Redox evolution during Eemian and Holocene sapropel formation in the Black Sea

Abstract

The Black Sea repeatedly experienced major hydrographic changes during glacial-interglacial transitions, with alternating limnic and brackish stages. While the redox conditions during the present Holocene brackish period (since ~9,000yrBP) have been intensively studied, the redox evolution during the last interglacial, the Eemian (~128,000-120,000yrBP), remains largely unexplored. With its at least 3°C warmer climate and an up to 10m higher global sea level, the Eemian could open a window into the future development of the Black Sea. This study provides a detailed comparison of the Black Sea redox evolution during Eemian and Holocene sapropel formation. We show that the redox conditions and associated geochemical processes in the Black Sea water column can strongly deviate from the Holocene when sea level and climate conditions are different. Mo/Al and Re/Mo as well as Mo and Fe isotope proxies record a comparatively uniform rise of the Eemian redoxcline culminating in pronounced euxinia. This scenario strongly contrasts with weaker euxinic conditions during the Holocene Unit II sapropel (~8,000-2,500yrBP). Higher Mo/TOC ratios during the Eemian and Mo inventory considerations suggest a higher Eemian Mo availability, possibly due to an improved connection to the Mediterranean Sea. We conclude that higher temperatures, productivity, sea level-associated salinity changes, and corresponding higher sulphide levels were ultimately responsible for enhanced trace metal enrichment during the Eemian Black Sea sapropel stage.