High-Resolution ITRAX XRF Core Scanning Data and Palaeoclimatic Proxies from Gencali Palaeolake, Southwestern Anatolia

This dataset contains high-resolution ITRAX XRF core scanning profiles and radiocarbon dates from the Gencali palaeolake sequence in the Lake District of southwestern Anatolia. The data provides a continuous environmental record spanning the critical interval of the Middle Chalcolithic settlement hiatus (c. 5800–3700 cal BC). The dataset includes raw proxy data and standardized indexes for detrital elements indicating clastic input (Ti, Si, K, Rb, Zr), biological productivity indicators (Ba, P, S), and redox-sensitive elements (Co, Mn, Ni), along with carbonate indicators (Ca) and strontium (Sr). This data supports the argument that the Lake District was largely depopulated prior to the onset of the 6.2 ka climatic event, demonstrating that cultural shifts rather than acute environmental deterioration initiated the regional Middle Chalcolithic hiatus.