Sample collection
The bulk of the dripwater data presented here is published, and full
methods for sample collection and analyses can be found in the original
publication (Treble et al. , 2016). Additional bulk dripwater
samples were collected following that same method. Aliquots for
SO4 dual isotope analyses of dripwaters were taken from
those bulk samples. Bulk monthly rainfall samples were collected from
April 2017 to January 2018 using a rain gauge. Both rain and dripwater
samples were filtered using mixed cellulose 0.45 μm membrane filters and
refrigerated at 5°C prior to analyses.
Soil samples were collected from the O and A horizons at 4 m intervals
along a 20 m transect. Additional vertical samples were taken at 0.4 m
and 1.4 m depth at one site. Soil samples were dried at 60 °C for 48
hours and sieved (2 mm) to remove the coarse fraction, roots, and other
organic debris. O horizon samples were further separated into the
> 0.5 mm and < 0.5 mm fractions. All soil samples
were finely crushed using a ring grinder.
Three bedrock samples were collected for SO4 dual
isotopic analyses.
Representative vegetation samples were collected from above Golgotha
Cave (minimum three leaves and attached stems, with three replicates for
each species). Samples were dried at 60°C for 48 hours and finely ground
with a ball grinder. Where possible, leaves were separated from twigs
and seeds for 34S analyses.
Speleothem GL-S4 was collected from Golgotha Cave in 2013. The sample is
comprised of white porous calcite and has been dated with annual lamina
counting via XFM mapping of Sr concentrations (unpublished data).