High-resolution record of stable isotopes in soil carbonates reveals environmental dynamics in an arid region (central Iran) during the last 32 ka

Although central Iran is pivotal for palaeoclimatic correlations, palaeoenvironmental data this region very sparse and a reliable chronology pedogenic features lacking. We therefore tried to answer the question how environmental conditions and, in particular, climate developed over time by using isotopic signatures of carbonates. present carbonates association with stable carbon oxygen isotopes both matrix coating relict palаeosol (Baharan palaeosol) understand dynamics changes during late Quaternary. The experienced several episodes leaching pedogenesis as reflected its morphology (carbonate coatings under rock fractions) geochemical characteristics (Ba/Sr ratios). δ 18 O values upper 60 cm (especially 20 cm) pedon are enriched (∼4‰) compared subsoil mainly related impact evaporation. Moreover, 13 C disequilibrium modern vegetation cover (desert shrubs) study area different degrees. top formed input atmospheric CO 2 calcareous dust while deeper an environment exhibiting higher contribution 4 plants. Based on radiocarbon carbonate coatings, it seems that three main stages occurred last 32 ka. first stage lasted ca. 5,000 years (between 31.6 26.0 ka) was accompanied deep sub-humid climatic expansion Under dominance semi-arid second until Holocene, gradual increase aridity region. phase Holocene characterised establishment arid evaporative cover. A correlation composition secondary from Baharan palaeosol, Soreq Cave (the Levant) Hoti (Oman; having speleothems records) suggested connection between eastern Mediterranean Pleistocene northern Oman Holocene.