New results on palaeoenvironmental conditions in equatorial Africa derived from alluvial sediments of Cameroonian rivers

The ReSaKo project undertook extended fieldwork across southern Cameroon to explore the palaeoenvironmental information recorded in the alluvial sediments of equatorial African rivers. 160 hand-corings reaching maximum depths of 550 cm were carried out on alluvial ridges and floodplains of major Cameroonian fluvial systems. These multilayered, sandy to clayey alluvia contain sedimentary form-units and palaeosurfaces, which provide excellent additional proxy data archives for the reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental conditions in western equatorial Africa. Coring transects and sedimentary profiles document grain-size shifts and distinguishable sedimentary units in the stratigraphic record, which evidence (fluvial-)morphological adjustments of the fluvial systems in response to external forcing and (river-) intrinsic variability. 76 ¹⁴C-(AMS)-dated samples from organic sediment and macro-rests (fossil organic remains like wood, leafs, etc.) embedded in these sedimentary units indicate Late Pleistocene to recent ages (uncalibrated ¹⁴C-ages: 48–0.2 ka BP). The tentative interpretation of the alluvial record yields excellent additional information on the complex feedbacks between climate, ocean, fluvial as well as ecological systems and human activity in a little-studied region with high sensitive tropical ecosystems. δ¹³C-values (?35.5 to ?18.0‰) of the dated samples indicate the persistence of C₃-dominated gallery forests across the rivers (‘fluvial rain forest refuges’) despite several climatic fluctuations (aridifications, e.g. Last Glacial Maximum around 20 ka BP, Younger Dryas 13–11 ka BP). This research complements earlier results from additional terrestrial and marine proxy data archives on the Late Quaternary history of monsoonal western equatorial Africa.     

Evaluation of the influence of urbanization processes using mangrove and fecal markers in recent organic matter in a tropical tidal flat estuary

Three sediment cores (50 cm depth) were collected at three different sites from a tidal flat estuary at Passagem Channel (Vitória, Espírito Santo State-Brazil) to evaluate the influence of recent urbanization processes on the deposition of organic matter (OM) in a complex polluted tropical estuary. In addition to geochronology (by excess ²¹⁰Pb), the sources of natural and anthropogenic OM to the sediments were evaluated by total organic C (TOC – 14.29 ± 8.73, 30.43 ± 14.71 and 48.70 mg g⁻¹ ± 25.46, respectively, for P1, P2 and P3), C/N molar ratio and lipid biomarkers (sterols and terpenoids). Taraxerol (3.10 ± 4.85, 9.71 ± 3.85 and 16.10 mg gTOC⁻¹ ± 32.48 for P1, P2 and P3, respectively) and sitosterol (1.71 ± 2.72, 2.94 ± 6.41 and 4.07 mg gTOC⁻¹ ± 4.41 for P1, P2 and P3, respectively) were the most abundant compounds in all cores, suggesting a major contribution of terrestrially-derived OM to the study region. Coprostanol levels and selected sterol index indicated significant contamination by fecal material. The organic geochemical indicators suggest that changes of OM reflect occupation and urbanization alteration processes around the Passagem Channel over the last 70 a, mainly the conversion of mangrove forest into urban areas, bridge building and Treatment Plant Station installation.     

Variability of tetraether lipids in Yellow River-dominated continental margin during the past eight decades: Implications for organic matter sources and river channel shifts

Glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) and bulk organic geochemical parameters were examined for a short core from the Bohai Sea, a Yellow River-dominated continental margin. A three end member mixing model using branched/isoprenoid tetraethers (BIT) index, δ¹³C and C/N shows that the average fractions of soil, marine and plant organic matter (OM) during the period of 1933–2011 are 67.7% (38–92%), 26.1% (0–58%) and 6.2% (0–23%), respectively. Abrupt changes of sedimentary OM compositions around 1953, 1976 and 1996 are synchronous with the Yellow River mouth relocations. The BIT index values (0.33–0.80) present a stronger correlation with crenarchaeol abundance (R² = 0.88) than branched GDGTs abundance (R² = 0.27), suggesting that variations of marine Thaumarchaeota abundance rather than soil OM inputs is the first order factor controlling the BIT index values, although this proxy has been widely used for soil OM. The comparison between the BIT index, nutrient status and historical Yellow River sediment load indicates that the high sensitivity of the BIT index to the Yellow River channel shifts cannot be explained by a nutrient stimulation mechanism, but instead is likely caused by the restriction of Thaumarchaeota growth in highly turbid water due to the enormous sediment inputs from Yellow River. Our study demonstrates that local conditions should be considered when applying the BIT index as an environmental proxy.     

The subfossil tree deposits from the Garonne Valley and their implications on Holocene alluvial plain dynamics

Subfossil tree trunks deposits are common in large rivers, but their status as a source for dating alluvial sequences and palaeoenvironmental studies is still discussed. Particularly their origin and the process(es) of deposition as well as a possible remobilization were pointed as a limit to their use to document river alluvial changes. In this work we report the discovery of the largest subfossil trunks deposits in the Garonne valley. These new data are compared to the previous ones. A set of 17 tree trunks and more than 300 smaller wood fragments were collected. The xylologic study shows the prevalence of Quercus and a single occurrence of Ulmus. These two hardwood species are commonly associated with riparian forest. The ¹⁴C dating carried out on seven trunks and a single branch of Quercus on the outermost identified growth rings, indicates age ranging from 8400–8000 cal. BP for the oldest fragment (bough) to 4300–4000 cal. BP for the most recent tree trunk. Radiocarbon ages of the trunks are aggregated into two main periods: 5300–5600 cal. BP (four trunks) and 4300–4000 cal. BP (three trunks). The radiocarbon (charcoal) dating of the top of the alluvial sequence overlaying the trunks gives an age between 1965–1820 and 1570–1810 cal. BP, i.e. between the 2nd and the 5th c. AD. In addition, the discovery of two unpublished subfossil tree trunks deposits in Finhan are reported (six trunks). At the light of these results, we discuss previously proposed models for the Garonne floodplain building.     

Transfer of litter-derived N to soil mineral–organic associations: Evidence from decadal 15N tracer experiments

Mineral–organic associations act as mediators of litter-derived N flow to the mineral soil, but the time scales and pathways involved are not well known. To close that gap, we took advantage of decade old ¹⁵N litter labeling experiments conducted in two European forests. We fractionated surface soils by density with limited disaggregating treatment and investigated organic matter (OM) characteristics using δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and the C/N ratio. Mineral properties were studied by X-ray diffraction and selective dissolution of pedogenic oxides.Three types of associations were isolated: plant debris with few trapped minerals (<1.65 g/cm³), aggregates dominated by phyllosilicates (1.65–2.4 g/cm³), and single mineral grains and pedogenic oxides with little OM (>2.4 g/cm³). A small proportion of ¹⁵N tracer was rapidly attached to single mineral grains, while most of it moved from plant debris to aggregates of low density and progressively to aggregates of higher density that contain a more microbially processed OM. After a decade, 60% of the ¹⁵N tracer found in the investigated horizon was retained in aggregates, while plant debris still contained 40% of the tracer.We present a conceptual model of OM and N flow through soil mineral–organic associations, which accounts for changes in density, dynamics and chemistry of the isolated structures. It suggests that microbial reworking of OM entrapped within aggregates (1.65–2.4 g/cm³) causes the gradient of aggregate packing and, further on, controls the flow of litter-derived N through aggregates. For associations with denser material (>2.4 g/cm³), mineralogy determines the density of the association, the type of patchy OM attached to mineral surfaces and controls the extent of litter-derived N incorporation.     

Evolution of organic matter in lignite-containing sediments revealed by analytical pyrolysis (Py–GC–MS)

Newly vegetated sites provide opportunities to enlighten organic matter (OM) transformation mechanisms in soils and sediments at very early stages of development which, in turn, is relevant to better understand general ecosystem functioning. Mine acid soils and sediments in the Lusatian open cast lignite mining district (Germany) contains a high concentration of fossil carbon (lignite) in ad mixture with recent OM from the local vegetation, both contributing to the humified OM pool. In this study, analytical pyrolysis (Py–GC–MS) was used to monitor the different C sources (lignite or plant derived) in developing mine tailing soils and sediments and their degree of degradation in contrasting environments. Representative vegetation and the organic carbon (OC) rich soil/sediment fraction (humus fraction) were sampled at two depths (0–5 and 5–10 cm) in three plots along a transect covering an upland forest soil, a partially submerged sediment at the land–water interface and a constantly submerged sediment. The analysis of plant (lipds, isoprenoids, methoxyphenols and carbohydrates) and possible lignite (alkyl napththalenes, alkyl benzenes and PAHs) biomarkers released after pyrolysis supports previous findings in the area using other proxies. It was possible to discern OM sources in soil/sediment humus fractions, both from the substrate (lignite) as well as from the prevailing vegetation of the area. Environmental conditions in the submerged sediment seem to favour OM protection and the accumulation of decomposing plant material, whereas more intense OM degradation seems to prevail in the land–water interface areas characterized by fluctuating water level. In addition, a well resolved series of organic sulfur compounds (OSCS) found in the submerged sediments of rehabilitated acid lakes, indicates the possible occurrence of particular mechanisms of C preservation in this extreme anoxic S rich environment, i.e. via sulphur “quenching” with plant derived lipids during early diagenesis.     

Organic matter quality in reclaimed boreal forest soils following oil sands mining

Following surface mining of the Athabasca Oil Sands deposits in northeastern Alberta, Canada, land reclamation entails the reconstruction of soil-like profiles using salvaged soil materials such as peat and mining by-products. The overall objective of this research was to assess soil organic matter (SOM) quality in different reclamation practices as compared to undisturbed soils found in the region. Soil samples (0–10 cm) were taken from 45 plots selected to represent undisturbed reference ecosites and reclamation treatments. Soil OM pools were isolated using a combination of acid hydrolysis and physical separation techniques. Chemical composition of the low density fractions was characterized using ramped cross polarization (RAMP-CP) ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Differences between disturbed and undisturbed sites reflected the influence of different botanical inputs (peat vs. forest litter) to SOM composition. Reconstructed soils were characterized by significantly lower alkyl over O-alkyl carbon (ALK/O-ALK) ratios (0.3) than undisturbed sites (0.5). For these reconstructed soils, a significantly higher proportion of soil carbon was present in the sand associated (Heavy sand) pool (49.2 vs. 37.3) and in the acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) fraction (61.3 vs. 54.7). These SOM parameters were significantly related to time since reconstruction, with the AUR (p value = 0.012) and Heavy sand (p value = 0.05) fractions decreasing with time since reconstruction, while the ALK/O-ALK ratio increased (p value = 0.006). These findings suggest that the ALK/O-ALK, AUR, and Heavy sand parameters are suitable indicators for monitoring SOM quality in these reconstructed soils following oil sands mining.     

Stratigraphic architecture and quaternary evolution of the Val d'Agri intermontane basin (Southern Apennines,Italy)

The sedimentary record of the Val d'Agri basin is of great importance for understanding the Quaternary tectonic activity and climatic variability in the Southern Apennines. Changes in tectonic controls, sediment supply and climatic input have been identified. The interval from ～ 56 to ～ 43 ka was associated with asymmetric subsidence restricted to the north-eastern actively faulted margin of the basin and development of axial braided river and transverse alluvial fan systems. Short-lasting Mediterranean-type pedogenesis between ～ 43 and ～ 32 ka (MIS Stage 3) coexisted with progradation–aggradation of the southern alluvial fan deposits and southwards tilting of the basin floor. Aggradation ended with consumption of accommodation space after 32 ka. During a subsequent stage of decline of vegetation cover, possibly as a consequence of climatic cooling (probably MIS Stage 2), active progradation of alluvial fans occurred. Breakthrough of the basin threshold and entrenchment of the drainage network must therefore be attributed to a latest Pleistocene to Holocene age. The first stages of basin opening and fill, predating ～ 56 ka have only been inferred by stratigraphic considerations: the earliest lacustrine sedimentation should be middle Pleistocene or older in age. The following south-eastward basin widening allowed progradation of alluvial fan systems, which completely filled the lacustrine area (tentatively late middle Pleistocene). Pedogenesis in “Mediterranean-like” climate conditions caused the final development of a highly mature fersiallitic paleosol at the top of the fan surfaces, in areas of morpho-tectonic stability, plausibly during MIS Stage 5. The study results demonstrate the potential of applying a multidisciplinary approach in an intermontane continental settings marked by a relative rapid and constant tectonic subsidence and a high rate of sediment supply during the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles.     

Constraints on the application of the MBT/CBT palaeothermometer at high latitude environments (Svalbard,Norway)

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) are membrane lipids of unknown bacteria that are ubiquitous in soil and peat. Two indices based on the distribution of these lipids in soils, the Cyclization of Branched Tetraethers (CBT) and the Methylation of Branched Tetraethers (MBT) indices have been shown to correlate with soil pH, and mean annual air temperature (MAT) and soil pH, respectively, and can be used to reconstruct MAT in palaeoenvironments. To verify the extent to which branched GDGTs in marine sediments reflect the distribution pattern on land and whether these proxies are applicable for palaeoclimate reconstruction in high latitude environments with a MAT of <0 °C, we compared the branched GDGT distribution in Svalbard soils and nearby fjord sediments. Although branched GDGT concentrations in the soil are relatively low (0.02–0.95 μg/g dry weight (dw)) because of the cold climate and the short growing season, reconstructed MATs based on the MBT/CBT proxy are ca. ?4 °C, close to the measured MAT (ca. ?6 °C). Concentrations of branched GDGTs (0.01–0.20 μg/g dw) in fjord sediments increased towards the open ocean and the distribution was strikingly different from that in soil, i.e. dominated by GDGTs with one cyclopentane moiety. This resulted in MBT/CBT-reconstructed MAT values of 11–19 °C, well above measured MAT. The results suggest that at least part of the branched GDGTs in marine sediments in settings with a low soil organic matter (OM) input may be produced in situ. In these cases, the application of the MBT/CBT palaeothermometer will generate unrealistic MAT reconstructions. The MBT/CBT proxy should therefore only be used at sites with a substantial input of soil OM relative to the amount of marine OM, i.e. at sites close to the mouth of rivers with a catchment area where sufficient soil formation takes place and the soil thus contains substantial amounts of branched GDGTs.     

Cosmogenic 3He age estimates of Plio-Pleistocene alluvial-fan surfaces in the Lower Colorado River Corridor,Arizona, USA

Plio-Pleistocene deposits of the Lower Colorado River (LCR) and tributary alluvial fans emanating from the Black Mountains near Golden Shores, Arizona record six cycles of Late Cenozoic aggradation and incision of the LCR and its adjacent alluvial fans. Cosmogenic ³He (³He_c) ages of basalt boulders on fan terraces yield age ranges of: 3.3–2.2 Ma, 2.2–1.1 Ma, 1.1 Ma to 110 ka, < 350 ka, < 150 ka, and < 63 ka. T1 and Q1 fans are especially significant, because they overlie Bullhead Alluvium, i.e. the first alluvial deposit of the LCR since its inception ca. 4.2 Ma. ³He_c data suggest that the LCR began downcutting into the Bullhead Alluvium as early as 3.3 Ma and as late as 2.2 Ma. Younger Q2a to Q4 fans very broadly correlate in number and age with alluvial terraces elsewhere in the southwestern USA. Large uncertainties in ³He_c ages preclude a temporal link between the genesis of the Black Mountain fans and specific climate transitions. Fan-terrace morphology and the absence of significant Plio-Quaternary faulting in the area, however, indicate regional, episodic increases in sediment supply, and that climate change has possibly played a role in Late Cenozoic piedmont and valley-floor aggradation in the LCR valley.     

Impact of monsoonal climatic change on Holocene overbank flooding along Sushui River,middle reach of the Yellow River,China

In the semiarid loess regions, slackwater deposition of overbank flooding over the piedmont alluvial plains was episodic and alternated with dust accumulation and soil formation throughout the Holocene. The records of past hydrological events are therefore preserved within the architecture of loess and soils and are protected from subsequent erosion and destruction. Several Holocene loess–soil sequences with the deposits of overbank flooding over the semiarid piedmont alluvial plains in the southeast part of the middle reaches of the Yellow River drainage basin were investigated by field observation, OSL and C¹⁴ dating, measurement of magnetic susceptibility, particle-size distribution and chemical elements. This enables the reconstruction of a complete catalog of Holocene overbank flooding events at a watershed scale and an investigation of hydrological response to monsoonal climatic change as well. During the Holocene, there are six episodes of overbank flooding recorded over the alluvial plain. The first occurred at 11,500–11,000 a BP, i.e. the onset of the Holocene. The second took place at 9500–8500 a BP, immediately before the mid-Holocene Climatic Optimum. After an extended geomorphic stability and soil formation, the third overbank flooding episode came at about 3620–3520 a BP, i.e. the late stage of the mid-Holocene Climatic Optimum, and the floodwater inundated and devastated a Bronze-age town of the Xia Culture built on the alluvial plain, and therefore the town was abandoned for a period of ca 100 years. During the late Holocene, the alluvial plain experienced three episodes of overbank flooding at 2420–2170, 1860–1700 and 680–100 a BP, respectively. The occurrence of these overbank flooding episodes corresponds to the anomalous change in monsoonal climate in the middle reaches of the Yellow River drainage basin when rapid climate change or climatic decline occurs. During at least the last four episodes, both extreme floods and droughts occurred and climate departed from its normal condition, which was defined as a balanced change between the northwestern continental monsoon and southeastern maritime monsoon over time. Great floods occurred as a result of extreme rainstorms in summers caused by rare intensive meridianal airflows involving northwestward moving tropical cyclone systems from the Pacific. These results could be applied to improve our understanding of high-resolution climatic change, and of hydrological response to climatic change in the semiarid zones.     

Late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetation history of the Bale Mountains,Ethiopia

A sediment core recovered from Garba Guracha, a glacial lake at 3950 m altitude in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia, at the boundary of the Ericaceous and Afroalpine vegetation belts, provides a 16,700-year pollen record of vegetation response to climatic change. The earliest vegetation recorded was sparse and composed mainly of grasses, Amaranthaceae–Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia, indicating an arid climate. At 13,400 cal BP, Amaranthaceae–Chenopodiaceae pollen declined sharply and Cyperaceae increased, suggesting a change to moister conditions. The Younger Dryas interval is represented by a small increase in Artemisia and reduced Cyperaceae, indicating aridity. Just after the start of the Holocene (11,200 cal BP), the upper altitudinal limit of the Ericaceous belt rose, and woody Ericaceous vegetation extended across the Sanetti plateau, in response to increased moisture and temperature. The marked change from clastic to organic lake sedimentation at this time reflects the increase in woody vegetation cover in the lake catchment, accompanied by soil stabilisation, and increased leaf litter and soil humus content. From about 6000 cal BP, and especially after 4500 cal BP, mid-altitude dry Afromontane Juniper–Podocarpus forests developed on the northern slopes of the mountains in response to reduced rainfall in a shortened wet season. Erica shrub and forest decreased in area and altitude, and the Afroalpine ecosystem expanded on the plateau. Podocarpus declined from about 2000 cal BP, as Juniperus increased to its present dominance at 2500–3300 m altitude. Human impact on the high-altitude Afroalpine and Ericaceous vegetation has been relatively minor, confirming that the endemic biodiversity of the Ethiopian mountains is a legacy of natural Holocene vegetation change, following repeated expansion and contraction of the upland ecosystems during the Quaternary.     

Mercury speciation in soils of the industrialised Thur River catchment (Alsace,France)

Methylmercury (MeHg) and total Hg (THg) concentrations in soil profiles were monitored in the Thur River basin (Alsace, France), where a chlor-alkali plant has been located in the city of Vieux-Thann since the 1930s. Three soil types were studied according to their characteristics and location in the catchment: industrial soil, grassland soil and alluvial soil. Contamination of MeHg and THg in soil was important in the vicinity of the plant, especially in industrial and alluvial soil. Concentrations of MeHg reached 27 ng g⁻¹ and 29,000 ng g⁻¹ for THg, exceeding the predictable no effect concentration. Significant ecotoxicological risk exists in this area and remedial actions on several soil types are suggested. In each type of soil, MeHg concentrations were highest in topsoil, which decreased with depth. Concentrations of MeHg were negatively correlated with soil organic matter and total S, particularly when MeHg concentrations exceeded 8 ng g⁻¹. Under these conditions, MeHg concentrations in soil seemed to be influenced by THg, soil organic matter and total S concentrations. It was found that high MeHg/THg ratios (near 2%) in soil were mainly related to the combined soil environmental conditions such as low THg concentrations, low organic C/N ratios (<11) and relatively low pH (5–5.5). Nevertheless, even when the MeHg/THg ratio was low (∼0.04%), MeHg and THg concentrations were elevated, up to 13 ng g⁻¹ and to 29,000 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Thus, both THg and MeHg concentrations should be taken into account to assess potential environmental risks of Hg.     

Elemental sulfur in drain sediments associated with acid sulfate soils

This paper reports the abundance of elemental S in drain sediments associated with acid sulfate soils. The sediments exhibited near-neutral pH (5.97–7.27), high concentrations of pore-water Fe²⁺ (1.37–15.9 mM) and abundant oxalate-extractable Fe (up to 4300 μmol g⁻¹). Maximum acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) concentrations in each sediment profile were high (118–1019 μmol g⁻¹), with AVS often exceeding pyrite-S. Elemental S occurred at concentrations of 13–396 μmol g⁻¹, with the higher concentrations exceeding previous concentrations reported for other sedimentary systems. Up to 62% of reduced inorganic S near the sediment/water interface was present as elemental S, due to reaction between AVS and oxidants such as O₂ and Fe(III). Significant correlation (r = 0.74; P < 0.05) between elemental S and oxalate-extractable Fe(III) is indicative of elemental S formation by in situ oxidation of AVS. The results indicate that AVS oxidation in near-surface sediments is dynamic in acidified coastal floodplain drains, causing elemental S to be a quantitatively important intermediate S fraction. Transformations of elemental S may therefore strongly influence water quality in ASS landscapes.     

Holocene environments and climate in the Mongolian Altai reconstructed from the Hoton-Nur pollen and diatom records: a step towards better understanding climate dynamics in Central Asia

This study presents the results of the palynological and diatom analyses of the sediment core recovered in Hoton-Nur Lake (48°37′18″N, 88°20′45″E, 2083 m) in 2004. Quantitative reconstruction of the Holocene vegetation and climate dynamics in the semiarid Mongolian Altai suggests that boreal woodland replaced the primarily open landscape of northwestern Mongolia at about 10 kyr BP (1 kyr = 1000 cal yr) in response to a noticeable increase in precipitation from 200–250 mm/yr to 450–550 mm/yr. A decline of the forest vegetation and a return to a predominance of open vegetation types occurred after 5 kyr BP when precipitation sums decreased to 250–300 mm/yr. Prior to 11.5 kyr BP diatom concentrations are relatively low and the lake is dominated by planktonic Cyclotella and small Fragilariaceae, suggesting the existence of a relatively deep and oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake. The great abundance of Staurosirella pinnata from the beginning of the record until 10.7 kyr BP might imply intensified erosion processes in the catchment and this is fully consistent with the presence of scarce and dry vegetation and the generally arid climate during this period. From about 10.7 kyr BP, more planktonic diatom taxa appeared and increased in abundance, indicating that the lake became more productive as diatom concentration increased. This change correlates well with the development of boreal woodland in the catchment. Decrease in precipitation and changes in the vegetation towards steppe are reflected by the rapid increase in Aulacoseira distans from about 5 kyr BP. The Holocene pollen and diatom records do not indicate soil and vegetation cover disturbances by the anthropogenic activities, implying that the main transformations of the regional vegetation occurred as a result of the natural climate change. Our reconstruction is in agreement with the paleomonsoon records from China, demonstrating an abrupt strengthening of the summer monsoon at 12 kyr BP and an associated increase in precipitation and in lake levels between 11 and 8 kyr BP, followed by the stepwise attenuation of the monsoon circulation and climate aridization towards the modern level. The records from the neighboring areas of Kazakhstan and Russia, situated west and north of Hoton-Nur, demonstrate spatially and temporally different Holocene vegetation and climate histories, indicating that the Altai Mountains as a climate boundary are of pivotal importance for the Holocene environmental and, possibly, habitation history of Central Asia.     

Mercury in European agricultural and grazing land soils

Agricultural (Ap, A_p-horizon, 0–20 cm) and grazing land soil samples (Gr, 0–10 cm) were collected from a large part of Europe (33 countries, 5.6 million km²) at an average density of 1 sample site/2500 km². The resulting more than 2 × 2000 soil samples were air dried, sieved to <2 mm and analysed for their Hg concentrations following an aqua regia extraction. Median concentrations for Hg are 0.030 mg/kg (range: <0.003–1.56 mg/kg) for the Ap samples and 0.035 mg/kg (range: <0.003–3.12 mg/kg) for the Gr samples. Only 5 Ap and 10 Gr samples returned Hg concentrations above 1 mg/kg. In the geochemical maps the continental-scale distribution of the element is clearly dominated by geology. Climate exerts an important influence. Mercury accumulates in those areas of northern Europe where a wet and cold climate favours the build-up of soil organic material. Typical anthropogenic sources like coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, chlor-alkali plants, metal smelters and urban agglomerations are hardly visible at continental scales but can have a major impact at the local-scale.     

Carbonate recrystallisation and organic matter maturation in heat-affected sediments from the Shaban Deep,Red Sea

Parasound profiles across the Shaban Deep in the Red Sea indicate turbiditic transport of surface sediments from the topographic height (basalt ridge) into the interior of the deep. This is supported by petrographical and (isotope-) geochemical evidence in the East Basin of the Shaban Deep where the presence of variable mixtures of authochtonous and allochthonous sediment compounds had been found.The uppermost 170 cm of both sediment cores 17008-1 and 17009-3 reveal “normal” stable oxygen isotope values for the planktonic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber near ?1‰ which is indicative for carbonate formation in Red Sea surface water around 27 °C. However, below 182 cm in core 17008-1 highly variable δ ¹⁸O values for G. ruber between 0.26 and ?10.68‰ occur which are not the result of temperature-controlled oxygen isotope fractionation between foraminiferal carbonate and Red Sea surface water. The lowest δ¹⁸O values of ?10.68‰ measured for highly-altered foraminifera shells suggests carbonate precipitation higher than 90 °C.Organic petrographical observations show a great diversity of marine-derived macerals and terrigenous organic particles. Based on petrographical investigations sediment core 17008-1 can be subdivided in intervals predominantly of authochtonous character (i.e. 1, 3, 5 corresponding to core depths 0–170 cm, 370–415 cm, 69–136 cm), and allochthonous/thermally altered character (e.g. 2 and 4 corresponding to core depths 189–353 cm and 515–671 cm). Allochthonous/thermally altered material displays a wide to an extremely wide range of maturities (0.38–1.42% R_r) and also natural coke particles were found.Similarly, the organic geochemical and pyrolysis data indicate the predominance of well-preserved, immature algal and bacterial remains with a minor contribution of land plant material. Sediments below 170 cm (core 17008-1) contain contributions of re-sedimented pre-heated material most likely from the area of the basaltic ridge. This is documented by individual coke particles reduced hydrogen indices and elevated T_max values up to 440 °C.An “oil-type” contribution (evidenced by mature biomarkers, hopene/hopane ratios, elevated background fluorescence, n-alkane distribution) is also present in the sediments which most likely originated at greater depth and impregnated the surface sediments.The heat source responsible for recrystallisation of foraminiferal carbonate and maturation of organic particles in Shaban Deep sediments most likely is attributed to modern basalt extrusions which now separate the Shaban Deep subbasins.     

The Plio–Pleistocene evolution of extensional tectonics in northern Tuscany,as constrained by new gravimetric data from the Montecarlo Basin (lower Arno Valley,Italy)

A detailed gravimetric study has been integrated with the most recent stratigraphic data in the area comprised between the Arno river and the foothills of the Northern Apennines, in northern Tuscany (central Italy). A Plio–Pleistocene basin lies in this area; its sedimentary succession can be subdivided from the bottom, in five allostratigraphic units: (1) Lower–Middle Pliocene shallow marine deposits; (2) Late Pliocene (?)–Early Pleistocene fluvio-lacustrine deposits; (3) late–Early Pleistocene–Middle Pleistocene alluvial to fluvial red conglomerates (Montecarlo Formation); (4) Middle Pleistocene alluvial to fluvial red conglomerates (Cerbaie and Casa Poggio ai Lecci Formations); (5) alluvial to fluvial deposits of Late Pleistocene age. The Bouguer anomaly map displays a strong minimum in the northeastern sector of the basin, and a gentle gradient from west to east. The map of the horizontal gradients permits to recognise three major fault zones, two of which along the southwestern and northeastern margins of the basin, and one along the southeastern edge of the Pisani Mountains. A 2.5D gravimetric modelling along a SW–NE section across the basin displays a thick wedge of sediments of density 2.25 g/cm³ (about 1700 m in the depocenter) overlying a layer of density 2.55 g/cm³, 1000 m thick, which rests on a basement of 2.72 g/cm³. The most of the sediment wedge is here referred to Upper Pliocene (?)–Lower Pleistocene, because borehole data show Pliocene marine deposits thinning northward close to the southern margin of the area. The layer below is referred to Ligurids and upper Tuscan Nappe units; the densest layer is interpreted as composed of Triassic evaporites, quartzites and Palaeozoic basement. According to Carmignani low-angle extensional tectonics began between Serravallian and early Messinian, thinning the Apennine nappe stack. At the end of Middle Pliocene, syn-rift deposition ceased in the Viareggio Basin (west of the investigated area) as demonstrated by Argnani and co-workers, and high-angle extensional tectonics migrated eastward up to the Monte Albano Ridge. A syn-rift continental sedimentary wedge developed in Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, until its hanging wall block was dismembered, during late Early Pleistocene, by NE-dipping faults, causing the uplift of its western portion (the Pisani Mountains). This breakup caused exhumation and erosion of Triassic units whose clastics where shed into the surrounding palaeo-Arno Valley in alluvial–fluvial deposits unconformably overlying the Lower Pleistocene syn-rift deposits. In the late Pleistocene SW–NE-trending fault systems created the steep southeastern edge of the Pisani Mountains and the resulting throw is recorded in Middle Pleistocene deposits across the present Arno Valley. This tectonic phase probably continues at present, offshore Livorno, as evidenced by the epicentres of earthquakes.     

Lead isotope distribution in podzolic soil profiles on different types of bedrock in a formerly glaciated terrain (Oslo,Norway)

Lead has been exploited by man over thousands of years for a variety of metallurgical, medicinal, and industrial purposes. The cumulative output of Pb from mining is estimated to be 260 million metric tonnes and 85% of this has occurred over the last two centuries. Global annual production of Pb from mining was about 3 million tonnes at the turn of the millenium. Terrestrial ecosystems all over Norway have been contaminated moderately to strongly by Pb and other trace elements from atmospheric deposition. With the aim of developing a method for mapping the accumulated content of anthropogenic Pb and how deep in the soil profile the atmospherically deposited Pb has penetrated, the concentration of Pb and the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratio has been studied in podzolic forest soils at four locations with different lithology, i.e. age and type of bedrock, in the Oslo area. The concentrations of Pb in the soil profiles are 6.6–38.1 mg/kg (median 10.3). The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratio ranges between 1.168 and 1.314 (median 1.267) over the entire profile. In the upper 5 cm the range is 1.168–1.191, similar to ratios determined in recent atmospheric deposition. Applying three different methods, the amount of anthropogenically deposited Pb is estimated at 1–6 t/km².     

Estuarine–fluvial floodplain formation in the Holocene Lower Tagus valley (Central Portugal) and implications for Quaternary fluvial system evolution

We present a brief synthesis of the Quaternary fluvial record in the Lower Tagus Basin (central Portugal), concentrating on factors controlling infill and incision. The Holocene part of the record forms the focus of this paper and guides the questioning of the basic assumptions of the established Quaternary fluvial evolution model, in particular the link between sea-level change and fluvial incision-deposition. We suggest that several incision-aggradation phases may have occurred during glacial periods. Major aggradation events may overlap with cold episodes, while incision appears to concentrate on the warming limb of climate transitions. The complex stratigraphy of the Quaternary record in the Lower Tagus valley is influenced by repeated base-level and climate changes.This paper submits the first chronostratigraphic framework for valley fill deposits in the Lower Tagus area. Sea-level rise forced aggradation and controlled deposition of the fine-grained sedimentary wedge underlying the low-gradient Lower Tagus floodplain. Investigations have focused on the lower Muge tributary, where rapidly aggrading estuarine and fluvial environments were abruptly established (∼8150 cal BP) as sea level rose. Base level at the valley mouth controlled the upstream extent of the fine-grained backfill. Tidal environments disappeared abruptly (∼5800 cal BP) when the open estuary at the Muge confluence was infilled by the Tagus River. The decrease and final still stand of sea-level rise led to floodplain stabilisation with peat (∼6400–5200 cal BP) and soil formation (∼5200–2200 cal BP). Localised renewed sedimentation (∼2200–200 cal BP) is linked to human activity.