Last glacial millennial-scale hydro-climate and temperature changes in Puerto Rico constrained by speleothem fluid inclusion <i>?</i><sup>18</sup>O and <i>?</i><sup>2</sup>H values

Abstract. We present speleothem fluid inclusion ?18Of and ?2Hf values from Larga Cave, Puerto Rico, that cover the interval between 46.2 15.3 ka on millennial scale, including Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) several stadial interstadial cycles. The data set can be divided in two main clusters of stable isotope compositions water with respect to global meteoric line (GMWL), which coincide strong variations content stalagmite. In particular, this clustering is found climate related, where one cluster comprises samples cold dry periods, such as Heinrich Greenland stadials (HSs GSs), well parts LGM, exhibit very high values. interpret enrichment being caused by evaporation inside cave due enhanced ventilation during these colder drier times. contrast, most corresponding warmer wetter interstadials (GIs), but also for some HS 2 3, plot modification “in-cave” are negligible. Consequently, recent glacial hydro-climate temperatures western tropical Atlantic constrained. general, inclusions up 3 ‰ higher than those modern drip water, interpreted a weaker atmospheric convective activity last period. addition, reconstructed suggest an average cooling 2–3 ?C LGM compared temperatures. Reconstructed yield ?1.4 ± 2.8 ?3.6 2.2 3. Higher further was dominated orographic rainfall and/or fronts, along weak or even absent activity. phases, reached nearly values, comparable only slightly today.