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Collapse of Holocene mangrove ecosystems along the coastline of Oman

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 December 2020

Valeska Decker*
Affiliation:
Geology Section, Institute of Geosciences, Bonn University, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Michaela Falkenroth
Affiliation:
Neotektonik und Georisiken, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Susanne Lindauer
Affiliation:
Curt-Engelhorn-Centre Archaeometry, C4, 8, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
Jessica Landgraf
Affiliation:
Geology Section, Institute of Geosciences, Bonn University, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Zahra Al-Lawati
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Geosciences, German University of Technology in Oman, PO Box 1816, PC 130, Muscat, Oman
Huda Al-Rahbi
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Geosciences, German University of Technology in Oman, PO Box 1816, PC 130, Muscat, Oman
Sven Oliver Franz
Affiliation:
Geology Section, Institute of Geosciences, Bonn University, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Gösta Hoffmann
Affiliation:
Geology Section, Institute of Geosciences, Bonn University, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany Neotektonik und Georisiken, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
*
*Corresponding author at: e-mail address: v.decker@uni-bonn.de (V. Decker).

Abstract

Sedimentological, geochemical, and paleontological investigations of the coastline of northeastern Oman have provided the authors with an in-depth insight into Holocene sea levels and climate conditions. The spatial distribution and species assemblage of mangrove ecosystems are analyzed. These ecosystems are sensitive to changes in sea level and precipitation and thus reflect ecological conditions. The close proximity to archaeological sites allows us to draw conclusions regarding human interaction with the mangrove ecosystems. Our interdisciplinary inquiry reveals that the mangrove ecosystems along the east coast of Oman collapsed ~6000 cal yr BP on a decadal scale. There is no sedimentological evidence for a mid-Holocene sea-level highstand. The ecosystem collapse was not caused by sea-level variation or anthropogenic interferences; rather, it was the consequence of reduced precipitation values related to a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This resulted in a decrease of freshwater input and an increase in soil salinity. Further, the aridification of the area caused increased deflation and silting up of the lagoons.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © University of Washington. Published by Cambridge University Press, 2020

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