Paleoclimate Evolution of the Kordofan Region (Sudan), During the Last 13 ka

The Kordofan region is located at the southern end of the present-day Sahara in Sudan. AMS 14C dates and archeological findings allowed dating the latest Pleistocene–Holocene deposits in Kordofan. Several paleo-proxies (i.e., sedimentology, gastropod sub-fossil shells, pollens, stable isotopes, major element chemistry, and clay mineralogy) were used to reconstruct the climatic evolution for the past 13 ka. The region was subjected to an arid climate prior to 10 ka. Between 10 and 6 ka, the region experienced a wet climate marked by lacustrine/palustrine and fluviatile deposits. After ≈6 ka, the climate evolved to dry conditions, although the southern part remained more humid. Between 3 and 1 ka, a strong aeolian activity was recorded by a sedimentary hiatus and erosion features. From 1 ka to Present, the region became arid. This evolution can be correlated to the well-known evolution of Eastern Sahara during this time interval.