Ferdynandovian Interglacial climate reconstructions from pollen successions, stable‐isotope composition and magnetic susceptibility

The Ferdynandovian Interglacial is one of the most controversial Quaternary stratigraphic horizons in Europe. This study concentrates on palaeoclimatic reconstruction of this interglacial based on pollen succession, isotope composition and magnetic susceptibility. The section investigated is located in the open cast mine at Belchatow, central Poland. The lacustrine sequence contains laminated diatomite at the base, which was deposited in deep, meromictic lake, and massive diatomite to calcareous gyttja in its upper part. The latter were deposited in a holomictic lake, which became progressively more shallow. The gradual increase of δ 18 O values and simultaneous decrease of susceptibility in the lower part of the Ferdynandovian sequence at Belchatow correspond well with climatic amelioration documented by pollen analysis. Simultaneous increase of precipitation of carbonates and its δ 13 C values correspond well with the increase in biological activity in the lake. Results obtained by isotope investigations showed an increase in the mean annual temperature to a maximum of 7.5°C from the beginning of the interglacial to the first appearance of thermophilous, deciduous trees. The oxygen‐isotope curve does not show any short‐term climatic oscillations. Susceptibility oscillations are somewhat more distinct, but because the main magnetic carrier is greigite deposited on spores of unicellular organisms, they are linked to the concentration of these spores rather than with the climatic oscillations. Twelve secular cycles or their fragments have been recorded in the interglacial sequence by palaeomagnetic investigations, suggesting c . 9600 years of deposition. This corresponds well with the 10 000 years of deposition calculated for the same sequence based on annually laminated diatomites.