Late Glacial/Early Holocene environmental changes in Thuringia, Germany: Stable isotope record and vegetation history

The 7 m thick sediment profile at Plinz in northern Thuringia (central Germany) covering the time span between 10,000 and at least 8000 14C years BP (about 11,600–9000 cal BP) was studied using radiocarbon, stable isotopes and pollen analysis. The results reflect the very fast climatic transition from the Late Glacial to the Holocene as a change from cold and dry to warmer and wetter conditions. A short climatic deterioration during the Preboreal oscillation (PBO) at around 9800 14C years BP is clearly reflected by a sharp drop in the Pinus concentration accompanied by a considerable increase in Betula, Salix, various herbs and the distinct occurrence of aquatic plants. During the Preboreal stable isotopes of biogenic carbonate show several episodes with altered levels of atmospheric moisture. Continuous climatic improvement without any oscillations can be suggested for the period covering the end of Preboreal and the Boreal.