Asynchronous responses of aquatic ecosystems to hydroclimatic forcing on the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract High-altitude ecosystems react sensitively to hydroclimatic triggers. Here we evaluated the ecological and hydrological changes in a glacier-influenced lake (Hala Hu, China) since last glacial. Rapid fluctuations of aquatic biomarker concentrations, ratios, hydrogen isotope values, from 15 14,000 8 5000 years before present, provided evidence for regime shifts hydrology. In contrast, most negative values terrestrial biomarkers were observed between 9 7,000 present. This shows that vapour sources increased precipitation amounts not relevant drivers behind ecosystem studied lake. Instead, receding glaciers meltwater discharge, driven by higher temperatures, caused pronounced responses. The within phytoplankton communities Late Glacial mid Holocene illustrate vulnerability comparable climatic changes. is assess future responses global warming.