Recent aragonite-dominated sediments in semi-enclosed basins: Linking carbonate geochemistry and environmental factors through time

Ivanić, Maja; Lojen, Sonja; Škapin, Srečo D.; Brenko, Tomislav; Ružičić, Stanko; Troskot-Čorbić, Tamara; Lučić, Mavro; Tucaković, Ivana; Sondi, Ivan; Mikac, Nevenka (2026) Recent aragonite-dominated sediments in semi-enclosed basins: Linking carbonate geochemistry and environmental factors through time. Sedimentary Geology, 505 . ISSN 0037-0738

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Abstract

Marine carbonate systems are key components of global biogeochemical cycles, yet remain highly sensitive to environmental perturbations that can alter their sedimentary signatures. Such signals are often difficult to resolve in complex depositional settings but can be more easily identified in geographically restricted environments, with a limited number of sediment sources and sinks and restricted exchange with the surrounding sea. This study focuses on two small marine systems located along the eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia): Blace Cove (Mljet Island) and Lake Mir (Dugi Otok Island). Due to their location on the islands, and in protected areas, they are minimally influenced by direct anthropogenic activities, making them suitable for studying changes in environmental conditions (e.g. variations in sediment supply, organic matter input, carbonate production, global pollution) preserved in sediments. Temporal changes in geochemistry of these carbonate-rich sediments were investigated using an integrated approach, combining sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical analyses of dated sediment cores. Both systems are dominated by long-term authigenic aragonite precipitation, apparently governed by different depositional mechanisms, as reflected in distinct geochemical associations with trace elements. In Blace Cove, a recent increase in elements transported by currents from the southern Adriatic (e.g., Mg, Ni, Cr) suggests human-induced changes in water circulation. In Lake Mir, the concurrent accumulation of TOC, P and As in surface sediments points to increasing eutrophication which, together with hypersaline conditions, is likely driven by climate warming. Recorded environmental perturbations and climate-driven changes demonstrate that sediments of these small carbonate systems can be used as sensitive environmental archives.

Item Type:

Article

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Aragonite; Trace elements; Sedimentary organic matter; Stable isotopes; Adriatic Sea

Subjects:

NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Environmental Science

Divisions:

Division for Marine and Enviromental Research

Projects: