Records of past flood in caves of the Central Pyrenees

Changes in rainfall patterns, driven by climate change, are intensifying extreme rainfall events and floods, posing significant social, ecological, and economic challenges. Understanding and predicting flood variability across time and space is crucial, but the instrumental record is too short for accurate long-term analysis. Geological records, particularly those located in caves, offer valuable insights due to their precise chronology, broad temporal range, and preservation. Despite their potential, stalagmites and cave detrital infills remain underutilized for flood studies. Analysing these records, alongside karst hydraulic models and water-level monitoring, can improve our understanding of flood-climate relationships and enhance predictions of flood variability in the context of global warming.