Late-Quaternary Climatic Trends and History of Lake Erie from Stable Isotope Studies

Abstract

Oxygen and carbon isotope measurements on mollusk and carbonate shells separated from a long sediment core in central Lake Erie document climatic changes of the Great Lakes region and the evolution of Lake Erie since deglaciation. On the basis of 18 O data, two major climatic improvements are recognized, one occurring between 13,000 and 12,000 years before the present (B.P.) and the other between 10,000 and 8,000 years B.P. Changing drainage patterns are also reflected in the 18 O contents of the Lake Erie water. Carbon isotopes reflect changes in aquatic vegetation and water depth. The settlement and industrialization of the Lake Erie drainage basin is documented in the 13 C and 18 O contents of modern mollusks.