QUANTITATIVE CLIMATE RECONSTRUCTION FROM POLLEN DATA IN THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG SINCE 15000 YR BP
Résumé
Monthly temperature and precipitation estimates for the period 15000-2000 yr BP are statistically derived from pollen analytical data obtained from a site near Echternach, Luxembourg. A continuous warming trend of over 10-degrees-C is recorded for the period 10 500-8000 yr BP, along with a rise in precipitation of 500 mm. A fairly constant temperature characterised the period between 8000 and 2000 yr BP, though an episode of slight temperature decrease (-2-degrees-C) occurred at about 4500 yr BP. The most humid intervals seem to have been at around 9000-7000 and 5000-3000 yr BP (principally during the warm season: more continental influence). In contrast with results obtained from more southerly sites, the `Older Dryas' climatic reversal is clearly recorded at Echternach slightly before 12000 yr BP. It is marked by a cooling in July temperature of about 4-degrees-C and a decrease in monthly precipitation of about 30 mm (40%).