An early glacial maximum during the last glacial cycle on the northern Velebit Mt. (Croatia)

Comprehensive glacial Quaternary studies involving geochronological methods, modelling of ice topography with the support field geomorphological and geological data in Balkan Peninsula are relatively scarce, although there is evidence past glaciations several mountain ranges. Here, we present research on extent timing northern Velebit Mt. coastal Croatia inferences climate during that time. Based sedimentological using cosmogenic 36 Cl surface exposure dating moraine boulders, provide an empirical reconstruction glaciers compare this Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM) simulations under different palaeoclimate forcings. The results show reached their maximum last cycle before global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). likely correlates Marine Isotope Stage 5–4, exact cannot be determined at point due to poorly known site- time-specific denudation rates. Empirical suggests area covered by was ~116 km 2 . The-best fit PISM simulation indicates most scenario for size form a cooling ~8 °C 10% reduction precipitation from present-day levels. However, best-fit does not correctly model all mapped margins when changes climatological parameters applied uniformly across domain, potentially reflecting palaeoprecipitation pattern today. • Northern LGM. minimum ages 16.5 ± 1.6 ka, 52.6 9.3 57.0 11.0 ka 94.0 24.0 ka. limit MIS 5–4. colder ~10% drier than