Hydroclimatic variability of opposing Late Pleistocene climates in the Levant revealed by deep Dead Sea sediments

Abstract. Annual and decadal-scale hydroclimatic variability describes key characteristics that are embedded into climate in situ is of prime importance subtropical regions. The study therefore crucial to understand its manifestation implications for derivatives such as hydrological phenomena water availability. However, the this from modern records limited due their relatively short span, whereas model simulations relying on dynamics could misrepresent some aspects. Here we annual decadal Levant using two sedimentary sections covering ? 700 years each, depocenter Dead Sea, which has been continuously recording environmental conditions since Pleistocene. We focus series annually deposited laminated intervals (i.e., varves) represent episodes opposing mean climates, during MIS2 lake-level rise fall at 27 18 ka, respectively. These comprise alternations authigenic aragonite precipitated summer flood-borne detrital laminae by winter floods. Within record, form a proxy inflow extent epilimnion dilution, comprised sub-laminae individual flooding events. depict distinct with increased variance flood frequency “wetter”, respect “dryer”, conditions, reflected opposite changes. In addition, decades intense (clusters) identified, reflecting impact shifting centennial-scale regimes, particularly pronounced wetter conditions. combined application multiple time analyses suggests studied characterized weak non-significant cyclical components sub-decadal frequencies. interpretation these observations synoptic-scale hydroclimatology Pleistocene changes resulted shifts dominance synoptic systems govern rainfall, eastern Mediterranean Sea over centennial timescales.