Surface hydrographic changes at the western flank of the Sicily Channel associated with the last sapropel

In the eastern Mediterranean Sea, early Holocene was characterized by major climatic and oceanographic changes that led to formation of last sapropel (S1) between 10.8 6.1 kyr cal. BP. These hydrographic might have altered water exchange western sub-basins through Strait Sicily, but existing evidences are inconclusive. present study we show new evidence from sediment core NDT-6-2016 located at flank Sicily channel, a key location monitor surface/intermediate two sub-basins. We perform paleo-hydrographic reconstructions based on planktic foraminifera ecology for 15 BP, including S1 deposition interval. addition, ? 18 O measurements in both Globigerina bulloides Globigerinoides ruber also elements analyses bulk presented. Our results significant surface properties occurred W-Sicily strong contrast seasonal conditions during This proposes associated with freshening promoted African monsoon likely triggered restricted Sicily. situation limited influence Atlantic waters into studied area favored development intense summer stratification vertical winter mixing. changed about 7 BP when decrease probably reflected eastward path Waters. would suggest reinforcement marked end extreme prevailed formation. • Surface reorganization related is observed first time central Mediterranean. The acquired data provide sea across Paleo-hydrographic ecology, element measurements.