A foraminiferal δ(18)O record covering the last 2,200 years.
Thanks to the precise core dating and the high sedimentation rate of the drilling site (Gallipoli Terrace, Ionian Sea) we were able to measure a foraminiferal δ(18)O series covering the last 2,200 years with a time resolution shorter than 4 years. In order to support the quality of this data-set we link the δ(18)O values measured in the foraminifera shells to temperature and salinity measurements available for the last thirty years covered by the core. Moreover, we describe in detail the dating procedures based on the presence of volcanic markers along the core and on the measurement of (210)Pb and (137)Cs activity in the most recent sediment layers. The high time resolution allows for detecting a δ(18)O decennial-scale oscillation, together with centennial and multicentennial components. Due to the dependence of foraminiferal δ(18)O on environmental conditions, these oscillations can provide information about temperature and salinity variations in past millennia. The strategic location of the drilling area makes this record a unique tool for climate and oceanographic studies of the Central Mediterranean.
Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Torino, Torino 10125, Italy.|Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, INAF, Pino Torinese 10025, Italy.
Carla
C
Taricco
Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Torino, Torino 10125, Italy.|Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, INAF, Pino Torinese 10025, Italy.
Silvia
S
Alessio
Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Torino, Torino 10125, Italy.
Sara
S
Rubinetti
IMT School for Advanced Studies, Lucca 55100, Italy.
Gianna
G
Vivaldo
Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, INAF, Pino Torinese 10025, Italy.
Salvatore
S
Mancuso
D002980:Climate; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D056908:Foraminifera; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D009791:Oceanography; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D012623:Seawater; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D010103:Oxygen Isotopes