Erosional landforms and biological structures in tectonically stable areas in the Mediterranean basin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Vaccher ◽  
Stefano Furlani ◽  
Sara Biolchi ◽  
Chiara Boccali ◽  
Alice Busetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Vertical Position ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Last Interglacial ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Biological Structures ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

<p>The Mediterranean basin displays a variety of neotectonics scenarios leading to positive or negative vertical displacement, which change the vertical position of former coastlines. As a result, the best locations to evaluate former sea levels and validate sea-level models are tectonically stable areas. There are a number of coastal areas considered to be stable based on the elevation of paleo sea-level markers, the absence of historical seismicity, and by their position far from major Mediterranean faults. We report here the results of swim surveys carried out at such locations following the Geoswim approach described by Furlani (2020) in nine coastal sectors of the central Mediterranean Sea (Egadi Island - Marettimo, Favignana, Levanzo, Gaeta Promontory, Circeo Promontory, North Sardinia - Razzoli, Budelli, Santa Maria, NW Sardinia – Capocaccia, Maddalena Archipelago, Tavolara Island, East of Malta - Ahrax Point, Bugibba-Qawra, Delimara, Addura, Palermo, Ansedonia Promontory). All the sites are considered to be tectonically stable, as validated by the elevation of sea-level indicators. In fact, modern and MIS5.5 (last interglacial) m.s.l. altitudes fit well with accepted figures based upon field data and model projections. Starting from precise morphometric parameters such as the size of tidal notches and indicative landforms and biological structures, we have developed a procedure that integrates multiple geomorphological and biological descriptors applicable to the vast spectrum of locally diverse coastal situations occurring in the Mediterranean Sea. We took detailed measurements of features such as modern and MIS5.5 tidal notches at 146 sites in all the areas, the absence of modern tidal notch at Circeo promontory, shore platforms, and MIS5.5 marine terraces at Egadi islands, Malta, and Palermo. Biological structures were also measured. In particular, vermetid platforms at Egadi, Palermo and Malta. The morphometric characteristics of these indicators depend on 1) local geological and structural constraints, 2) local geomorphotypes, 3) climate, sea, and weather conditions that affect geomorphic and biological processes, and 4) the sea level change history.</p>

scholarly journals Characterisation of low-frequency sea level oscillations in the Mediterranean sea

2019 ◽  
pp. 121-133
Author(s):  
Vesna Bertoncelj ◽  
Matjaž Ličer ◽  
Dušan Žagar ◽  
Davide Bonaldo
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Analysis ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Storm Event ◽  
Sea Level Oscillations ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Implementing adequate defences for low-lying coastal area against coastal flooding requires thorough knowledge of all potential influences leading to increased sea levels, including low-frequency sea level oscillations. We present and describe several methods applicable for the analysis of low-frequency sea level oscillations in the Mediterranean Sea: wavelet analysis, spectral analysis, moving-periodogram analysis, and rotary spectral analysis. These methods were applied for characterisation of subinertial sea level oscillations with periods greater of the period of inertial oscillation (18 hours in the Northern Adriatic Sea) on measured sea surface elevations and current velocities in the Mediterranean Sea. Preliminary analysis was performed on observations of a storm event in the Adriatic Sea at the end of January and the beginning of February 2014, revealing a peak in the frequency spectrum in the frequency band between 0.3−0.4 day−1. Further analysis was done on long-term tide gauge measurements available for 62 stations in the Mediterranean basin. The application of the selected methods provided a preliminary set of seasonal occurrences and durations of subinertial oscillation. This sets the ground for further investigation into the propagation of low-frequency sea level oscillations throughout the Mediterranean basin and for characterisation of the mechanisms triggering the process, including with regard to climate change.

scholarly journals Mapping Flood-Related Mortality in the Mediterranean Basin. Results from the MEFF v2.0 DB

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinet ◽  
Bigot ◽  
Petrucci ◽  
Papagiannaki ◽  
Llasat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Balearic Islands ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Southern France ◽  
Rainfall Frequency ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Related Mortality

Recent events in Western Attica in Greece (24 deaths in November 2017), in the Balearic Islands (13 deaths in October 2018), and in southern France (15 deaths in October 2018) show that flood-related mortality remains a major concern in Mediterranean countries facing flash floods. Over the past several years, many initiatives have arisen to create databases on flood-related mortality. An international initiative started in 2011 pooling regional and national databases on flood mortality from region and/or countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The MEditerranean Flood Fatality Database (MEFF DB) brings together, in 2018, six Mediterranean regions/countries: Catalonia (Spain), Balearic Islands (Spain), Southern France, Calabria (Italy), Greece, and Turkey, and covers the period 1980–2018. MEFF DB is on progress and, every year, new data are included, but for this study, we kept only the preliminary data that were geolocated and validated on 31st of December 2018. This research introduces a new step in the analysis of flood-related mortality and follows the statistical description of the MEFF DB already published. The goals of this paper are to draw the spatial distribution of flood mortality through a geographical information system (GIS) at different spatial scales: country, NUTS 3 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics. Level 3) regions, catchment areas, and grid. A fatality rate (F: number of deaths/year/million of inhabitants) is created to help this analysis. Then, we try to relate mortality to basic (human or physical) drivers such as population density, rainfall seasonality, or rainfall frequency across the Mediterranean Basin. The mapping of F shows a negative mortality gradient between the western and the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The south of France appears to be the most affected region. The maps also highlight the seasonality of flood-related deaths with the same west–east gradient. It confirms that flood mortality follows the climatological seasonal patterns across the Mediterranean Basin. Flood-related fatalities mainly occur during the early fall season in the western part of the Mediterranean area, while the Easter Basin is affected later, in November or during the winter season. Eastern Turkey introduces another pattern, as mortality is more severe in summer. Mortality maps are then compared with factors that potentially contribute to the occurrence of flood fatalities, such as precipitation intensity (rainfall hazard), to explain geographical differences in the fatality rate. The density of a fatal event is correlated to the population density and the rainfall frequency. Conversely, the average number of deaths per event depends on other factors such as prevention or crisis management.

scholarly journals Anthropogenic and natural CO<sub>2</sub> exchange through the Strait of Gibraltar

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. E. Huertas ◽  
A. F. Ríos ◽  
J. García-Lafuente ◽  
A. Makaoui ◽  
S. Rodríguez-Gálvez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Strait Of Gibraltar ◽  
Anthropogenic Carbon ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Mediterranean Water

Abstract. The exchange of both anthropogenic and natural inorganic carbon between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through Strait of Gibraltar was studied for a period of two years under the frame of the CARBOOCEAN project. A comprehensive sampling program was conducted, which was design to collect samples at eight fixed stations located in the Strait in successive cruises periodically distributed through the year in order to ensure a good spatial and temporal coverage. As a result of this monitoring, a time series namely GIFT (GIbraltar Fixed Time series) has been established, allowing the generation of an extensive data set of the carbon system parameters in the area. Data acquired during the development of nine campaigns were analyzed in this work. Total inorganic carbon concentration (CT) was calculated from alkalinity-pHT pairs and appropriate thermodynamic relationships, with the concentration of anthropogenic carbon (CANT) being also computed using two methods, the ΔC* and the TrOCA approach. Applying a two-layer model of water mass exchange through the Strait and using a value of −0.85 Sv for the average transport of the outflowing Mediterranean water recorded in situ during the considered period, a net export of inorganic carbon from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic was obtained, which amounted to 25±0.6 Tg C yr−1. A net alkalinity output of 16±0.6 Tg C yr−1 was also observed to occur through the Strait. In contrast, the Atlantic water was found to contain a higher concentration of anthropogenic carbon than the Mediterranean water, resulting in a net flux of CANT towards the Mediterranean basin of 4.20±0.04 Tg C yr−1 by using the ΔC* method, which constituted the most adequate approach for this environment. A carbon balance in the Mediterranean was assessed and fluxes through the Strait are discussed in relation to the highly diverse estimates available in the literature for the area and the different approaches considered for CANT estimation. This work unequivocally confirms the relevant role of the Strait of Gibraltar as a controlling point for the biogeochemical exchanges occurring between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and emphasizes the influence of the Mediterranean basin in the carbon inventories of the North Atlantic.

SMOS-based estimation and validation of Total Alkalinity in the Mediterranean basin

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Sabia ◽  
Estrella Olmedo ◽  
Giampiero Cossarini ◽  
Aida Alvera-Azcárate ◽  
Veronica Gonzalez-Gambau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Sea Surface Salinity ◽  
Total Alkalinity ◽  
Surface Salinity ◽  
Carbonate System ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

&lt;p&gt;ESA SMOS satellite [1] has been providing first-ever Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) measurements from space for over a decade now. Until recently, inherent algorithm limitations or external interferences hampered a reliable provision of satellite SSS data in semi-enclosed basin such as the Mediterranean Sea. This has been however overcome through different strategies in the retrieval scheme and data filtering approach [2, 3]. This recent capability has been in turn used to infer the spatial and temporal distribution of Total Alkalinity (TA - a crucial parameter of the marine carbonate system) in the Mediterranean, exploiting basin-specific direct relationships existing between salinity and TA.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Preliminary results [4] focused on the differences existing in several parameterizations [e.g, 5] relating these two variables, and how they vary over a seasonal to interannual timescale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Currently, to verify the consistency and accuracy of the derived products, these data are being validated against a proper ensemble of in-situ, climatology and model outputs within the Mediterranean basin. An error propagation exercise is also being planned to assess how uncertainties in the satellite data would translate into the final products accuracy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The resulting preliminary estimates of Alkalinity in the Mediterranean Sea will be linked to the overall carbonate system in the broader context of Ocean Acidification assessment and marine carbon cycle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;References:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;[1] J. Font et al., &quot;SMOS: The Challenging Sea Surface Salinity Measurement From Space,&quot; in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 98, no. 5, pp. 649-665, May 2010. doi: 10.1109/JPROC.2009.2033096&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;[2] Olmedo, E., J. Martinez, A. Turiel, J. Ballabrera-Poy, and M. Portabella,&amp;#160; &amp;#8220;Debiased non-Bayesian retrieval: A novel approach to SMOS Sea Surface Salinity&amp;#8221;. Remote Sensing of Environment 193, 103-126 (2017).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;[3] Alvera-Azc&amp;#225;rate, A., A. Barth, G. Parard, J.-M. Beckers, Analysis of SMOS sea surface salinity data using DINEOF, In Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 180, 2016, Pages 137-145, ISSN 0034-4257, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2016.02.044.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;[4] Sabia, R., E. Olmedo, G. Cossarini, A. Turiel, A. Alvera-Azc&amp;#225;rate, J. Martinez, D. Fern&amp;#225;ndez-Prieto, Satellite-driven preliminary estimates of Total Alkalinity in the Mediterranean basin, Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 21, EGU2019-17605, EGU General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria, April 7-12, 2019.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;[5] Cossarini, G., Lazzari, P., and Solidoro, C.: Spatiotemporal variability of alkalinity in the Mediterranean Sea, Biogeosciences, 12, 1647-1658, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-1647-2015, 2015.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Combined analysis of four mitochondrial regions allowed the detection of several matrilineal lineages of the lessepsian fish Fistularia commersonii in the Mediterranean Sea

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 1289-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Sanna ◽  
Paolo Merella ◽  
Tiziana Lai ◽  
Sarra Farjallah ◽  
Paolo Francalacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Cyt B ◽  
D Loop ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Pacific Species ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

The bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii) is an Indo-Pacific species that in the last ten years colonized a large part of the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this study was to sequence some portions of the mitochondrial DNA (D-loop II, 16S, 12S and Cyt b) of this fish from different localities of the Mediterranean Sea, in order to evaluate the level of its genetic variability in this area. The genetic analysis performed on specimens from seven localities of Sardinia, Tunisia and Libya revealed the presence of at least five mitochondrial lineages. The results obtained, compared with previous studies, indicate that the use of a sufficient number of mitochondrial regions may allow a more accurate estimate of genetic variability in lessepsian invasions.

scholarly journals Characterization of PM<sub>10</sub> sources in the central Mediterranean

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (14) ◽  
pp. 20013-20057
Author(s):  
G. Calzolai ◽  
S. Nava ◽  
F. Lucarelli ◽  
M. Chiari ◽  
M. Giannoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Mineral Dust ◽  
Sea Salt ◽  
Biogenic Emissions ◽  
Ship Emissions ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Combustion Emissions ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Pm10 Mass ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Abstract. The Mediterranean Basin atmosphere is influenced by both strong natural and anthropogenic aerosol emissions, and is also subject to important climatic forcings. Several programs have addressed the study of the Mediterranean basin; nevertheless important pieces of information are still missing. In this framework, PM10 samples were collected on a daily basis on the island of Lampedusa (35.5° N, 12.6° E, 45 m a.s.l.), which is far from continental pollution sources (the nearest coast, in Tunisia, is more than 100 km away). After mass gravimetric measurements, different portions of the samples were analyzed to determine the ionic content by Ion Chromatography (IC), the soluble metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), and the total (soluble + insoluble) elemental composition by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Data from years 2007 and 2008 are used in this study. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to the 2 year long data set of PM10 mass concentration and chemical composition to assess the aerosol sources affecting the Central Mediterranean basin. Seven sources were resolved: sea-salt, mineral dust, biogenic emissions, primary particulate ship emissions, secondary sulphate, secondary nitrate, and combustion emissions. Source contributions to the total PM10 mass were estimated to be about 40 % for sea-salt, around 25 % for mineral dust, 10 % each for secondary nitrate and secondary sulphate, and 5 % each for primary particulate ship emissions, biogenic emissions, and combustion emissions. Large variations in absolute and relative contributions are found and appear to depend on the season and on transport episodes. In addition, the secondary sulphate due to ship emissions was estimated, and found to contribute by about one third to the total sulphate mass. Results for the sea-salt and mineral dust sources were compared with estimates of the same contributions obtained from independent approaches, leading to an estimate of the water content bound to the sea salt in the marine source.

scholarly journals Remarks on Echinodermata from the South Central Mediterranean Sea based upon collections made during the MARCOS cruise (10 to 20th April, 2007)

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. MIFSUD ◽  
M. TAVIANI ◽  
S. STOHR
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The South ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Management Zone ◽  
Maltese Islands ◽  
South Central ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

The MARCOS cruise, which took place in the South Central Mediterranean Sea on board the RV ‘Urania’, resulted in the collection of 27 species of Echinodermata from shallow to bathyal depths, many from around Malta (the Fisheries Management Zone). The fauna is represented by common to rare taxa already reported from the Mediterranean with the exception of the amphi-Atlantic ophiuroid Ophiotreta valenciennesi rufescens (Koehler, 1896), recorded from the Mediterranean Basin for the first time. Odontaster mediterraneus (von Marenzeller, 1893) and Luidia sarsi Lutken, 1858 are also first records for the Maltese Islands.

Ephemeral Streams: An overlooked permanent source of groundwater and Nutrients to the Mediterranean Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Diego-Feliu ◽  
Valentí Rodellas ◽  
Aaron Alorda-Kleinglass ◽  
Júlia Domínguez-Gabarró ◽  
Maarten Saaltink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Groundwater Discharge ◽  
Biogeochemical Cycles ◽  
Coastal Ocean ◽  
Precipitation Event ◽  
Ephemeral Streams ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;Fluxes of nutrients, metals, contaminants, among others dissolved compounds transported from land to oceans have a direct impact on coastal biogeochemical cycles. One of these land-ocean interaction mechanisms, recently recognized as an important source of these compounds, is the flow of groundwater from continental margins to the coastal ocean, commonly known as Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD). The Mediterranean coastline is characterized by the presence of ephemeral streams, geomorphological settings that act as preferential flow paths for both runoff and groundwater towards the sea. The Mediterranean Basin is highly influenced by strong precipitation events (&gt;50 mm) that commonly occur during fall and spring seasons such as isolated depression at high levels events, locally named &amp;#8216;gota-freda&amp;#8217;. In such situations, runoff causes several social and environmental impacts along ephemeral streams that have been long recognized. However, when the surface water flow ceases, the subterranean part of ephemeral streams may continue supplying water and solutes to the coastal ocean via SGD. This process and its effects for coastal ecosystems have been largely overlooked. In this study, we evaluated the influence of a &amp;#8216;gota-freda&amp;#8217; event on both the role of ephemeral streams as preferential areas for groundwater discharge and on the magnitude of SGD and SGD-derived nutrient fluxes. To do so, three seawater sampling campaigns were performed in a Mediterranean coastal region dominated by ephemeral streams (Maresme, Catalunya) after heavy rainfall events (~50 mm) and in baseflow conditions. Results of this study indicate that SGD flows are between 5 and 7 times higher after a strong precipitation event than in baseflow conditions indicating that the supply of nutrients and other dissolved compounds to the Mediterranean Sea is highly dependent on these events. This study highlights that this mechanism is a relevant process for coastal biogeochemical cycles of semi-arid regions such as the Mediterranean basin. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

First record of Dosima fascicularis (Ellis & Solander, 1786) (Crustacea, Cirripedia) in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4743 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-450
Author(s):  
M. CAVALLARO ◽  
G. AMMENDOLIA ◽  
P. BATTAGLIA
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
First Record ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean

Four specimens of Dosima fascicularis were collected from the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Basin), representing the first record of the species from this locality, the second from Italian waters, and the most eastern indication of the species in the Mediterranean Sea. 

scholarly journals Characterization of PM<sub>10</sub> sources in the central Mediterranean

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (24) ◽  
pp. 13939-13955 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Calzolai ◽  
S. Nava ◽  
F. Lucarelli ◽  
M. Chiari ◽  
M. Giannoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Mineral Dust ◽  
Sea Salt ◽  
Biogenic Emissions ◽  
Ship Emissions ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Combustion Emissions ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Pm10 Mass ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Abstract. The Mediterranean Basin atmosphere is influenced by both strong natural and anthropogenic aerosol emissions and is also subject to important climatic forcings. Several programs have addressed the study of the Mediterranean basin; nevertheless important pieces of information are still missing. In this framework, PM10 samples were collected on a daily basis on the island of Lampedusa (35.5° N, 12.6° E; 45 m a.s.l.), which is far from continental pollution sources (the nearest coast, in Tunisia, is more than 100 km away). After mass gravimetric measurements, different portions of the samples were analyzed to determine the ionic content by ion chromatography (IC), the soluble metals by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and the total (soluble + insoluble) elemental composition by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE). Data from 2007 and 2008 are used in this study. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to the 2-year long data set of PM10 mass concentration and chemical composition to assess the aerosol sources affecting the central Mediterranean basin. Seven sources were resolved: sea salt, mineral dust, biogenic emissions, primary particulate ship emissions, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, and combustion emissions. Source contributions to the total PM10 mass were estimated to be about 40 % for sea salt, around 25 % for mineral dust, 10 % each for secondary nitrate and secondary sulfate, and 5 % each for primary particulate ship emissions, biogenic emissions, and combustion emissions. Large variations in absolute and relative contributions are found and appear to depend on the season and on transport episodes. In addition, the secondary sulfate due to ship emissions was estimated and found to contribute by about one-third to the total sulfate mass. Results for the sea-salt and mineral dust sources were compared with estimates of the same contributions obtained from independent approaches, leading to an estimate of the water content bound to the sea salt in the marine source.

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