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Late glacial initiation of Holocene eastern Mediterranean sapropel formation

Author

Listed:
  • Rosina Grimm

    (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology)

  • Ernst Maier-Reimer

    (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology)

  • Uwe Mikolajewicz

    (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology)

  • Gerhard Schmiedl

    (Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Institute of Geology, University of Hamburg)

  • Katharina Müller-Navarra

    (Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Institute of Geology, University of Hamburg)

  • Fanny Adloff

    (CNRM-GAME, Météo-France, CNRS)

  • Katharine M. Grant

    (Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University)

  • Martin Ziegler

    (ETH Zürich, Geological Institute
    University of Utrecht)

  • Lucas J. Lourens

    (University of Utrecht)

  • Kay-Christian Emeis

    (Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Institute of Geology, University of Hamburg
    Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Coastal Research)

Abstract

Recurrent deposition of organic-rich sediment layers (sapropels) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is caused by complex interactions between climatic and biogeochemical processes. Disentangling these influences is therefore important for Mediterranean palaeo-studies in particular, and for understanding ocean feedback processes in general. Crucially, sapropels are diagnostic of anoxic deep-water phases, which have been attributed to deep-water stagnation, enhanced biological production or both. Here we use an ocean-biogeochemical model to test the effects of commonly proposed climatic and biogeochemical causes for sapropel S1. Our results indicate that deep-water anoxia requires a long prelude of deep-water stagnation, with no particularly strong eutrophication. The model-derived time frame agrees with foraminiferal δ13C records that imply cessation of deep-water renewal from at least Heinrich event 1 to the early Holocene. The simulated low particulate organic carbon burial flux agrees with pre-sapropel reconstructions. Our results offer a mechanistic explanation of glacial–interglacial influence on sapropel formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosina Grimm & Ernst Maier-Reimer & Uwe Mikolajewicz & Gerhard Schmiedl & Katharina Müller-Navarra & Fanny Adloff & Katharine M. Grant & Martin Ziegler & Lucas J. Lourens & Kay-Christian Emeis, 2015. "Late glacial initiation of Holocene eastern Mediterranean sapropel formation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8099
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8099
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