Characterization of recent deep-sea debrites in the eastern mediterranean based on foraminiferal taphonomy

Oded Katz, Leeron Ashkenazi, Shani Sultan Levi, Sigal Abramovich, Ahuva Almogi-Labin, Orit Hyams-Kaphzan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is hypothesized that submarine transport of sediments down a continental slope induces physical disintegration of pristine (non-broken) foraminiferal shells, and thus mass transport deposits should include a significant percentage of fragmented shells. To validate this hypothesis, we studied two gravity-cores from the eastern Mediterranean continental slope, offshore Israel: AM113 sampled within a landslide lobe at 848 m water depth, and AM015 located away from a landslide at 1080 m. At least one interval, c. 0.5 m thick, of heterogeneous sediments (i.e. debrite) was identified within each core. The timing of these debrites, based on biostratigraphy, oxygen isotopes and total organic carbon data, predates sapropel S1 in both cores and is contemporaneous (AM113) or slightly predates (AM015) the most recent deglaciation. We found a noticeable increase in the fragmentation of benthic and planktic foraminiferal shells through the last deglaciation and up to the base of S1. This strongly fragmented sequence is located in the debrite of AM113 but overlays the debrite of AM015. Accordingly, we suggest two possible mechanisms for the increased fragmentation of foraminiferal shells in both cores: Sediment transport and turbulence related to submarine masstransport events, or geochemical changes in the lower water column properties at the transition from MIS-2 to the Holocene.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeological Society Special Publication
PublisherGeological Society of London
Pages377-391
Number of pages15
Edition1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2020

Publication series

NameGeological Society Special Publication
Number1
Volume500
ISSN (Print)0305-8719

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Geology

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