Abstract

A multi-proxy approach based on organic (organic carbon, alkenones, and C/N) and inorganic geochemical proxies (biogenic opal, inorganic carbon, Fe, Ti, and Ca) preserved in the sediments of the Jacaf channel (CF7-PC33; 44°21′S, 72°58′W, 510 m water depth), Chilean fjords, yields evidence of major past productivity fluctuations in accordance with climatic changes over the last ∼1800 years. The downcore record clearly shows two productivity/climate modes. The first period, prior to 900 cal yr BP, is characterized by decreased marine productivity and a reduced continental signal, pointing to diminished precipitation and runoff. In contrast, the second period between ∼750 cal yr BP and the late 1800s (top of core) is illustrated by elevated productivity and an increased continental signal, suggesting higher precipitation and runoff. Both time intervals are separated by a relatively abrupt transition of ∼150 years which roughly coincides with the beginning of the Little Ice Age. The increased content of freshwater diatoms and Chrysophyte cysts that characterize the last 200 years of the latter mode coincides with a significant decrease in the carbonate content of the sediment; together they further indicate increased terrigenous contributions and decreased marine carbonate productivity at the end of the Little Ice Age. The correspondence between our record and other paleoclimate studies carried out in South America and Antarctica demonstrates that the Chilean fjord area of Northern Patagonia is not just sensitive to local climatic variability but also to regional and possibly global variability. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.