Lake Fucino was in a closed basin that was drained in 1875. A review of published data as well as new geological and geomorphological studies are used to define changes in lake level over the last 30,000 years. The changes are summarized as follows: (1) a general rise of level between 33,000 and 18,000-20,000 yr B.P., (2) a general lowering between 18,000-20,000 and 7500-6500 yr B.P., (3) a rise between 6000-5000 yr B.P., (4) a lowering between 5000-2800 yr B.P., (5) a rise between 2800-2300 yr B.P., (6) lower between 2300-1800 yr B.P., (7) very low levels in the 16th century, and (8) a rise during the 1750-1861 period of the so-called Little Ice Age. Lake level fluctuations are attributed to climatic variations. In particular, there is a clear link between fluctuations and changes in seasonal insolation produced by the orbital parameters of the Earth (precession of the equinoxes and obliquity of the ecliptic) and average annual rainfall. The fluctuations of lake levels do not seem to have been influenced significantly by tectonic movements affecting the Fucino Plain, or by karst drainage pits present along the periphery. © 1989.

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