-exposed Lake Starvatn on Streymoy and the more sheltered Lake Lykkjuvo¨tn on Sandoy.
Sediment cores were analysed for content of biogenic silica, organic carbon and clastic material, and magnetic
susceptibility. In addition, a new qualitative proxy for past lake ice cover and wind activity was developed using
the flux of clastic grains that are larger than 255 mm. Both long-term and short-term climatic developments were
similar between the two lakes, suggesting a response to a regional climate signal. The long-term climate
development is characterized by early Holocene rapid warming followed by Holocene climatic optimum
conditions ending around 8300 cal. yr BP. A more open landscape as evidenced from increased sand grain influx
in the period 8300/7200 cal. yr BP could reflect the aftermath of the 8200 cal. yr BP event, although the event
itself is not recognized in either of the two lake records. From around 7200 cal. yr BP the mid-Holocene climate
deterioration is observed and from 4200 cal. yr BP the climate deteriorated further with increased amplitude of
centennial cooling episodes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Boreas |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 23-34 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| ISSN | 0300-9483 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |