Abstract. This paper aims at reconstructing the palaeoclimatic changes during the last
2600 years in southern Greece based on a proxy record from Lake Trichonida.
For the first time, we provide a reliable age-depth model and continuous
geochemical data for the largest and deepest lake in Greece. We use X-ray
fluorescence (XRF) geochemical data supported by discrete mineral analysis
based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), grain size distribution, and organic
matter content to investigate changes in the lake sedimentary system and
identify the major forcing mechanisms. A principal component analysis based
on the XRF geochemical composition identifies the variation between
carbonate-rich material, precipitating predominantly under drier and/or
warmer conditions, and terrigenous sediment input, with it being more prominent
during wetter and/or colder conditions. The first principal component (PC1)
shows a very strong correlation with the weathering proxy log (Rb∕Sr), and we
interpret both proxies as depicting fluctuations in the hydrological
conditions. A cluster analysis, conducted on the continuous geochemical and
colour parameters, highlights the similarities in the sediment
characteristics deposited during wetter phases, notably during 1850–1750, 1500–1400, ca. 1100, and ca. 100 cal BP. When comparing the PC1 Trichonida record to independent records from the
Balkans, we find generally concurring patterns on a multi-decadal to
centennial scale. We show that phases with wetter conditions at Lake
Trichonida coincide with a more negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
index, suggesting that the precipitation variability in southern Greece is
linked to changes in the NAO atmospheric pattern, as one major driving
force. The 2600-year-long sedimentary record of Lake Trichonida contributes
to a better understanding of Late Holocene palaeohydrological changes in an
important climatic transitional zone in the eastern Mediterranean.