Paleo Slide Sets

Paleo Slide Set: Climate and the Classic Maya Civilization

Interpretation of how changes in the lake sediment record detail climate change

This illustration shows the simple working assumptions for interpreting changes in the sediment record in terms of climate (evaporation/precipitation). Top: Under conditions of wet climate (low E/P), we expect high lake levels, dilute concentrations of solutes, low ¹⁸O to ¹⁶Oratios in lake water and aquatic shells, and sediments consisting of mainly organic carbon and calcite. Middle: Under conditions of drier climate (moderate E/P), we expect lower lake levels, higher concentrations of dissolved solutes, higher ratios of ¹⁸O and ¹⁶O, and perhaps sediments dominated by calcite. Bottom: Under arid climate conditions (high E/P), we expect low lake levels (perhaps desiccation), high dissolved solute concentrations, high ratios of ¹⁸O and ¹⁶O and, in the case of Lake Chichancanab, sediments dominated by gypsum (CaSO₄).

Photo Credits:
Patty Catanzaro
Department of Geology, University of Florida

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