European tree-ring isotopes indicate unusual recent hydroclimate

Abstract In recent decades, Europe has experienced more frequent flood and drought events. However, little is known about the long-term, spatiotemporal hydroclimatic changes across Europe. Here we present a climate field reconstruction spanning entire European continent based on tree-ring stable isotopes. A pronounced seasonal consistency in response leads to unique, well-verified spatial of summer hydroclimate back AD 1600. We find three distinct phases variability as possible fingerprints solar activity (coinciding with Maunder Minimum end Little Ice Age) decadal superimposed by long-term drying trend from mid-20th century. show that (2015–2018) highly unusual multi-century context unprecedented for large parts central western The provides further evidence droughts potentially being influenced anthropogenic warming draws attention regional differences.