Palynology of sediment core MD01-2378

Climatic conditions in the western Timor Sea and the adjacent northwestern part of Australia are reconstructed for the last 460 ka, based on geochemical and palynological proxy records of paleoproductivity and land vegetation (precipitation) from IMAGES Core MD01-2378. Reduced precipitation and elevated productivity characterize glacial stages, whereas enhanced precipitation and reduced productivity are typical of interglacial stages. A long-term reduction in precipitation over the last 320 ka occurred in two steps at approximately 300 ka and 180 ka BP that are clearly recognizable in the pollen record. Variations in paleoproductivity and paleoclimate in the Timor Sea and adjacent landmasses appear to be driven by similar mechanisms that are related to the precession-controlled Australian monsoon system.