Late Quaternary Landscape Dynamics at the La Spezia Gulf (NW Italy): A Multi-Proxy Approach Reveals Environmental Variability within a Rocky Embayment

The Gulf of La Spezia (GLS) in Northwest Italy is a rocky embayment with low fluvial influence facing the Mediterranean Sea. Past landscape dynamics were investigated through multi-proxy, facies-based analysis down to core depth 30 m. integration quantitative ostracod, foraminifera, and pollen analyses, supported by radiocarbon ages, proved be powerful tool unravel late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental evolution its forcing factors. complex interplay between relative sea-level (RSL), climatic changes, geomorphological features drove four main phases. A barrier–lagoon system developed response rising RSL Late Pleistocene (likely Last Interglacial). establishment glacial conditions then promoted development an alluvial environment, generalised erosion underlying succession subsequent accumulation strata. Holocene transgression (dated ca. 9000 cal year BP) caused GLS inundation formation low-confined lagoon basin, which rapidly turned into coastal bay from 8000 BP onwards. This latter environmental change occurred last stage global acceleration, submerged morphological relief currently forming drowned barrier-island embayment.