A review of the spatial distribution of and analytical techniques used in paleotempestological studies in the western North Atlantic Basin

Abstract

Paleotempestology, the study of past tropical cyclones (TCs) using geological proxy techniques, is a growing discipline that utilizes data from a broad range of sources. Most paleotempestological studies have been conducted using “established proxies,” such as grain-size analysis, loss-on-ignition, and micropaleontological indicators. More recently, however, researchers have been applying more advanced geochemical analyses, such as X-ray fluorescence core scanning and stable isotopic geochemistry, to generate new paleotempestological records. In this paper we begin by providing a list of paleotempestological studies for the western North Atlantic Basin and illustrate the spatial coverage of these studies. We then review the premises behind both established and new proxies and discuss their strengths and limitations at resolving past hurricane activity. Lastly, we suggest future directions for paleotempestological research based on our review of the literature that we argue will ultimately lead to a better understanding of TC dynamics under future climate change scenarios.

A novel protocol for mapping the spatial distribution of storm derived sediment in lakes

“…The considerable precipitation that accompanies storms often intensifies sediment erosion of the surrounding catchment and runoff delivery of coarser sediments to lakes [1,6], while strong storm winds are responsible for resuspending finer deep lake sediments through deepening the wave base [7][8][9]. Locating sediment archives that preserve such paleostorm signals in lakes systems can help with: (1) estimating the intensity and frequency of paleo-storms that occurred prior to human monitoring [10]; (2) placing current storm trends into a historical context; (3) modelling how known climate phenomena [e.g., Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)] modulate storminess; and, (4) anticipating future patterns [10,11].…”

Temporal approaches of historical extreme storm events based on sedimentological archives

“…As mentioned in many recent reviews (Clarke and Rendell, 2009;Kaniewski et al, 2016;Oliva et al, 2017;Xiong et al, 2018), this method has grown considerably since the 2000s, and is still widely used worldwide today. The United States, along the North American coasts and the Caribbean Sea (e.g.…”

“…This indicator is now also widely used in sedimentological studies of past cyclones (e.g. Das et al, 2013;Oliva et al, 2017;Xiong et al, 2018). Distinction between stormy and tsunami deposits is a problem still strongly debated today as these two marine deposits stay similar (Davies and Haslett, 2000;Lario et al, 2010;Xiong et al, 2018).…”

Atomic Spectrometry Update – a review of advances in environmental analysis

“…Two broad-based reviews have appeared in the year covered by this Update. In one (107 references), on the analytical techniques used in paleotempestology studies of past tropical cyclones in the western North Atlantic Basin, the analysis of tree rings was discussed 100 .…”