ISSN:
1573-0417
Keywords:
Mediterranean environment
;
paleolimnology
;
paleoecology
;
Early Holocene
;
Saline lake
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract The transition from the Late Glacial to the Early Holocene in the endorheic Salines sequence, which is characterized cyclical sedimentation, occurs between 5.50 and 2.85 m depth. From 5.50-3.50 m depth the cycles are composed of a centimetre alternation of layers of dolomitic marls and gypsarenites and from 3.50-2.85 m depth by the alternation of calcitic marls and calcarenites. Pollen, biotic assemblages and geochemistry provide evidence of a gap with respect to the new hydrological conditions that characterized the beginning of the Holocene. Mesic pollen taxa increased their percentages at the beginning of the Holocene, indicating climate improvement, which coincides with the 14C radiocarbon age of 10,000 years BP. The first biotic remains (gastropods, ostracods and foraminifers) found in this sequence appeared later, at 3.80 m depth, which corresponds to 9,500 years BP, whereas the mineralogical change occurred at 3.50 m depth, which corresponds to 9,000 years BP. The advanced adaptation of the vegetation and biotic aquatic assemblages with respect to the mineralogical response corresponds to a process of a gradual increase in water availability into the lacustrine system. During the Boreal, the calcitic cycles reached their maximum thickness, suggesting a more continuous water input. This assumption has also been corroborated by the expansion of the mesic pollen taxa and the occurrence of biota taxa which depend on a permanent water body for their development. The multiproxy approach in paleoclimate scenarios is an essential tool for understanding the ecosystem adjustment during climate changes. Our results demonstrate an interval of 1000 years between the vegetal and the mineralogical reaction.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008000513938
