The trace-element composition of a Polish stalagmite: Implications for the use of speleothems as a record of explosive volcanism

Paine, Alice R.; Baldini, James U.L.; Wadsworth, Fabian B.; Lechleitner, Franziska A.; Jamieson, Robert A.; Baldini, Lisa M.; Brown, Richard J.; Müller, Wolfgang; Hercman, Helena; Gąsiorowski, Michał; Stefaniak, Krzysztof; Socha, Paweł; Sobczyk, Artur; Kasprzak, Marek

doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120157

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Interplenivistulian conditions, fostering birch and willow growth, potentially fuelled zinc accumulation 74 , 75 . LA-ICP-MS analysis of cave stalagmites showed varying zinc levels in drip waters 76 . Zinc concentrations peaked sporadically at 150–180 ppm during the 3.0–0.3 ka period 76 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Fate and preservation of the Late Pleistocene cave bears from Niedźwiedzia Cave in Poland, through taphonomy, pathology, and geochemistry

Marciszak,

Mackiewicz,

Borówka

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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This comprehensive study examines fossil remains from Niedźwiedzia Cave in the Eastern Sudetes, offering detailed insights into the palaeobiology and adversities encountered by the Pleistocene cave bear Ursus spelaeus ingressus. Emphasising habitual cave use for hibernation and a primarily herbivorous diet, the findings attribute mortality to resource scarcity during hibernation and habitat fragmentation amid climate shifts. Taphonomic analysis indicates that the cave was extensively used by successive generations of bears, virtually unexposed to the impact of predators. The study also reveals that alkaline conditions developed in the cave during the post-depositional taphonomic processes. Mortality patterns, notably among juveniles, imply dwindling resources, indicative of environmental instability. Skeletal examination reveals a high incidence of forelimb fractures, indicating risks during activities like digging or confrontations. Palaeopathological evidence unveils vulnerabilities to tuberculosis, abscesses, rickets, and injuries, elucidating mobility challenges. The cave’s silts exhibit a high zinc concentration, potentially derived from successive bear generations consuming zinc-rich plants. This study illuminates the lives of late cave bears, elucidating unique environmental hurdles faced near their species’ end.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…LA-ICP-MS analysis of cave stalagmites showed varying zinc levels in drip waters 76 . Zinc concentrations peaked sporadically at 150–180 ppm during the 3.0–0.3 ka period 76 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%