δ¹³C of Loess Organic Matter as a Potential Proxy for Paleoprecipitation

Abstract Paleoprecipitation reconstructions on the basis of pollen are well known, but they do not provide high temporal resolution for glacial periods. High-resolution paleoprecipitation reconstructions for the last glaciation based on the isotopic record organic matter in loess from Nussloch (Rhine Valley, Germany) are consistent with paleoprecipitation inferred from peat in the same area using an independant method. Thus, δ 13 C of loess organic matter can be used as a proxy for paleoprecipitation.