Long chain alkenones in the Early Pliocene Sicilian sediments (Trubi Formation — Punta di Maiata section): Implications for the alkenone paleothermometry

• Published in: Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology Vol. 308; no. 3; pp. 253 - 263
• Main Authors: Beltran, C., Flores, J.-A., Sicre, M.-A., Baudin, F., Renard, M., de Rafélis, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alkenone; Early Pliocene; Earth Sciences; Mediterranean Sea; Reticulofenestrids; Sciences of the Universe; Sea surface temperature; Alkenone; Sea surface temperature; Reticulofenestrids; Mediterranean Sea; Early Pliocene
• ISSN: 0031-0182; 1872-616X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2011.03.017

The U k′ 37 record and coccolithophorid remains in sediments from the early Pliocene Sicilian Trubi Formation (Punta di Maiata) have been estimated to assess the possible influence of changes in the alkenone-producing coccolithophorids on the U k′ 37–temperature relationship. The samples were dominated by small Reticulofenestra ( R. minuta and R. minutula) and the C 37 and C 38 methyl and ethyl unsaturation ratios (U k′ 37, U k 38Me and U k 38Et) were similar to those found in modern populations ( E. huxleyi and G. oceanica). Those results suggest that the Early Pliocene small Reticulofenetrids had a similar temperature sensitivity of U k′ 37 to that found in present day. These results support the application of the U k′ 37 modern calibrations to reconstruct SST at least back in the Pliocene. ► We have studied the coccolithophorid remains in sediments from the early Pliocene Sicilian Trubi Formation. ► Aim: to assess the influence of changes in the alkenone-producing coccolithophorids on the U k′ 37 –temperature relationship. ► The samples were dominated by small Reticulofenestra ( R. minuta and R. minutula). ► The C 37 and C 38 methyl and ethyl unsaturation ratios were similar to those in modern populations. ► Early Pliocene small Reticulofenetrids may have had a similar temperature sensitivity of U k′ 37 to that found in present day.