oa Multiproxy Characterization of Climatic Evolution in Central Africa from a Late Pleistocene Peat Core Record

This study presents a multiproxy lipid biomarker analysis from a Congo Basin peat core spanning form Late Pleistocene. Using lipid biomarkers such as GDGTs, hopanes and n-alkanes, we can reconstruct past environmental conditions and changes, including pH, temperature, vegetation shifts and hydroloclimate variabilities. Early results show dynamic depositional conditions whith evidence of pH increases and vegetation changes over time. One of the main focuses of the study is a previously studied drying event, the ghost interval, that led to reduced peat accumulation. Ongoing and future analyses with higher resolution, stable isotopes and more lipid fractions will enhance our understanding of tropical peatlands’ resilience to climate changes and their role in global carbon cycle.