Past environment and climate changes at the last Interglacial/Glacial transition (Les Échets, France) inferred from subfossil chironomids (Insecta)

Subfossil chironomid assemblages spanning the last Interglacial/Glacial transition at Les Échets (France) highlight the environmental and climatic changes that took place at this crucial period. The Early Eemian warming is marked by increased percentages of warmwater taxa and decreased percentages of coldwater taxa. In the Middle Eemian, a lowering in water level is indicated by a rise of littoral taxa. In the Late Eemian, chironomids indicate anoxic deep waters and rise of water level, probably induced by increased rainfall. Mélisey I and II and the beginning of the glacial period are marked by the reappearance of coldwater taxa, lower percentages of warmwater taxa, and dominance of littoral taxa, probably correlated with lower water level and climate aridity. St Germain I and II are marked by higher percentages of warmwater taxa, lower percentages, or absence of both coldwater and littoral taxa.