The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

State-dependent behavior of authigenic Nd isotopes in marginal seas: insights from the eastern Mediterranean
ID:1412 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 77 - Past and present ocean dynamics: Processes and interactions controlling trace elements and their isotopes

Abstract
Authigenic neodymium isotopes (εNd) are widely used to reconstruct past ocean circulation, yet their interpretation in marginal basins remains uncertain because local lithogenic inputs may overprint water-mass signals. The Mediterranean Sea provides an ideal natural laboratory to evaluate these competing controls owing to strong particle supply and rapid overturning circulation. Here we present new foraminiferal εNd records from two sediment cores in the Levantine Basin (818 and 1809 m water depth) spanning the last ~14 kyr. Both records display radiogenic values during sapropel S1, a pronounced unradiogenic excursion during the 8.2 ka event, and a progressive late-Holocene decline followed by renewed radiogenic shifts after ~2 ka. Comparable εNd amplitudes at both depths, together with the absence of systematically more radiogenic values at the deeper site, argue against dominant benthic overprinting. Instead, the data support top-down redistribution of reactive Nile-derived Nd released within the upper to intermediate water column. Following sapropel termination, progressively less radiogenic εNd values likely reflect reduced Blue Nile discharge and shifts in Nile sediment provenance associated with weakening African monsoon intensity. By contrast, the 8.2 ka excursion records rapid renewal by relatively unradiogenic Adriatic-derived deep waters, showing that abrupt overturning can temporarily override background source effects. The broad correspondence between Levantine εNd and independent monsoon proxies further suggests that authigenic εNd can provide a marine archive of North African hydroclimate. These results demonstrate that authigenic εNd in the Levantine Basin was strongly state dependent: during stable conditions it primarily tracked external detrital forcing, whereas during abrupt ventilation events it recorded water-mass reorganization. Authigenic εNd in river-influenced marginal seas should therefore be interpreted as a dynamic tracer of both continental forcing and ocean circulation.
Speaker
Guohui Gao East China Normal University;State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research(SKLEC)

Author
Guohui Gao East China Normal University;State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research(SKLEC)

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027