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During the last 10 years or so, magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements of cave sediments from archaeological sites have been used for intrasite correlation and paleoclimate estimation. This is possible, if the context is appropriate, because the MS of these sediments result from climate processes active outside caves causing variations in magnetic properties of the sediments ultimately accumulating inside of caves. Once deposited, these materials are preserved, and their stratigraphy provides a climate proxy that can be extracted. Here, using the magnetosusceptibility event and cyclostratigraphy (MSEC) method and graphic correlation, we present a paleoclimatic framework for the last 40,000 years for southern Europe and demonstrate the intersite correlation power of the method. Our preliminary result for southern Europe represents climate fluctuations from ϳ43,000 to ϳ3,000 yr B.P. (we use here uncalibrated ages). The results correlate well with independent climate indicators, and because these data are robust, they can be used in relative dating. ᭧

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We have sampled Upper and Middle Paleolithic sediments in Caldeirão Cave, Portugal, for paleoclimatic analysis. This work involved measuring magnetic susceptibility (MS) on continuous vertical profiles of a series of ∼8 cc sediment samples, and using the MS data as a paleoclimate proxy. Previous work has shown that caves can be ideal recorders of paleoclimatic variations because they are protected environments. Pedogenesis outside the cave during time of cool climate produces sediments with low MS magnitudes, while warmer climates yield higher MS magnitudes. Eroded soils collect in caves in sediment sequences where futher pedogenesis and biological disturbance is minimal. Continuously sampled profiles of those sediments found in an archaeological context then allow paleoclimatic estimates for all archaeological levels. Results of our work here include identification of the last glacial maximum, at ca. 24,000–22,000 B.P. (calibrated), defined by very low MS values found in basal Solutrean levels in the cave. Distinctive ca. 2500 year Neo‐glacial cycles, defined by the MS data within the Early Upper Paleolithic and Solutrean, are consistent with published 14C duration estimates for the Upper Paleolithic in Caldeirão Cave. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.