Paleoproductivity Modes in Central Mediterranean During MIS 20—MIS 18: Calcareous Plankton and Alkenone Variability

Paleoproductivity is reconstructed across a Mediterranean benchmark record, the Early/Middle Pleistocene Montalbano Jonico section, cropping out in southern Italy. High-resolution coccolithophore and alkenone data (C37 C37:2/C38:2 ratio) were collected order to extend set on paleoproductivity pattern forcing mechanisms. The multi-proxy record indicates low productivity during glacial stadial phases enhanced interglacial interstadials. Increased surface water turbidity, cold-water temperature polar-subpolar salinity incursion appear as dominant controls for Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 20. Enhanced MIS 19c was sustained by warmer waters, coupled with seasonal precipitation regime, providing higher nutrient availability. Productivity increases interstadials respect stadials, relation land-derived input through river discharge wetter winters. scenario we propose similar those from deep-sea records central western Dansgaard-Oeschger oscillations over last 70 ka. This that mechanisms acted dynamics regional scale different times. We suggest migration of westerly wind system polar inflow influenced scale. acquired provides new evidences environmental significance ratio its productivity.