Local Pleistocene mountain glaciers in the Alpine-Carpathian belt and their paleoclimatic significance

In this study, we investigate topographic and sedimentological proxies to decipher regional atmospheric circulation patterns in the Eastern Alpine-Western Carpathian realm during the coldest stages of the Quaternary. This region is influenced by the Atlantic, European continental, and Mediterranean climates and can therefore be considered as an important site for understanding changes in middle European atmospheric circulation patterns and moisture sources throughout a glacial cycle. Our methodology mainly involves the identification of glacial topographic features (i.e. cirques) that allow the reconstruction of former glacier extents and associated Equilibrium Line Altitudes (ELA) of a wider area. Furthermore, better time constraints will be provided by cosmogenic exposure age dating with the aim of finding suitable sites for future investigations on chronological variations of local ice built up during maximum cold conditions (in the framework of a future FWF project). The Easternmost Alps were not part of the connected ice-stream network during glacial maxima but high enough to host many local glaciers similar to parts of the Western Carpathians (i.e. High Tatras). The wide distribution of isolated glaciers during these periods provides a statistically solid base to analyse ELA gradients for interpreting atmospheric circulation patterns in dependence of topographic factors (e.g. north-facing cirques). Overall, this project's scientific significance lies in its contribution to understanding past climate, glacial dynamics, and their implications for regional environmental changes. The findings will aid in refining climate models, improving our knowledge of paleoprecipitation patterns, and advancing our understanding of the Earth's climate system.