| Abstract: | Monthly temperature and precipitation estimates for the period 15000–2000 yr BP are statistically derived from pollen analytical data obtained from a site near Echternach, Luxembourg. A continuous warming trend of over 10°C is recorded for the period 10500—8000 yr BP, along with a rise in precipitation of 500 mm. A fairly constant temperature characterised the period between 8000 and 2000 yr BP, though an episode of slight temperature decrease (-2°C) occurred at about 4500 yr BP. The most humid intervals seem to have been at around 9000–7000 and 5000–3000 yr BP (principally during the warm season: more continental influence). In contrast with results obtained from more southerly sites, the ‘Older Dryas’ climatic reversal is clearly recorded at Echternach slightly before 12000 yr BP. It is marked by a cooling in July temperature of about 4°C and a decrease in monthly precipitation of about 30 mm (40%). |
