High‐resolution reconstruction of 8.2‐ka BP event documented in Père Noël cave, southern Belgium

ABSTRACT A distinct shift in δ 18 O, δ 13 C and trace element contents of the Père Noël (PN) stalagmite from southern Belgium revealed an abrupt climatic anomaly at 8.13 ± 0.03 ka BP (before present = before 1950 AD). This anomaly is characterized by a maximum drop in the δ 18 O (−1.4‰ compared the mean) between 8.13 and 8.10 ka BP (±0.03). This drop of δ 18 O coincides with a decrease in δ 13 C and trace element (Sr, Ba and Mg) concentrations suggesting drier conditions. Our precise chronology provides the timing of the outburst of proglacial lakes Agassiz and Ojibway that caused the δ 18 O, δ 13 C and trace elemental anomalies at 8.13–8.10 ± 0.03 ka BP, which corresponds to the 8.2‐ka BP event. The PN stalagmite bears δ 18 O values in fluid inclusions that covary with the δ 18 O values in calcite, suggesting that the speleothem calcite δ 18 O primarily reflects variations in the rainfall δ 18 O. Comparison of the PN record with different marine and terrestrial archives during the 8.2‐ka BP event shows a good agreement in timing and duration, suggesting that the PN speleothem can be regarded as a valuable proxy to better understand the 8.2‐ka BP event.