Fluctuations of the Caspian Sea level as an indicator of global climatic changes - using data from radiocarbon dating of sediments

Because of the large area of the basin water, the level of the Caspian Sea reflects the global change of climate of the Northern hemisphere. In order to reconstruct the paleoclimatic situation, samples were taken from ancient salt marshes, depressions and bars which form when the sea level has fallen significantly. Mollusc shells, peat, carbonates and organic matter were used for 14C dating. The data obtained demonstrate the relationship between the sea level and climatic changes. During cooling the sea level rises and vice versa. This relates to the long-period (13,000 y) as well as to the short-period (2,000-2,500 y) and to secular changes of the climate. (author)