High-resolution seismic reflection profiles from Lake Titicaca, Peru-Bolivia: Evidence for Holocene aridity in the tropical Andes

High-resolution seismic reflection profiles of the sediments of Lake Titicaca, Peru-Bolivia, suggest that lake levels in the recent past were considerahly lower than today. Incised channels on the major deltas extend to depths of 85 m below modern lake level. Erosional truncation of onlapping seismic reflectors is found at similar depths. This interpretation of the seismic data is supported by analyses of sediment cores from the lake, which indicate that there was a significant drop in lake level during the early to mid-Holocene.

Duke Scholars

Author Paul A. Baker Earth and Climate Sciences