Raimund Muscheler

A 650-yr-long sediment sequence from a crater lake on Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic, was analysed for its Be-10 content. Based on C-14 dating, and sedimentary, geochemical, magnetic and palynological records, the period between 900 and 1450 AD appears to have been unusually stable in terms of sedimentation and vegetation and therefore this period was chosen for analysis of the Be-10 content. During this period of highly organic sedimentation and closed vegetation, the pattern of Be-10 flux variations follows the Be-10 fluctuations from the GRIP ice core and estimated C-14 production rates well. However, before and after this stable period, variable sedimentation rates have to be accounted for to obtain results that are comparable to the established Be-10/C-14 records. Our data show not only the possibility of obtaining detailed enough Be-10 flux data from sedimentary sequences to reconstruct past solar forcing but also how sensitive this type of record is to sedimentary and environmental changes. If suitable archives can be found, they have the potential to improve reconstructions of solar activity far back in time. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.