Stable Isotope Paleolimnology of Barry Lake, Ontario, Canada Since AD - 1268

Author

Zijun Liu, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geology

Supervisor

Dr. Fred Longstaffe

Abstract

The paleolimnology of Barry Lake, SE Ontario, Canada is described using mineralogy, magnetic susceptibility, carbon:nitrogen ratio, mass accumulation rates, grain-size, δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C of authigenic calcite and mollusc aragonite, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of organic matter, and archival records. These sediments span the Medieval Warm Period (MWP), Little Ice Age (LIA), and human settlement. Interval I proxies (AD 1268-1350, MWP) indicate warmer and drier conditions and elevated lacustrine production. Interval II (AD 1350-1615) was cooler and wetter, with lower lacustrine production and low-oxygen conditions causing loss of shelly fauna. Interval III (AD 1615-1850, LIA) was colder, with lower lacustrine production beginning at AD 1720, coincident with European activity beginning at AD 1830. Interval IV (AD 1850-2011) is marked by rising temperature and lacustrine production, declining human impact, and since AD ~1950, new nitrogen input (fertilizer?). These data provide a baseline for future change in climatic and anthropogenic factors affecting Barry Lake.

Recommended Citation

Liu, Zijun, "Stable Isotope Paleolimnology of Barry Lake, Ontario, Canada Since AD - 1268" (2016). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 3497.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/3497