COnstructing Proxy Records from Age models (COPRA)

TLDR

Reliable age models are essential for palaeoclimate reconstructions, yet existing interpolation methods are poorly reported and rarely translate age uncertainties into proxy uncertainties, and most algorithms cannot incorporate layer‑counted intervals to tighten age model confidence limits. The study introduces a framework for detecting and interactively handling age reversals and hiatuses, performing depth‑age modeling, and reconstructing proxy records. The framework employs Monte Carlo simulation and a translation procedure to assign precise timescales to climate proxies and propagate dating uncertainties into proxy value uncertainties. The framework integrates incremental relative dating to enhance age model precision, and the COPRA 1.0 software enables easy interactive application. Abstract.

Abstract

Abstract. Reliable age models are fundamental for any palaeoclimate reconstruction. Available interpolation procedures between age control points are often inadequately reported, and very few translate age uncertainties to proxy uncertainties. Most available modeling algorithms do not allow incorporation of layer counted intervals to improve the confidence limits of the age model in question. We present a framework that allows detection and interactive handling of age reversals and hiatuses, depth-age modeling, and proxy-record reconstruction. Monte Carlo simulation and a translation procedure are used to assign a precise time scale to climate proxies and to translate dating uncertainties to uncertainties in the proxy values. The presented framework allows integration of incremental relative dating information to improve the final age model. The free software package COPRA1.0 facilitates easy interactive usage.