1
Q
Climate proxy record
cariaco basin
A
Sediment core from Venezuela
-> Ti and Fe measured = rainfall proxy
Higher Ti= > rainfall
because: warm N.Hemi = ITCZ shifted North
2
Q
Mayan Collapse
800 AD
A
Collapse of rainforest civilisation due to climate change Records: Yucatan You Balum Caves ATM Cave
3
Q
Yok Balum Cave
A
-directly in Mayan lowlands
-close to Mayan settlements
= good. Shows people dependant on rainfall
STALAGMITES / TITES
4
Q
Yok 1
A
Yok Balum cave stalagmite
-historical drought reflected in record; MEGADROUGHT @ 1000AD
—rainfall variation interpreted as ITCZ shift
Impact on civilisation:
Rainfall periods = stable
Drought = war
5
Q
Yok G
A
- 6x higher res than Yok 1 = excellent chronology
- annual Carbon isotope analysis
- seasonal resolution/variation
6
Q
ATM Cave
A
Mayan underworld Cave
-ceremonial paraphernalia w/ Calcite precipitated on them dated
—over time objects found deeper in Cave = climate worsens
