The last 40 ka tephrostratigraphic record of Lake Ohrid,Albania and Macedonia: a very distal archive for ash dispersal from Italian volcanoes

A 1075 cm long core (Lz1120) was recovered in the south-eastern part of the Lake Ohrid (Republics of Macedonia and Albania) and sampled for identification of tephra layers. Magnetic susceptibility investigations show rather high magnetic values throughout the core, with peaks unrelated to the occurrence of tephra layers but instead to the relative abundance of detrital magnetic minerals in the sediment. Naked-eye inspection of the core allowed us to identify of two tephra layers, at 896–897 cm and 1070–1075 cm. Laboratory inspection of the grain-size fraction > 125 μm allowed for the identification of a third cryptotephra at 310–315 cm. Major element analyses on glass shards of the tephra layers at 896–897 cm and 1070–1075 cm show a trachytic composition, and indicate a correlation with the regionally dispersed Y-3 and Y-5 tephra layers, dated at ca 30 and 39 cal ka BP. The cryptotephra at 310–315 cm has a mugearitic–benmoreitic composition, and was correlated with the FL eruption of Mt. Etna, dated at 3370 ± 70 cal yr BP. These ages are in agreement with five ¹⁴C AMS measurements carried out on plant remains and macrofossils from the lake sediments at different depths along the core.     

Towards a detailed distal tephrostratigraphy in the Central Mediterranean: The last 20,000 yrs record of Lago Grande di Monticchio

A detailed compilation of distal tephrostratigraphy comprising the last 20,000 yrs is given for the Central Mediterranean region. A total of 47 distinct ash layers identified in the maar lake sediments of Lago Grande di Monticchio (Basilicata, Southern Italy) are compared with proximal and distal terrestrial-marine tephra deposits in the circum-central Mediterranean region. The results of these studies provide valuable information for reconstructing the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene dispersal of pyroclastic deposits from south Italian explosive volcanoes, in particular Somma-Vesuvius, the Campi Flegrei caldera, Ischia Island and Mount Etna. Prominent tephras are discussed with respect to their reliability as dating and correlation tools in sedimentary records. Ashes from Plinian eruptions of Somma-Vesuvius (i.e. Avellino, Mercato, Greenish, Pomici di Base), for instance, are well-defined by their distribution patterns and their unique composition. The widespread Y-1 tephra from Mount Etna, on the other hand, derived most likely from two distinct Plinian events with changing wind conditions, and therefore becomes a less reliable stratigraphic marker. Statistical–numerical calculations are presented in order to discriminate between Holocene tephras from the Campi Flegrei caldera (i.e. Astroni 1–3, Agnano Monte Spina, Averno 1, Lagno Amendolare), since these ashes are characterized by an almost indistinguishable chemical fingerprint. As a highlight, numerous Campanian eruptions of proposed low-intensity have been identified in the distal site of Monticchio suggesting a revision of existing tephra dispersal maps and re-calculation of eruptive conditions. In summary, the tephra record of Monticchio is one of the key successions for linking both, terrestrial records from Central-southern Italy and marine sequences from the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Ionian Seas.     

The Campanian Ignimbrite and Codola tephra layers: Two temporal/stratigraphic markers for the Early Upper Palaeolithic in southern Italy and eastern Europe

Tephra layers from archaeological sites in southern Italy and eastern Europe stratigraphically associated with cultural levels containing Early Upper Palaeolithic industry were analysed. The results confirm the occurrence of the Campanian Ignimbrite tephra (CI; ca. 40 cal ka BP) at Castelcivita Cave (southern Italy), Temnata Cave (Bulgaria) and in the Kostenki–Borshchevo area of the Russian Plain. This tephra, originated from the largest eruption of the Phlegrean Field caldera, represents the widest volcanic deposit and one of the most important temporal/stratigraphic markers of western Eurasia. At Paglicci Cave and lesser sites in the Apulia region we recognise a chemically and texturally different tephra, which lithologically, chronologically and chemically matches the physical and chemical characteristics of the Plinian eruption of Codola; a poorly known Late Pleistocene explosive event from the Neapolitan volcanoes, likely Somma–Vesuvius. For this latter, we propose a preliminary age estimate of ca. 33 cal ka BP and a correlation to the widespread C-10 marine tephra of the central Mediterranean. The stratigraphic position of both CI and Codola tephra layers at Castelcivita and Paglicci help date the first and the last documented appearance of Early Upper Palaeolithic industries of southern Italy to ca. 41–40 and 33 cal ka BP, respectively, or between two interstadial oscillations of the Monticchio pollen record – to which the CI and Codola tephras are physically correlated – corresponding to the Greenland interstadials 10–9 and 5. In eastern Europe, the stratigraphic and chronometric data seem to indicate an earlier appearance of the Early Upper Palaeolithic industries, which would predate of two millennia at least the overlying CI tephra. The tephrostratigraphic correlation indicates that in both regions the innovations connected with the so-called Early Upper Palaeolithic – encompassing subsistence strategy and stone tool technology – appeared and evolved during one of the most unstable climatic phases of the Last Glacial period. On this basis, the marked environmental unpredictability characterising this time-span is seen as a potential ecological factor involved in the cultural changes observed.     

Towards an operational use of space imagery for oil pollution monitoring in the Mediterranean basin: a demonstration in the Adriatic Sea

Studies of operational pollution carried out by European commission - Joint Research Centre in the Mediterranean Sea for the years 1999-2004 are briefly introduced. The specific analysis of the Adriatic Sea for the same period demonstrates that this area has been characterized by a relevant number of illegal discharges from ships. After setting the historical background of the project AESOP (aerial and satellite surveillance of operational pollution in the Adriatic Sea), the content, partners and aim of the project are presented. Finally, the results of the first phase of the AESOP project are presented. The results seem very encouraging. For the first time in the Adriatic, real time detection of oil spills in satellite images and an immediate verification by the Coast Guard has been undertaken. An exploratory activity has also been carried out in collaboration with the University of Ljubljana to use automatic information system (AIS) to identify the ships detected in the satellite images.     

The two-stage opening of the western–central Mediterranean basins: a forward modeling test to a new evolutionary model

The Algero–Provençal and the Tyrrhenian extensional basins developed in two stages in a geodynamic setting characterized by the nearly N–S convergence between Africa and Eurasia. The spreading of the Provençal basin occurred in the early Miocene following a long period of rifting in the western Mediterranean area. A dramatic eastward shift of the active extensional deformation resulted in the Tortonian to Quaternary opening of the Tyrrhenian basin. In a companion paper, Carminati et al. propose that: a trench retreat process in a geodynamic setting locked by the continental collisions in the Alps and in the Betic chain is a viable mechanism for the late Oligocene–early Langhian opening of the western Mediterranean; a Langhian slab detachment episode along the north African margin is likely to have caused the end of the trench retreat along this part of the boundary determining the end of active expansion in the western Mediterranean and the beginning of active extension in the Tyrrhenian basin. The objective of the present paper is to quantitatively test this proposed scenario. We calculate, by means of a thin shell model, the effects of these plate boundary reorganizations on the European stress and strain field. We show that the two-stage opening of the western and central Mediterranean can be explained by the evolution proposed by Carminati et al. and that, in particular, the eastward shift of the active extension which produced the termination of the first opening stage and the beginning of the second is likely to have been triggered by the slab detachment episode along the north African margin.     

A second tephra isochron for the Younger Dryas period in northern Europe: The Abernethy Tephra

Visible and non-visible (cryptotephra) volcanic ash layers are increasingly being used to underpin the chronology and high-precision correlation of sequences dating to the last glacial–interglacial transition (LGIT). As the number of sediment records analysed for tephra content rises, and methodological developments permit the detection, extraction and chemical analysis of increasingly scantily represented glass shard concentrations, greater complexity in shard count profiles is revealed. Here we present new evidence from sites in Scotland, and review published evidence from sites elsewhere in NW Europe, that indicate complexity in the eruptive history of Katla volcano during the mid-Younger Dryas and Early Holocene. We propose evidence for a previously-overlooked tephra isochron, here named the Abernethy Tephra, which is consistently found to lie close to the Younger Dryas/Holocene transition. It has a major-element chemical composition indistinguishable from that of the Vedde Ash, which was erupted from the Katla volcano at 12,121 ± 114 cal a BP. The new data suggest that Katla may have erupted again between 11,720–11,230 cal a BP and the subsequent ash fall increases the potential to assess environmental response to Holocene warming across north and west Europe.     

A case history of secondary 3D seismic exploration in the Liaohe basin: An example from the Rongshengpu-Qianjin area

The working area is located in the industrially developed region of Rongshengpu-Qianjin, where a surface water system is developed, surface-layer lithology is complicated, and various kinds of hydrocarbon traps are buried at depth. The seismic data acquired previously couldn’t be interpreted due to the complex surface and geological conditions. Taking secondary 3D seismic from the Rongshengpu-Qianjin area as an example, this paper describes a set of techniques designed to overcome these difficulties and improve the quality of seismic data. The applied techniques included flexible acquisition geometry, low-noise receiver conditions, quantitative quality control, and so on. First Author Tian Qingbo, Engineer, graduated in Applied Geophysics Department from Chengdu Geology College in 1991. He engaged in acquisition and processing of seismic data, research of acquisition method for a long time. Now, he works in the department of Project and Technique in Geophysical Exploration Company of Liaohe Petroleum Exploration Bureau.     

The Umbria-Marche (central Italy) earthquakes: relation between rupture directivity and sequence evolution for the Mw > 5 shocks

We derive the relative moment rate function for the shocks with M_w > 5 in the 1997-98 central Italy seismic sequence, started with the M_w = 5.7, 09/26/97 00:33 event, by applying an empirical Green functionmethod. By using three conveniently placed broadband MedNet stations we obtain apparent source time functions indicating clear directivity effects for all of the analysed earthquakes, with rupture propagation generally directed outward from the epicentral area of the09/03/97 foreshock sequence. Taking a simple source model, forward modeling is utilized for determining fault parameters such as length, rupture propagation velocity and direction and, for the three major events,slip distribution. The effects of the break propagation directions onthe sequence evolution is discussed. A possible inconsistencyresults for the shallow 04/03/98 shock, which could be avoided if alink with the deep 03/26/98 event is assumed.Our analysis evidences the importance of a quick determination for the fault parameters in order to image the possible induction of fracturing on nearby structures.     

Glacial isostatic adjustment in 3-D earth models: Implications for the analysis of tide gauge records along the U.S. east coast

Tide gauge records of recent sea-level change along the U.S. east coast have received significant attention within the literature of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Geographic trends in these tide gauge rates are not reduced by a GIA correction based on a commonly adopted radial viscosity profile (characterized, in particular, by a lower mantle viscosity 1−2×10²¹ Pa s), and this has led to speculation that the residual trends reflect contributions from neotectonics or oceanographic processes. While the trends can be significantly reduced by adopting an Earth model with a stiffer lower mantle, such a model appears to be incompatible with independent constraints from post-glacial decay times in Hudson Bay. We use a finite-element model of the GIA process to investigate whether 3-D viscosity variations superimposed onto the “common” radial viscosity profile may provide a route to reconciling the east coast sea-level trends. We find that the specific 3-D structure we impose has little impact on the geographic trends in the GIA-corrected rates. However, we do find that the imposed lateral variations in lower mantle viscosity introduce a nearly uniform upward shift of 0.5 mm/yr in GIA-induced sea-level rates along the U.S. east coast. Thus, inferences of regional (U.S. east coast) sea-level rise due to modern melting of ice reservoirs, based on tide gauge rates corrected using 1-D GIA models, may be significantly biased by this simplifying assumption.     

A stratigraphic network across the Subtropical Front in the central South Atlantic: Multi-parameter correlation of magnetic susceptibility, density, X-ray fluorescence and δO records

Computer aided multi-parameter signal correlation is used to develop a common high-precision age model for eight gravity cores from the subtropical and subantarctic South Atlantic. Since correlations between all pairs of multi-parameter sequences are used, and correlation errors between core pairs (A, B) and (B, C) are controlled by comparison with (A, C), the resulting age model is called a stratigraphic network. Precise inter-core correlation is achieved using high-resolution records of magnetic susceptibility κ, wet bulk density ρ and X-ray fluorescence scans of elemental composition. Additional δ¹⁸O records are available for two cores. The data indicate nearly undisturbed sediment series and the absence of significant hiatuses or turbidites. After establishing a high-precision common depth scale by synchronously correlating four densely measured parameters (Fe, Ca, κ, ρ), the final age model is obtained by simultaneously fitting the aligned δ¹⁸O and κ records of the stratigraphic network to orbitally tuned oxygen isotope [J. Imbrie, J. D. Hays, D. G. Martinson, A. McIntyre, A. C. Mix, J. J. Morley, N. G. Pisias, W. L. Prell, N. J. Shackleton, The orbital theory of Pleistocene climate: support from a revised chronology of the marine δ¹⁸O record, in: A. Berger, J. Imbrie, J. Hays, G. Kukla, B. Saltzman (Eds.), Milankovitch and Climate: Understanding the Response to Orbital Forcing, Reidel Publishing, Dordrecht, 1984, pp. 269-305; D. Martinson, N. Pisias, J. Hays, J. Imbrie, T. C. Moore Jr., N. Shackleton, Age dating and the orbital theory of the Ice Ages: development of a high-resolution 0 to 300.000-Year chronostratigraphy, Quat. Res. 27 (1987) 1-29.] or susceptibility stacks [T. von Dobeneck, F.Schmieder, Using rock magnetic proxy records for orbital tuning and extended time series analyses into the super-and sub-Milankovitch Bands, in: G. Fischer, G. Wefer (Eds.), Use of proxies in paleoceanography: Examples from the South Atlantic, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1999), pp. 601-633.]. Besides the detection and elimination of errors in single records, the stratigraphic network approach allows to check the intrinsic consistency of the final result by comparing it to the outcome of more restricted alignment procedures. The final South Atlantic stratigraphic network covers the last 400 kyr south and the last 1200 kyr north of the Subtropical Front (STF) and provides a highly precise age model across the STF representing extremely different sedimentary regimes. This allows to detect temporal shifts of the STF by mapping δMn / Fe. It turns out that the apparent STF movements by about 200 km are not directly related to marine oxygen isotope stages.     

A method to evaluate the degree of bleaching of IRSL signals in feldspar: The 3ET method

In addition to dating, IRSL luminescence signals can preserve information about erosional, transport, and depositional histories of a population of grains. Knowledge of the degree of bleaching can be useful in understanding the processes that occurred during previous depositional events, as certain transport conditions result in a well bleached signal, while others result in grains retaining an inherited signal from prior events. This information can be accessed by making single-grain IRSL measurements across successively increasing temperatures, thereby isolating signals from traps of different bleachabilities.A new approach offers a way to evaluate the completeness of bleaching of a grain by testing patterns of equivalent dose (D_E) values measured at three elevated temperatures (3ET), 50, 125, and 225 °C. Consistent D_E estimates across two or more temperatures suggest a single bleaching event of sufficient duration to fully depopulate the traps involved. Incompletely bleached grains with inconsistent D_E values across temperatures will lack a 3ET “plateau.” Modes in the distribution of D_E values for fully bleached grains can suggest depositional ages, subject to assessment of fading. We developed a Python code in a Jupyter Notebook environment for data analysis and visualization to expedite processing the large data sets produced by the 3ET protocol.The 3ET protocol was tested on a radiocarbon dated sequence of playa samples from California, USA and on a set of fluvial terraces in the Marlborough region of New Zealand as part of a larger project to reconstruct regional seismic history. Where standard pIRIR apparent ages can be inconsistent or ambiguous, 3ET age estimates produce generally consistent apparent ages. Modes of 3ET plateaus can be used to infer the most recent and prior events that resulted in a sub-population of grains being fully bleached. These initial results suggest that the 3ET method can be useful to characterize both the age and degree of bleaching of depositional events.     

A 3-d model of quaternary terrace development,simulations of terrace stratigraphy and valley asymmetry: A case study for the allier terraces (limagne,France)

The combined effects of climate and tectonism on general terrace stratigraphy and valley asymmetry during the last half million years in the Allier system (France) are simulated by a 3-D conceptual model (LIMTER). This model allows the formulation and evaluation of long term terrace formation scenarios for the Allier system. Simulation results suggest that terrace stratigraphy in the study area is mainly the result of internal dynamics and climatic change. Local tectonism contributed to the development of unpaired terraces while the general regional uplift played a dominant role in determining terrace formation and preservation in general.     

The shoreline preservation index as a relative-age dating tool for late pleistocene shorelines: An example from the bonneville basin,U.S.A.

This paper evaluates the utility of the shoreline preservation index (s.p.i.) for estimating the age of late Pleistocene palaeolake shorelines, the relative influence of various factors on shoreline preservation, and whether shoreline preservation varies significantly with shoreline aspect. Sampled shorelines from the 3300 km² study area, which includes the Skull, Tule and Puddle Valley portions of the Lake Bonneville basin, range in age from approximately 26 to 12 ka. Their total s.p.i. values range from 23 to 69 per cent, average 46 per cent, and do not vary significantly with shoreline aspect. The data from Skull and Tule Valleys, where studied shorelines are of known age, are analysed first in order to determine if there are statistically significant associations between variables representing shoreline preservation, age, degree of geomorphic development and duration of subaerial exposure. Pairwise correlation is then repeated using observations from all three valleys in order to determine how data from the Puddle Valley shorelines, whose hypothesized ages are not supported by radiocarbon analyses, affect the results. Results show that s.p.i. is useful as a relative-age dating tool, that the postulated ages of the Puddle Valley shorelines are ordinally correct, and that geomorphic development is not an important influence on the preservation of these late Pleistocene shorelines. The relative importance of shoreline age and the relative unimportance of duration of subaerial exposure with respect to shoreline preservation suggest that subaqueous processes play a more substantial role in shoreline obliteration than is generally suggested.