Throughout the project timeline covering the work packages (WP) 1 to 7, an exhaustive dataset was generated through a multi-proxy approach of isotope and trace element geochemistry using Holocene-aged (U-Th geochronology) stalagmites. Also, the WPs concerning the ethics requirements (D1.1 D1.2 and D 1.3) and the data management plan (DMP) have been provided.
The beneficiary set up a METU-hosted project website (WP1-D1) and developed a detailed budget plan (D2) for the research to implement the project. Project management/monitoring continued for the entire time span of the project and budget planning was established during the first two months.
Field studies (WP2), aimed collection of speleothems, cave water, and host rock samples, were carried out in June–July 2019. The list and photographs of the visited sites are available on the project website. As previously provided through the D 1.2 all permits for research in caves were obtained prior to the fieldwork. Further, as provided with D 1.3 all necessary measures were taken regarding health and safety throughout field studies.
Target caves visited from and nearby archeological sites (e.g. one near Sırtlanini Cave) were explored in collaboration with local archeologists and ministry personnel. A total of 18 stalagmite, 6 host rock and 4 water samples were collected (D3). Cave monitoring was performed in the Sırtlanini Cave for one year, where most suitable stalagmites were collected from (D3).
A total of 26 microsamples (from 10 stalagmites) were sent to the University of Queensland-UQ (Australia) for the first set of geochronological analyses (WP3-D4 and MS1). In the mean time, four cave water samples were sent to MERLAB (METU) for water isotope (H and O) analyses. After receiving initial age data from UQ, two Holocene-aged stalagmites were selected for detailed geochemical and geochronological analyses based on the research budget. Together with water isotope and age results, first interpretation phase of the project was completed (WP4).
During WP5, high-resolution microsampling was performed on selected stalagmites (D5) and microsamples were sent to laboratories for high-resolution stable isotope, high frequency dating, Sr isotope and LA-ICP MS trace element analyses (MS2). This work package was interrupted by a 6-month-long amendment due to COVID-19 pandemic, between May–November 2020. Retrieved monitoring indicated limited variation in temperature (~18 0C) and ~90% humidity (WP2). Since the laboratory analyses were postponed due to COVID-19 regulations both in Australia and Turkey, complete analytical data was received late during WP7. This limited the time allocated for the second interpretation phase. One stalagmite (SRT-5) from Sırtlanini Cave was examined in detail for reconstruction of climate between ~1800–111 years before present-BP, covering the Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman Rule in Anatolia. Reconstructed isotope profile revealed isotopic enrichments coincident with severely cold winters during the Little Ice Age at the time of Ottoman Rule. Another stalagmite SRT-4 grew between 5733- and 577-years BP, showing isotopic anomalies during the 3.2 ka event. Petrographic analyses were performed on both samples (D6). Finally, high resolution trace element analyses and Hg analyses were obtained from SRT-5 to explore possible sources of trace elements and anthropogenic signatures, distinguishing between natural and human-related tracers. Manuscripts (MS3 and MS4) presenting project findings and interpretations focusing on distinct climate change periods (e.g. 3.2 ka event and Little Ice Age) are currently in preparation and will be submitted to open access journals.
Communication strategies (C1–C3) of the project have been fulfilled by publication of the project website (C1), public engagements with the local authorities (C2), and by a two-day international workshop (entitled “Advances in Karst Research”) (C3) at the 23rd month of the project. Further public outreach activities included an interview for the Horizon Magazine (March 2020) and invited talks in May 2021 and November 2020.
At the end of the project, 3 conference papers were published (vEGU2021 poster is attached), 2 journal papers are in preparation, 1 online Horizon Magazine story was published, and 2 invited talks were delivered. The conferences, online story, key analytical findings, and workshop talks are shared through the project website. The beneficiary also participated to an online Turkish interview on a science channel “BolBilim” on Youtube in March 2021.
