Annual to sub-annual resolution of multiple trace-element trends in speleothems

This study aims to establish evidence For the widespread existence of prese rved high-resolution trace element variations in speleothems that may have climatic significance. Ion microprobe analysis of speleothems reveals that annual to sub-annual variations in element chemistry exist at five, shallow western European cave sites (Crag Cave. County Kerry and Ballynamintra, Co unty Waterford, Ireland; Uamh an Tartair, Sutherland. Scotland; Grotte Pere -Noel, Belgium, Grotta di Ernesto, NE Italy) with widely varying climatic, geomorphic and geological settings. The variations are not restricted to sp ecies (Mg, Sr and Ba) known to substitute directly for Ca in the calcite la ttice, but include H, F, Na and P. Phosphorus (as phosphate) displays the g reatest variability and may have the most significance as a proxy for the s easonal temperature cycle because of its role as a nutrient element. The te chnique allow's estimation of growth rate of speleothems at any interval of interest, which is one of several possible uses in palaeoclimatology.