Rapid Lateglacial tree population dynamics and ecosystem changes in the eastern Baltic region

A growing body of evidence implies that the concept of 'treeless tundra' in eastern and northern Europe fails to explain the rapidity of Lateglacial and postglacial tree population dynamics of the region, yet the knowledge of the geographic locations and shifting of tree populations is fragmentary. Pollen, stomata and plant macrofossil stratigraphies from Lake Kurjanovas in the poorly studied eastern Baltic region provide improved knowledge of ranges of north‐eastern European trees during the Lateglacial and subsequent plant population responses to the abrupt climatic changes of the Lateglacial/Holocene transition. The results prove the Lateglacial presence of tree populations (Betula, Pinus and Picea) in the eastern Baltic region. Particularly relevant is the stomatal and plant macrofossil evidence showing the local presence of reproductive Picea populations during the Younger Dryas stadial at 12 900–11 700 cal. a BP, occurring along with Dryas octopetala and arctic herbs, indicating semi‐open vegetation. The spread of Pinus–Betula forest at ca. 14 400 cal. a BP, the rise of Picea at ca. 12 800 cal. a BP and the re‐establishment of Pinus–Betula forest at ca. 11 700 cal. a BP within a span of centuries further suggest strikingly rapid, climate‐driven ecosystem changes rather than gradual plant succession on a newly deglaciated land. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Benthic fluxes of mercury species in a lagoon environment (Grado Lagoon,Northern Adriatic Sea,Italy)

The role of the major biogeochemical processes in Hg cycling at the sediment–water interface was investigated in the Grado Lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea). This wetland system has been extensively contaminated from the Idrija Hg Mine (Slovenia) through the Isonzo River suspended load carried by tidal fluxes. Three approaches were used to study the sediment–water exchange of total Hg (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), reactive Hg (RHg) and dissolved gaseous Hg (DGHg): (1) estimation of diffusive fluxes from porewater and overlying water concentrations, (2) measurements of benthic fluxes using a deployed light benthic chamber in situ and (3) measurements of benthic fluxes during oxic–anoxic transition with a laboratory incubation experiment. The THg solid phase, ranging between 9.5 and 14.4 μg g⁻¹, showed slight variability with depth and time. Conversely, MeHg contents were highest (up to 21.9 ng g⁻¹) at the surface; they tended to decrease to nearly zero concentration with depth, thus suggesting that MeHg production and accumulation occur predominantly just below the sediment–water interface. Porewater MeHg concentrations (0.9–7.9 ng L⁻¹, 0.15–15% of THg) varied seasonally; higher contents were observed in the warmer period. The MeHg diffusive fluxes (up to 17 ng m⁻² day⁻¹) were similar to those in the nearby Gulf of Trieste [Covelli, S., Horvat, M., Faganeli, J., Brambati, A., 1999. Porewater distribution and benthic flux of mercury and methylmercury in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea). Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 48, 415–428], although the lagoon sediments contained four-fold higher THg concentrations. Conversely, the THg diffusive fluxes in the lagoon (up to 110 ng m⁻² day⁻¹) were one- to two-fold higher than those previously estimated for the Gulf of Trieste. The diurnal MeHg benthic fluxes were highest in summer at both sites (41,000 and 33,000 ng m⁻² day⁻¹ at the fishfarm and in the open lagoon, respectively), thus indicating the influence of temperature on microbial processes. The diurnal variations of dissolved THg and especially MeHg were positively correlated with O₂ and inversely with DIC, suggesting an important influence of benthic photosynthetic activities on lagoon benthic Hg cycling, possibly through the production of organic matter promptly available for methylation. The results from the dark chamber incubated in the laboratory showed that the regeneration of dissolved THg was slightly affected by the oxic–anoxic transition. Conversely, the benthic flux of MeHg was up to 15-fold higher in sediments overlain by O₂ depleted waters. In the anoxic phase, the MeHg fluxes proceeded in parallel with Fe fluxes and the methylated form reached approximately 100% of dissolved THg. The MeHg is mostly released into overlying water (mean recycling efficiency of 89%) until the occurrence of sulphide inhibition, due to scavenging of the available Hg substrate for methylation. The results suggest that sediments in the Grado Lagoon, especially during anoxic events, should be considered as a primary source of MeHg for the water column.     

Thermohaline Anomalies in the Spring and Early Summer of 2000 in the Gulf of Trieste

Abstract. In the framework of the Interreg II Project (July 1998 - June 2001), hydro-logical, chemical and biological data were collected in the Gulf of Trieste.
During spring and summer 2000, some particular thermohaline anomalies were observed in the Gulf of Trieste. Especially in May and June the water body showed: a very strong thermohaline stratification, an increase of advective salt water coming from the south and the presence of sharp pycnoclines. In July the temperature was higher than usual in the whole water column. Moreover, in late May and in June, massive mucilaginous aggregates were observed along the water column and at the surface.
In order to highlight these particular thermohaline features the hydrological data of 16 stations were analysed (Fig. 1). Two stations, in particular, were considered: one offshore (St. AA1, average depth 20 m) and one close to the coast (St. C1, average depth 17 m). For these two stations a best-fit analysis, computed over 11 and 7 years, respectively, was performed on temperature, salinity and density excess data.
Moreover, the hydrological features were compared with the rainfall, air temperature, wind speed data (Istituto Sperimentale Talassografico di Trieste - ISTT) and the Isonzo River's flow rate (Direzione Regionale dell'Ambiente - Regione F. V. G.) collected from January 1998 to December 2000.     

Chemical study of tectonically controlled hydrothermal dolomitization: an example from the Lessini mountains,Italy

In the Central Southern Alps (Feltre, Verona — Italy), a 750 m thick interval of Jurassic and Cretaceous pelagic limestones shows post-depositional partial brecciation and dolomitization. The overlying 500 m thick Tertiary sedimentary sequence is unaffected. Through the Paleogene, mostly submarine, mafic volcanism has been documented in the area. Small-scale extensional features were observed in the limestone near the contact with the dolomitized breccias. Their orientations measured in the field correspond to the tectonic framework of the area and give evidence for the contemporaneousness of the volcanic activity and the brecciation. The distribution and petrologic characteristics of the basalts, combined with the orientation of the extensional features observed in the field, allow a paleotectonic reconstruction. This tectonic scenario can be viewed as a back-arc extension, an eastward prolongation of the spreading that divided Southern France from the Sardinia-Corsica-Calabria block, generating the Ligurian-balearic basin in the Late Oligocene.The dolomite is fine-grained to sucrosic, with a microamygdaloidal porosity, partially filled with ankerite and calcite. The matrix shows a homogeneous, orange-red cathodoluminescence, indicating a single phase of iron-poor dolomite. The carbonate fraction consists of more than 90% dolomite. The dolomite is almost stoichiometric (Ca_0.6Mg_0.4 to Ca_0.5Mg_0.5). The ¹³C values of the dolomite are less than 1%. more negative than the unaffected limestone. The ¹⁸O values are between –5%. to –13%., with a depletion of 2–11%. relative to the undolomitized limestone. The depleted oxygen isotope ratios in the dolomitized rock can be derived either from fluids impoverished in the heavy isotopes (e.g. meteoric water) or high temperatures. The unvaried carbon isotopic ratios make the second interpretation the most acceptable. As the⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values increase from a mean of 0.7077 in the unaffected limestones to 0.7085 in the dolomitized limestones, a derivation of the dolomitizing fluids from the volcanic rocks can be excluded. Comparing the obtained data with the Phanerozoic seawater isotope curve, however, the radiogenic Sr may be derived from marine waters of Late Oligocene-Early Miocene age. Microthermometric analyses of the fluid inclusions in the dolomite crystals from the bulk rocks and from the veins suggest a trapping temperature ranging from a minimum of 70°C (dolomite rock) to a maximum of 120°C (dolomite in veins). The solution contained in the inclusions is water with NaCl and MgCl₂ with salinities of 46%. (dolomite bulk rock) and 17%. (dolomite in veins). The pressure correction calculated from the fluid inclusion data is about 250 bars, which roughly correspond to the lithostatic pressure over the Mesozoic limestones in the Early Miocene.These results point to a hydrothermal origin of the dolomitization during the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene, as ascertained from the strontium isotope and fluid inclusion data. The circulation of hot marine water through the brecciated limestones in convective cells, triggered by the geothermal gradient related to the volcanic activity, is the proposed hydrodynamic model. Hydrologie considerations demonstrate that the proposed model is feasible.

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Zusammenfassung In den zentralen Südalpen (Feltre, Verona — Italien) findet sich eine etwa 750 m dicke Abfolge jurassischer und kretazischer pelagischer Kalke, die nach der Ablagerung zum Teil breckziert und dolomitisiert wurde, während die darüberliegenden 500 m mächtigen tertiären Sedimente keine Dolomitisierung zeigen. Im Paläogen ist im Gebiet ein mafischer, überwiegend mariner Vulkanismus dokumentiert. Kleinmaßstäbliche listrische Brüche in Kalken am Kontakt mit der dolomitisierten Breckzie entsprechen geometrisch einem großräumigen extensiven Regime im Paläogen. Sie beweisen die Gleichzeitigkeit der vulkanischen Aktivität und der Breckzierung. Die Verteilung und petrographischen Eigenschaften der Basalte, mit der Geometrie der Extensionsstrukturen, erlauben eine paläotektonische Rekonstruktion. Diese tektonische Situation entspricht einem Back-arc-basin und stellt die östliche Verlängerung des ligurisch-balearischen Beckens dar, das Südfrankreich vom Sardisch-Korsisch-Kalabrischen-Block im späten Oligozän getrennt hat.Die ¹³C Werte der Dolomite sind weniger als 1%. negativer als die entsprechender nicht dolomitisierter Kalke. Die ¹⁸O-Werte (relativ zum PDB Standard) variieren zwischen –5%. und –13%., das ist 2 bis 11%. negativer als die nicht dolomitisierter Kalke. Dies wird auf erhöhte Bildungstemperaturen zurückgeführt. Ein Anstieg der⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-Signaturen im Mittel von 0.7077 in den nicht dolomitisierten Kalken auf 0.7085 in den dolomitisierten Kalken schließt eine Herkunft der dolomitisierenden Fluide von den vulkanischen Gesteinen aus. Beim Vergleich der Isotopensignaturen mit der phanerozoischen Meerwasser-Isotopenkurve, könnte aber das radiogene Strontium von spät oligozänem — früh miozänem Meerwasser kommen. Mikrothermometrische Analysen flüssiger Einschlüsse in Dolomitkristallen im Gestein und in Adern deutet auf eine Einschlußtemperatur von 70°C (Dolomitgestein) bzw. 120°C (Dolomit in Adern) hin. Die Lösung in den Einschlüssen ist Wasser mit NaCl und MgCl₂, mit einer Salinität von 46%. (Dolomitgestein) bzw. 17%. (Adern). Die aus den Einschlüssen berechnete Druckkorrektur ist etwa 250 bar. Dies entspricht ungefähr der früh miozänen Gesteinssäule über den mesozoischen Kalken.Aufgrund dieser Daten wird eine hydrothermale Bildung der Dolomite im späten Oligozän - frühen Miozän postuliert. Es wird ein hydrodynamisches Modell vorgeschlagen, in dem aufgeheiztes Meerwasser konvektiv durch die breckzierte mesozoische Abfolge zirkuliert. Als Motor wirkt ein vulkanischer geothermischer Gradient. Dieses Modell läßt sich mit hydrologischen Betrachtungen testen und stützen.

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Résumé Dans la partie sud des Alpes Centrales (Feltre, Verone: Italie) il existe une succession, épaisse de 750 m, de calcaires pélagiques jurassiques et crétacés, qui ont subi après leur sédimentation une bréchification et une dolomitisation partielles. Les sédiments tertiaires surincombants, épais de 500 m, ne sont pas affectés par ces phénomènes. Un volcanisme paléogène mafique, essentiellement sousmarin, a été reconnu dans la région. Dans les calcaires, au contact de la brèche dolomitisée, existent des cassures listriques de petite échelle dont la géométrie témoigne d'un régime extensif général au Paléogène. Leurs orientations, mesurées sur le terrain, indiquent la contemporanéité de l'activité volcanique et de la bréchification. La distribution et les caractères pétrologiques des basaltes, combinés à la géometrie des structures extensives, permet une reconstitution paléotectonique. Celle-ci montre une extension dans un bassin d'arrière-arc, prolongement oriental de l'expansion qui, à l'Oligocène supérieur, a séparé du sud de la France le bloc corsico-sardo-calabrais en créant le bassin liguro-baléare.La dolomie, finement grenue à saccharoïde, possède une porosité à vides micro-amygdaloïdes, partiellement occupés par de l'ankérite et de la calcite. La matrice présente une cathodoluminescence homogène rouge-orange, indiquant la présence d'une seule phase constituée de dolomite pauvre en Fe. La fraction carbonatée consiste en dolomite pour plus de 90%. Cette dolomite est à peu près stoechiométrique (Ca_0,6Mg_0,4 à Ca_0,5Mg_0,5). Les rapports ¹³C de la dolomie sont inférieurs de moins de 1%. à ceux du calcaire intact. Les rapports ¹⁸O sont compris entre –5%. et –13%., soit 2 à 11%. inférieurs à ceux du calcaire non dolomitisé. Cette baisse du rapport isotopique peut provenir soit de fluides appauvris en isotopes lourds (p. ex. l'eau météorique), soit d'une température élevée; la constance des rapports isotopiques du C rend cette deuxième explication la plus plausible. Le rapport⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr passe d'une valeur moyenne de 0,7077 dans les calcaires non affectés à 0,7085 dans les calcaires dolomitisés; cet accroissement exclut une origine volcanique pour les fluides dolomitisants. En comparant ces valeurs à la courbe isotopique du Sr de l'eau de mer au Phanérozoïque, on peut déduire que le Sr radiogénique est dérivé d'eaux marines d'âge oligocène tardif à miocène inférieur. L'analyse microthermométrique des inclusions fluides contenues dans les cristaux de dolomite suggère une température de formation qui va de 70°C (dans la roche) à 120° (dans les veines). Le contenu de ces inclusions est une solution aqueuse de NaCl et MgCl₂ avec une salinité de 44%. (dans la roche) et de 17%. (dans les veines). La correction de pression calculée à partir des inclusions fluides est d'environ 250 bars, ce qui correspond grosso modo à la pression lithostatique qui s'exerçait au Miocène inférieur sur les calcaires mésozoïques.Sur la base de ces données, on conclut à une origine hydrothermale de la dolomie au cours de l'Oligocène supérieur - Miocène inférieur. Le modèle hydrodynamique proposé fait appel à la circulation convective, à travers le calcaire bréchié, d'eau marine échauffée grâce au gradient géothermique élevé dû à l'activité volcanique. Ce modèle est en accord avec des considérations hydrologiques.

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(, — ) , 750 , , , , 500 , . , . , . , . . - , - . ¹³ , 1%. ¹⁸, PDB –5 –13%, .. 2 11% . , , . ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.7077 0,7085 . , - . 70° , 120° . , , 44%, 17%. , , 250 . - . , - . , . , . .

     

Regional deformation of late Quaternary fluvial sediments in the Apennines foreland basin (Emilia,Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences - Our research is aimed at estimating the vertical deformation affecting late Quaternary units accumulated into the foreland basin of the Northern Apennines...     

Low reproductive success for copepods during a bloom of the non‐aldehyde‐producing diatom Cerataulina pelagica in the North Adriatic Sea

Egg production rates and/or hatching success in the copepods Acartia clausi, Calanus helgolandicus and Temora longicornis were negatively affected by a late spring (May–June 2003) phytoplankton bloom in the North Adriatic Sea, dominated mainly by the large diatom Cerataulina pelagica. Highest total concentrations of 3.3·10⁴ cells·ml^?1 were located in the vicinity of the Po River, which also corresponded to the area where the highest numbers of phaeophorbides were measured (0.779, 0.528 and 0.419 μg·l^?1, respectively, compared to an average of the remaining stations of 0.183 ± 0.049 SD), suggesting some grazing on the bloom. Phytoplankton biomass in terms of carbon was dominated by diatoms, representing on average 42% of total phytoplankton carbon and more than 80% at several stations. Cerataulina pelagica, Cyclotella spp., Chaetoceros spp. and small unidentified centric diatoms dominated the diatom community numerically but C. pelagica was by far the dominant diatom in terms of carbon due to its large cell size. This species represented more than 60% of the diatom biomass at nine of the 14 stations sampled, and was absent only at one station, which was the most offshore station sampled during the cruise. Although polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) were not detected, other oxylipins which are hydroxy and keto derivatives of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids that affect copepod reproduction were found in these samples. Hence, we can attribute the negative impact of diatoms not only to PUAs, as previously believed, but also to these compounds. This is the first direct evidence of the presence of oxylipins other than PUAs in marine blooms dominated by diatoms.     

Distribution of dissolved labile and particulate iron and copper in Terra Nova Bay polynya (Ross Sea,Antarctica) surface waters in relation to nutrients and phytoplankton growth

The distribution of the dissolved labile and of the particulate Fe and Cu together with dissolved oxygen, nutrients, chlorophyll a and total particulate matter was investigated in the surface waters of Terra Nova Bay polynya in mid-January 2003. The measurements were conducted within the framework of the Italian Climatic Long-term Interactions of the Mass balance in Antarctica (CLIMA) Project activities. The labile dissolved fraction was operationally defined by employing the chelating resin Chelex-100, which retains free and loosely bound trace metal species. The dissolved labile Fe ranges from below the detection limit (0.15 nM) to 3.71 nM, while the dissolved labile Cu from below the detection limit (0.10 nM) to 0.90 nM. The lowest concentrations for both metals were observed at 20 m depth (the shallowest depth for which metals were measured). The concentration of the particulate Fe was about 5 times higher than the dissolved Fe concentration, ranging from 0.56 to 24.83 nM with an average of 6.45 nM. The concentration of the particulate Cu ranged from 0.01 to 0.71 nM with an average of 0.17 nM. The values are in agreement with the previous data collected in the same area. We evaluated the role of the Fe and Cu as biolimiting metals. The N:dissolved labile Fe ratios (18,900–130,666) would or would not allow a complete nitrate removal, on the basis of the N:Fe requirement ratios that we calculated considering the N:P and the C:P ratios estimated for diatoms. This finding partially agrees with the Si:N ratio that we found (2.29). Moreover we considered a possible influence of the dissolved labile Cu on the Fe uptake process.