Introduction to special issue: new developments in speleothem paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental science.

This article discusses recent developments in the field of speleothem paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental science. Speleothems, such as stalagmites and stalactites, have been used to reconstruct past climate and environmental conditions using methods like U-Th absolute dating and stable isotope analysis. The article highlights the use of new techniques, such as U-Pb dating and the analysis of trace elements, clumped isotopes, and fluid inclusions, to extend the time range of speleothem-based paleoclimate reconstructions. The special issue includes a range of studies from different regions and time periods, covering topics such as hydroclimate variability, stalagmite formations, rainfall dynamics, and Holocene climate features. Additionally, the article introduces a web-based tool called the SISAL webApp, which aims to increase accessibility to the Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and AnaLysis (SISAL) database. Overall, these studies contribute to a comprehensive understanding of past climate variations. [Extracted from the article]