engleski

Determination of the paleotemperature in Beagle Channel (Argentina) through stable isotope composition of Mytilus edulis shells

The paper presents surface water paleotemperatures of the Beagle Channel in the last 6000 years by using the isotopic composition (18O) of Mytilus edulis shells from archaeological shell middens. The accumulation of these 30-40 mm shells is the result of the exploitation of marine resources by aborigine people in the Fuegian archipelago. The age of shells was determined by radiocarbon measurement of associated charcoal. The isotopic composition of the present shells collected in the period 1988-1993 from the water near shell middens is determined in order to use them in paleotemperature calculation. The results obtained do not indicate any significant changes of temperature during the studied period. However, a slightly lower temperature (0.8°C) of superficial sea water compared with the present temperatures was observed.

quaternary; Beage Channel; radiocarbon; stable isotopes; paleotemperature; shells

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