Project number: FR-25-6104

Project PI: Dr. Zaza Lezhava

This innovative research is based on the geochemical studies of speleothems (primarily stalagmites), which provides a unique opportunity for the investigation and reconstruction of paleoclimate. At present, speleothems can be dated using the U-Th absolute dating method, while stable oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ¹⁸O/δ¹³C) provide continuous paleoclimatic records. Accordingly, for the first time in Georgia, the project aims to reconstruct a speleothem-based high-resolution Holocene climate variability. Geochemical analyses of speleothems enable the examination of key aspects of past climate, including mean annual temperature, precipitation variability, changes in atmospheric circulation, etc. It is also important to note that a high-ranking professors from USA, Switzerland, and Italy will be involved in the project, and therefore the local and international collaboration provides a full guarantee that the project will be implemented at a high level.