n-Alkane parameters from a deep sea sediment transect off southwest Africa reflect continental vegetation and climate conditions

► Isobathic transect off southwest Africa studied. ► n-Alkanes as a proxy for continental vegetation and climate conditions. ► Southward trend: increasing chain length, less negative carbon isotope composition. ► Alkane characteristics reflect changing contribution of different plants (C3 vs. C4). ► C4 contribution correlates with precipitation and aridity in potential catchments.