Volcanic impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract Natural disturbances such as volcanic eruptions provide a unique opportunity to study past ecological dynamics. Here we illustrate the response of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in connection prevailing climate conditions. We selected five volcaniclastic depositions Lake Van (Turkey) sediments from different interglacial/glacial periods (Marine Isotope Stages 3 9e). Using high-resolution pollen data, non-pollen palynomorphs, microscopic charcoal particles attempted disentangle climatic forcing natural environmental disturbances. Our results highlights that thickness subsequent deposits respective conditions strongly influence impact on ecosystems. The most common ash deposition is shift towards herbaceous taxa abrupt fire activity. affected vegetation recovers pre-eruption levels 20 40 varve-years. lake water experiences intensified productivity due nutrient input significant increase microfossils. findings pave way for disentangling