Vermetid Reefs Research Articles

Meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs: the role of macroalgae in increasing habitat size and complexity

We present the first dataset of meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs (biogenic constructions of Mediterranean intertidal habitat) in two areas along the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. The vermetid reefs are characterized by a horizontal extension from the shore towards the open sea and can be divided into three zones (the inner margin, the cuvette zone and the outer margin) which differ in hydrodynamic features. We studied the spatial distribution of meiofauna along the horizontal axis of the vermetid reefs, investigating the communities inhabiting the sediment inside cuvettes (shallow pools inside the “cuvette zone”) located between the inner and the outer margins of the reefs. We observed an increase in meiofaunal abundance from the inner to the outer part of the reef (from 1808 ± 80 to 2992 ± 512 ind. 100 cm−2) in both areas. Moreover, we studied meiofaunal communities associated with the most abundant macroalgae (Cystoseira sp., Jania rubens, Palisada perforata, Dictyota sp. and Padina pavonica) living on the reefs, investigating the influence of habitat size (biomass) and identity (complexity) of macroalgae. We found that meiofauna varied in abundance (from 446 ± 51 to 1758 ± 231 ind. 100 cm−2 on P. perforata and Cystoseira sp., respectively), on different macroalgae, and that the habitat size significantly influenced these abundances, but its effect was dependent on macroalgal identity. In fact, we observed a positive correlation between meiofaunal abundance and algal complexity (fractal dimension). The high algal cover in the “cuvette zone” of the reefs could contribute to make this zone more suitable for meiofauna, in particular close to the outer margin where we found more complex macroalgae (i.e. Cystoseira sp.). These results confirm that vermetid reefs, with their structural complexity, may play an important role in structuring benthic fauna in intertidal habitats.

Increase in Weather Patterns Generating Extreme Desiccation Events: Implications for Mediterranean Rocky Shore Ecosystems

Anthropogenic global climate change is anticipated to increase the frequency and intensity of transient extreme weather events that can be catastrophic to ecological communities. Here, we characterize an extremely stressful, transient phenomenon on southeastern Mediterranean (Israel) rocky shores: prolonged desiccation events (PDE). We also examined (during 2012–2014) its potential ecological impacts on the unique intertidal Mediterranean Sea ecosystem—vermetid reefs. In this region, where the tide is minimal but the rocky intertidal is extensive, high pressure and dry easterly winds generated by specific synoptic systems can suppress tidal flooding and create stressful desiccation conditions in the lower intertidal zones for many consecutive days (several days to weeks). Very long and strong PDEs resulted in extensive macroalgal bleaching and their eventual removal from the rocks and caused mortality of stranded topshell snails and partial collapse of the mid-shore limpet population. Dominant intertidal fleshy algae were shown to be more sensitive than calcareous algae to desiccation stress, but both die after 24 h of exposure in lab conditions. Re-analysis of climatic data for the period 1960–2010 showed a considerable increase in the frequency of PDE-generating synoptic systems, mainly during winter. This means that desiccation stress has already increased on southeastern Mediterranean vermetid reef ecological communities, and if this trend continues, we can expect further increases in aerial exposure and desiccation stress that could have long-term impacts on this fragile ecosystem. These results demonstrate the importance of change in patterns of synoptic systems and wind regimes to the integrity of coastal ecological communities.

Mediterranean Bioconstructions Along the Italian Coast.

Marine bioconstructions are biodiversity-rich, three-dimensional biogenic structures, regulating key ecological functions of benthic ecosystems worldwide. Tropical coral reefs are outstanding for their beauty, diversity and complexity, but analogous types of bioconstructions are also present in temperate seas. The main bioconstructions in the Mediterranean Sea are represented by coralligenous formations, vermetid reefs, deep-sea cold-water corals, Lithophyllum byssoides trottoirs, coral banks formed by the shallow-water corals Cladocora caespitosa or Astroides calycularis, and sabellariid or serpulid worm reefs. Bioconstructions change the morphological and chemicophysical features of primary substrates and create new habitats for a large variety of organisms, playing pivotal roles in ecosystem functioning. In spite of their importance, Mediterranean bioconstructions have not received the same attention that tropical coral reefs have, and the knowledge of their biology, ecology and distribution is still fragmentary. All existing data about the spatial distribution of Italian bioconstructions have been collected, together with information about their growth patterns, dynamics and connectivity. The degradation of these habitats as a consequence of anthropogenic pressures (pollution, organic enrichment, fishery, coastal development, direct physical disturbance), climate change and the spread of invasive species was also investigated. The study of bioconstructions requires a holistic approach leading to a better understanding of their ecology and the application of more insightful management and conservation measures at basin scale, within ecologically coherent units based on connectivity: the cells of ecosystem functioning.

Morpho-structural and ecological features of a shallow vermetid bioconstruction in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

Biogenic formations, built up by the sessile and gregarious vermetid gastropod Dendropoma cristatum, were studied from June to October 2014 along the rocky shores of Licosa islet (Gulf of Salerno, Tyrrhenian Sea), where they build up the northernmost reefs in the Mediterranean Sea in order to shed light on possible latitudinal changes. The islet has two differently exposed sides, with three types of vermetid formations: the first consists in a thin layer composed by vermetid gastropods and the coralline alga N. brassica-florida, widespread only in the sheltered side of the islet; the second is represented by small isolated pillows (13.9±5.64cm), all around the islet at depth of more than fifteen centimetres; the third is a well-structured reef, characterized by a dense layer of mollusc shells that overgrow each other, only found in the exposed side of the islet. The vermetid reef was monitored in two sites with different substrates: ancient walls, made of calcareous lateritious material, and the flysch rocks, composed by siliceous turbiditic deposits. While no differences arise in gastropod density related to rock type (calcareous lateritious material versus siliceous turbiditic deposits), significant differences have been found along a vertical gradient, seeing density increases from the upper intertidal to the upper subtidal level. The associated algal cover seems to be inversely related to the vermetid density. In the upper intertidal, D. cristatum was almost completely covered (about 83%) by a thick layer of encrusting alga N. brassica-florida. In the lower intertidal the encrusting alga disappear but the shells of vermetid gastropods were remarkably colonized by the erected red algae of the “Laurencia complex” (70%) while in the upper subtidal, the vermetid shells were scarcely covered, mainly by other algal species (13%). By comparing present data with those of Sicilian reefs no evidences arise due to the different latitude. Innovative approaches (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems technology and fractal geometry) applied to these marine bioconstructions, resulted very effective in mapping and structuring the complexity of the reefs.

Intertidal vermetid reef as a shelter for invasive bivalves in a tropical bay

Vermetid reef building species play an important role as ecosystem engineers modifying the physical environment, creating microhabitats and affecting local hydro-sedimentary patterns. We explore the association of native vermetid reefs (Petaloconchus varians) with the invasive bivalves Isognomon bicolor and Leiosolenus aristatus. We also examined the different utilization of the reef habitat, since L. aristatus is a boring species, comparing their population structure on sheltered and exposed rocky shores. Ten sites (five sheltered, five exposed) were sampled at Ilha Grande Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). I. bicolor and L. aristatus were the most frequent with mean densities of 20,000 (±3400) and 2100 (±600) ind.m2, respectively. There were no significant differences (t = 1.41; p = 0.17) between sheltered and exposed sites in relation to the densities of I. bicolor. However, there were significant differences (t = 3.14; p = 0.03) in relation to the densities of L. aristatus, with higher values at exposed sites. Mean size of both species was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in sheltered areas where the vermetid weight was significantly higher (t = 2.36; p = 0.02). Although native vermetid reefs act as a shelter for both invasive bivalves on sheltered and exposed rocky shores, they prevent the growth of I. bicolor which reaches smaller sizes in relation to populations outside of the reefs. Our results indicate that the two invasive bivalves might be differently affected by hydrodynamic processes.

Environmental sensitivity of Neogoniolithon brassica-florida associated with vermetid reefs in the Mediterranean Sea

Vermetid reefs in the Mediterranean Sea are increasingly affected by both anthropogenic actions and global climate change, which are putting this coastal ecosystem at risk. The main species involved in building these reefs are two species of intertidal vermetid gastropods and the crustose calcareous alga, Neogoniolithon brassica-florida, which cements the gastropod shells and thus solidifying the reef edges. In the present study, we examined the pattern of distribution in the field and the environmental sensitivity (thermal tolerance, resilience to low pH, high light intensity and desiccation) of N. brassica-florida along the coasts of Sicily and Israel by means of chlorophyll fluorescence and total alkalinity measurements in situ and in the laboratory. Tidal regimes did not affect photosynthesis of N. brassica-florida but light intensity in the intertidal did. Sensitivity to increased light intensity was amplified by elevated temperature and reduced pH. Winter temperature above 16 °C caused a decrease in the photosynthetic performance of photo-system II. Similarly, a decrease in pH resulted in decreased maximum photosynthetic yield and electron transport rate. Calcification was significantly lower at pH 7.9 as compared with ambient (8.1) pH. In fact, dissolution at pH 7.9 at night was higher than net calcification during the day, suggesting that N. brassica-florida may not be able to contribute to reef accretion under the levels of seawater warming and ocean acidification projected by the end of this century.

A unique subtidal vermetid reef formation in a nuclear power plant discharge area at Ilha Grande Bay (southwestern Atlantic Ocean)

The reef-building vermetid Petaloconchus varians is a dominant species on the intertidal zone of rocky shores at Ilha Grande Bay (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). On August 2010, subtidal vermetid reefs were collected in the nuclear power plant discharge area at Ilha Grande Bay. The characteristics of the subtidal reefs were investigated, being described their formation, density and range extension. These are monospecific reefs formed by dense clusters of P. varians, developing mainly by peripheral growth on the rims of most of the bottom rocks resembling “microatolls”. The reefs were recorded spreading over about 1,000 m2, restricted to the nuclear power plant discharge area, under continuous influence of waterflow currents (30 cm.s−1), high temperature (>36 °C) and chlorine inputs. It is a unique subtidal P. varians reef formation in the nuclear power plant discharge area at Ilha Grande Bay, with unprecedented records in the Brazilian coast.

Recruitment patterns in an intertidal species with low dispersal ability: the reef-building Dendropoma cristatum (Biondi, 1859) (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

In the Mediterranean, the gastropod Dendropoma cristatum (sin. D. petraeum (Monterosato, 1884)) is the primary builder of the vermetid reef, an intertidal bioconstruction of exceptional ecological importance. Despite awareness of the need for conservation of this key species, the biology of D. cristatum remains poorly understood. The recruitment of D. cristatum deserves particular attention because the absence of a planktonic larval stage limits its dispersal ability. We examined the temporal pattern of recruitment during the breeding season of D. cristatum from June to September in 2013. Specifically, we compared the two portions of the vermetid reef (i.e. the inner edge and the outer edge) at localities with different exposures to wave motion. The number of recruits peaked in July, when it was significantly higher in the outer than in the inner edge. No differences emerged between localities with different wave exposures; however, the width of the reef was significantly related to the exposure index. Although there are still several gaps in our knowledge of the recruitment dynamics of D. cristatum, this study contributes to characterising recruitment rate variation at small spatial and temporal scales.

Photosynthetic activity estimated as in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence in calcareous red macroalgae

Photosynthetic activity was estimated, in 2 different sets of experiments, as in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence in 2 calcareous red macroalgae: Neogoniolithon brassica-florida, which forms vermetid reefs with Dendropoma petraeum, and the rhodolith-forming Lithophyllum margaritae. In the first set of experiments, vermetid reefs collected from the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (Almería, Spain) were incubated for 6 months in outdoor mesocosms at 2 different temperatures: ambient temperature (T) and ambient temperature plus 2 ºC (T+). Daily variations in effective quantum yields were related to the increase in solar radiation. Electron transport rate (ETR) was higher at T+ than at T. Oxygen production, estimated from ETR, was higher in N. brassica-florida growing in vermetid reefs in the coastal area than in those incubated in mesocosms or under laboratory conditions. In the second set of experiments, L. margaritae specimens with or without attached epifauna (mainly sponges) were collected at 2 sites (Pedregoso and CFE) on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, and at 2 depths (1 and 2 m). ETR values for rhodoliths collected at 1 m depth and with attached epifauna were higher than those for rhodoliths collected at 2 m depth, indicating the importance of greater incident radiation on photosynthetic activity. Photosynthetic activity was higher in L. margaritae collected from Pedregoso, the site with better water quality (high transparency and low pollution) and rocky substrate availability. In the CFE samples, the photosynthetic efficiency (alphaETR) was highest in rhodoliths with attached epifauna. The highest ETR values for N. brassica-florida at T+ and the highest alphaETR or ETR values for L. margaritae with attached sponges may be explained by the increase in CO2 available for photosynthesis due to the respiration of the associated fauna. The usefulness of in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence for estimating photosynthetic production in calcareous macroalgae under multifactorial experiments is discussed.

A NEW SPECIES OF PHALLODRILUS AND RECORDS OF TWO OTHER MARINE TUBIFICIDAE (OLIGOCHAETA) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF ISRAEL

ABSTRACT Three tubificid species, Phallodrilus duplex n.sp., Bathydrilus adriaticus (Hrabě) and Limnodribides agnes Hrabě, are reported from an intertidal vermetid reef in the eastern Mediterranean. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by some setal features: its somatic setae are arranged in bisetal bundles throughout the body, and its penial setae (3 per bundle) are obliquely directed towards the anterior of the worm. It is proposed that Limnodriloides virginiae Erseus, originally established as a subspecies of L. agnes, be regarded as a separate species.

Epistomaroides punctatus (Said, 1949) - a new alien foraminifera found at Akhziv - Rosh HaNikra, northern Israel, eastern Mediterranean Sea

The alien benthic foraminifera Epistomaroides punctatus (Said) is reported for the first time from the northern part of theIsraeli coast. Three living specimens were collected in April 2005, at the vermetid reefs of Akhziv - Rosh HaNikra. Epistomaroidespunctatus has so far only been reported from the Indo-Pacific realm; thus, it is suggested to be a Lessepsian invader.

Trophic structure of vermetid reef community: High trophic diversity at small spatial scales

Stable isotopes were used to investigate contributions of autochthonous (i.e. benthic: epilithon and macroalgae) and allochthonous (i.e. pelagic: phytoplankton) organic matter sources to the diet of suspension-feeders, grazers and predators associated to small reef-pools (cuvettes) created by the reef-building species Dendropoma petraeum in the north-western coast of Sicily (Italy). Contributions of potential food sources were calculated using Bayesian mixing-models and integrated to a multivariate approach to highlight the diversity of C and N pathways within Dendropoma cuvettes. Both pelagic and benthic organic matter sources were exploited by benthic consumers, although clear differences were revealed in the various species depending on their feeding strategy. Three different trophic pathways were identified: one based mainly on phytoplankton, one based mainly on macroalgae and a third one mainly on epilithon. Suspension-feeders seemed to rely mainly on allochthonous organic matter sources, while grazers showed a wider diet spectrum. Predators revealed a high specialization in each of the three food chains and showed a distinct reliance on organic matter originated from benthic or pelagic sources. Stable isotopes evidenced here a marked differentiation of the trophic niche within the cuvette-associated community, which allows minimizing competition in very space-limited conditions.

Vermetid reefs in the Mediterranean Sea as archives of sea-level and surface temperature changes

Vermetid reefs are among the most important bioconstructions in the Mediterranean Sea, with a distribution restricted to the warmest part of the basin. Their structure, and vertical and geographical distribution make them good biological indicators of changes in sea level and sea-surface temperature over the last two millennia.

Vermetid reefs and their use as palaeobathymetric markers: New insights from the Late Miocene of the Mediterranean (Southern Italy, Crete)

Vermetids are a poorly known family of reef-building gastropods characterized by an extremely irregular growth of the shell. Vermetid reefs are known from the Badenian (Middle Miocene) to present-day and their main importance is related to their use as sea-level indicators, strictly associated to the intertidal or immediate subtidal zone. During their evolution, two different vermetid genera have been recognized as reef-builders: Petaloconchus was the major component of vermetid reefs until the Holocene when, for still unknown reasons, it was almost completely replaced by Dendropoma. In the Mediterranean Basin, Petaloconchus reefs have been frequently found in close association to Late Miocene coral bioconstructions. New finding of Petaloconchus reefs within the slope facies of the Salento Messinian reef complex (southern Italy), together with new data from late Tortonian–early Messinian reefs of Crete (Greece) provide further information on the palaeoecology of these peculiar bioconstructions. Stratigraphical and sedimentological contexts of Salento and Crete vermetid reefs have been described, together with an account of their size, shape and inner structure. Biotic (vermetids, serpulids, bryozoans and coralline algae) and abiotic components (early marine cements and intra-reef sediment) have been identified by microfacies analysis, and their percentage-abundance has been reported. These data allow the description of vermetid reefs from two different depositional settings: along the shelf edge and, for the first time, within the coral reef slope. Shelf-edge and slope Petaloconchus reefs show the same inner structure and composition, but they differ by their shape, by the density of the framework, and by the relative proportion of the associated reef-building organisms (serpulids, bryozoans and coralline algae). Additional information on their palaeobathymetric setting have been acquired from the presence of other reef-building biota ( Porites corals and Halimeda green algae) which occur in close proximity to slope vermetid reefs, together with observations on some anatomical feature of Petaloconchus shells. Results clearly indicate for Petaloconchus reefs a palaeobathymetric range spanning from the upper subtidal zone down to 30–50 m of depth. The present study confirms vermetid reefs as important tools for the reconstructions of ancient sea-level, but great attention has to be paid to the identification of the main reef-building vermetid. Actually, while a great number of present-day Dendropoma reefs can be associated to the mean sea-level, Late Miocene vermetid reefs from Salento and Crete indicate for Petaloconchus bioconstructions a wider palaeobathymetric range.

Differences among fish assemblages associated with a nearshore vermetid reef and two other rocky habitats along the shores of Cape Milazzo (northern Sicily, central Mediterranean Sea)

Fish assemblages associated with shallow rocky bottoms along the coast of Cape Milazzo were investigated within three selected habitats, each represented by a different degree of complexity and namely vermetid reef (VR), rocky-algal reef (RR) and boulder and pebbles (BP). The area, located along the northern coast of Sicily (southern Tyrrhenian Sea) was studied by using a non-destructive diver visual census methodology evaluating species composition and abundance. A total of 39 fish taxa belonging to 15 families were recorded over the three habitats investigated. Multivariate and univariate approaches detected significant differences among the three habitats. These differences were either in fish assemblage structure, in the assemblage parameters or in the abundances of some common species. A multidimensional scaling performed on the entire fish density data set showed distinct groupings for the three habitats. The highest values of mean species richness (S), diversity (H′), evenness (J) and density (N) occurred over the more complex habitat, represented by VR, than over rocky-algal reef habitat or BP. Different habitat preferences were evidenced for several fish species.Diplodus sargus,Serranus scriba,Tripterygion tripteronotus,T. delaisiandT. melanuruswere significantly more abundant over VR whereasThalassoma pavoandSymphodus tincawere more abundant both over VR and BP habitats. Statistical comparison did not detect habitat preferences inSymphodus roissali,Oblada melanura,Diplodus vulgarisandSarpa salpa. As far as the size is concerned, small, medium and large-sized specimens ofD. sargusand only large-sized individuals ofD. vulgariswere significantly more abundant over the VR habitat side than over the other two. These results suggest that differences in assemblage parameters are related to habitat structure. Greater habitat complexity means greater surface available, thus providing additional resources for adults and juveniles of many species: food, cavities, caves and then new niches, refuges from predation, from artisan fishery nets, as well as resting or mating sites, boosting the total number of individuals and species. The results of this study highlight the importance of VR in sustaining the biodiversity of fish assemblages and emphasize the need for their careful management in an area already proposed as a Site of Community Interest.

A new marker for sea surface temperature trend during the last centuries in temperate areas: Vermetid reef

The presence of Vermetid reefs in temperate waters, their diffusion in the Mediterranean Sea, and the possibility of performing 14C ages allowed the use of Vermetids as an indicator of sea level changes. We present new data on sea climate trend fluctuations that could be interpreted as Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variations, recorded on Vermetid ( Dendropoma petraeum) reefs, by means of isotopic analysis. The isotopic records show positive values of the δ 18O relative to present-day values in the period between 1600 and 1850 AD; this deviation occurs in association with the climatic cooling event known as Little Ice Age (LIA). Subsequently, we can observe the warming trend that characterized the last century. These preliminary results indicate that Vermetids could be considered a new SST proxy-data for the Mediterranean Sea and, more generally, for temperate areas.

New data on the Holocenic sea-level rise in NW Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)

The emerged and submerged coastal tracts of selected areas in NW Sicily (San Vito Lo Capo Promontory and Marettimo Island in the Egadi Archipelago) have been studied by means of an interdisciplinary approach (geomorphological and neotectonic surveys, palaeontological, depositional and petrographical observations) with the aim to characterize the coastal evolution of the sector over a wide time frame (Late Pleistocene and Holocene) and to recognize the geological indicators of relative sea-level fluctuations. Neotectonic studies performed all along the coastal sector through the check of the present-day height of marine notches and of the inner margin of marine terraces of Eutyrrhenian age allowed to assess the entity of post-Tyrrhenian differential crustal movements in the area. The calculated rates of uplift confirm the relative stability of the area in the last 125 ka and that the relative corrections introduced can be considered negligible in the reconstruction of sea-level rise in the last thousand years. On the base of these considerations, the sea-level rise curve which has been drawn for the Holocene through the radiometric dating ( 14C and U/Th) of submerged speleothems and Vermetid reefs is assumed to gain a regional significance and to represent a good reference datum for the Central–Southern Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the sea-level rise data are in good agreement with the predicted sea-level curves based on geophysical models previously applied to the same study areas.

Fish Biodiversity in the Vermetid Reef Of Shiqmona (Israel)

Abstract. A study of the structure of the fish community associated with a vermetid reef at Shiqmona, Israel, revealed the highest fish biodiversity (36 species) of any habitat along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Despite the prevalence of fish of Erythrean origin in the Levantine littoral, the benthic fish community at the site is entirely autochthonous. The families richest in members were the Blenniidae and the Gobiidae. Eighteen species are benthic, sixteen supra‐benthic and two pelagic.

DIETARY CHOICES OF SIGANID FISH AT SHIQMONA REEF, ISRAEL

The diet of two Erythrean algivorous siganid fish, Siganus rivulatus and S. luridus, was studied off the Shiqmona vermetid reef, south of Haifa Bay, Israel, in conjunction with the spatial and seasonal variability in composition of the local algal community. The algae identified from the gut contents of reef-dwelling siganid populations indicate that both species feed on the vermetid reef platform, especially in spring. In June, green algae made up 66% of the gut contents of S. rivulatus, whereas brown algae made up 69% of the gut contents of S. luridus. In October, brown algae constituted 90% and 95% of the diet of S. rivulatus and S. luridus, respectively. This is the first record of S. rivulatus feeding on and selecting large amounts of this brown, coarse, leaf-like algae along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. During spring the food niche overlap (Renkonen's measure) was ca. 36%, whereas during autumn it was ca. 80%. The results suggest that in reef-dwelling siganids, weakening of dietary niche-parti...

Quantitative assessment of post tyrrhenian differential crustal movements in a mediterranean coastal area (S. Vito-Sicily-Italy)

Aim of the present study, which is part of the E.U. Commission SELF II Research Project, is the reconstruction of the Pleistocene and Holocene tectonic trends in a Mediterranean coastal area. The study is focused on the upper Pleistocene to Holocene tectonic history of NW Sicily. The emerged and submerged coastal zone of a selected area (St. Vito lo Capo, NW Sicily) was studied, by using jointly different sectoral approaches and carrying out geological and geomorphological surveys. The studied area shows morphological evidence of a succession of marine terraces, which is uncommon for the Mediterranean region. These evidences of the coastal evolution, which are currently located both above and below the present sea level, were ascribed to the Middle and Upper Pleistocene, by using morphological (notches and terraces) and stratigraphical criteria, supported by radiometric dating. A detailed study of the longitudinal profiles of the most recently emerged marine terraces, ascribed to isotope stage 5e, revealed the presence of six sectors characterized by different rates of crustal uplift during the post Tyrrhenian age. The rates of uplift calculated for each of these post-Tyrrhenian age sectors allowed to recognize that the error related to tectonic uplift, in the reconstruction of eustatic fluctuations relative to the last 10 kyr from submerged speleothems and vermetid reefs, is negligible.