Holocene climatic change in the Zacapu lake basin, Michoacan: Synthesis of results

Following archaeological investigations of the preclassic occupation of the western part of the Zacapu lake basin, a series of analyses were made from four cores taken along a transect between the centre and the shore of the former marsh (drained at the beginning of this century). Eighteen samples were radiocarbon dated yielding ages between 8220+/-60 years BP and 2170+/-60 years BP(uncalibrated). Here we present a summary of the results of the sedimentological, palynological and diatom studies undertaken which indicate changes in the water level in Zacapu and changes in local climate, taking into account the effects of local volcanic activity. (C) 1997 INQUA/Elsevier Science Ltd.