A late-Holocene multiproxy fire record from a tropical savanna, eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

Fire has a long history in Australia and is key driver of vegetation dynamics the tropical savanna ecosystems that cover one quarter country. reconstructions are required to understand ecosystem over term but these data lacking for extensive savannas northern Australia. This paper presents multiproxy palaeofire record Marura sinkhole eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, The constructed by combining optical methods (counts morphology macroscopic microscopic charcoal particles) chemical (quantification abundance stable isotope composition pyrogenic carbon hydrogen pyrolysis). novel combination measurements enables generation relative fire intensity investigate interplay between natural anthropogenic influences. comprises three main phases: 4600–2800 cal BP, 2800–900 BP 900 present. Highest incidence occurs at ~4600–4000 coinciding with regional records high effective precipitation, all proxies decline from time characterised variable intensities aligns archaeological evidence occupation nearby Blue Mud Bay. All significantly after BP. measures promising proxy sedimentary useful tool investigating potential regimes.