Holocene variability of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies in Argentinean Patagonia (52°S)

High-resolution analyses of allochthonous pollen input into crater lake sediments of Laguna Potrok Aike in the semi-arid Patagonian steppe reflect the variability of zonal wind intensities during the Holocene at 52 degrees southern latitude. These indicators for Southern Hemisphere westerlies (SHW) strength vary on centennial timescales in concert with carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios and titanium (Ti) contents, interpreted as differential organic matter sources and minerogenic input to the sediment, respectively. The correlations underline a linkage between hydrological variability and west wind variability in Extra-Andean Patagonia. A shift to generally more intense SHW suggests intensification towards modern wind conditions at that latitude since 9.2 ka cal BP. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.