Algal reefs (Coralligenous) from glacial stages: Origin and nature of a submerged tabular relief (Hyblean Plateau, Italy)

Abstract

In the framework of the Italian multidisciplinary research project “Mud volcanoes Ecosystem study - Sicily Channel”, cores MV02_GC01 and MV03_GC02 were recovered from a tabular relief at 140 m water depth, to investigate the nature of such uncommon shallow seep-related morphology trough micro- and macro-paleontological, mineralogical, sedimentological and geochronological analyses.Both cores record muddy surficial sedimentation, hosting a strictly circalittoral molluskan death assemblage typical of mobile substrate, coherent with the present-day seafloor depth and environment. The core bottom recovered a biogenic framework, in which the molluskan fossil assemblage is characteristic of shallow-water, possibly infralittoral, representing a past sea level low stand. The biogenic framework shows structure and composition that are similar to present day algal reefs indicated as coralligenous build-ups. Both cores recorded the Holocene transgression. Core MV02_GC01 is longer and its basal section records cobbles and pebbles of both terrigenous and biogenic origin partially covered by a dark patina, and finely preserved Halimeda sp. fragments. The dark patina reveals a fibrous nature, often containing framboid pyrite crystals, ankerite, but no organic matter. We interpret the dark patina level as the last lowstand, possible forming in a lagoon-like paleoenvironment. Below such level, another coralligenous build-up occurs, U/Th dated to MIS 6, in agreement with the available seismic interpretation. The tabular relief lays up to 10 m above the surrounding seafloor and reveals a complex inner architecture, in which at least two generations of coralligenous build-ups shaped its geomorphological development, and the local tectonic activity contributed to its uplift.