Late Quaternary environmental changes of Lake Urmia basin (NW Iran) inferred from sedimentological and magnetic records

The ongoing changes affecting Lake Urmia (NW Iran) are revealed by the lake water level decrease (~7 m in last 20 yr) that was attributed to natural and anthropogenic causes but exact impact of these factors on state is still not identified. Indeed, lack detailed record environmental evolution past limits understanding actual future processes. Our project aims obtain a high-temporal resolution area for ~30 kyrs. Sediment cores have been obtained from recently dried out part near City, surface ground waters measured electric conductivity. This paper presents results sediments analyses. Six 14C AMS dating organic fractions provide chronological framework indicate covers cal kyr BP. During this period, evaporitic conditions were prevailing lake. conductivity brines sediment highlights salinity. data lake-level low stand at BP followed rise establishment lacustrine next ~9 kyr, phase representing highest recorded since time date. From LGM, experienced several fluctuations level. relatively long-term condition established during Early Holocene before between ~5.5 4.9 Sediments two dry events 5.5–4.9 characterized presence greigite, which indicates anaerobic early diagenetic sediment.