Timing of Neanderthal occupations in the southeastern margins of the Massif Central (France): A multi-method approach
The middle Rhône valley, located at the southeastern margins of the Massif Central in France, produced a large number of Middle Palaeolithic sites, most of which dated to the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Due to its position, connecting northern Europe and the Mediterranean basin, this corridor and the surrounding plateaus are of particular interest in the study of human cultural evolution, including the emergence of Middle Palaeolithic technology around 300,000 years ago and its variability over time, as well as the subsistence and mobility strategies of Neanderthals. In the last 20 years, several research projects undertaken in this region allowed to revise key Middle Palaeolithic sequences. This work aims at synthesising previous and new chronological data obtained by using uranium-series of speleothems and bones, infrared stimulated luminescence of feldspar and electron spin resonance of tooth enamel and quartz. We review previous ages obtained in the area and present 43 new ages that are discussed together to propose a reliable spatiotemporal framework for Neanderthal occupations. We focus on major sites in the region: Payre, Ranc-Pointu 2, Baume Flandin, Abri du Maras, Grotte des Barasses II, Abri des Pêcheurs, Grotte du Figuier and Grotte de Saint-Marcel. They all provided significant information related to the biological and behavioural evolution of Neanderthal populations on the right bank of the Rhône valley. We present here the updated chronology for the Middle Palaeolithic of this area, ranging from ca. 300,000 to 40,000 years ago.
(Quaternary Science Reviews. vol. 273, n° 0277-3791, pp. 107241, 21/06/2026)
LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, GEOTRAC, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, HNHP, MNHN, UPVD, CNRS, CENIEH, EDYTEM, USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry], CNRS, Fédération OSUG, SCU, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, Xjtu, CAGS, MLR, UQ [All campuses : Brisbane, Dutton Park Gatton, Herston, St Lucia and other locations]
Spatial distribution of trace elements in the soils of south-western France and identification of natural and anthropogenic sources
The contamination of soils by trace elements is a major concern for soil quality. This study is based on the analysis of 356 samples from the RMQS soil monitoring network to establish the spatial distribution and origin of six trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb) in soils of south-western region of France (area of 90,293 km2). An exploratory and multivariate statistical analysis, and geostatistics combined with a geographic information system (GIS) were used to identify and characterize any concentration anomalies in trace elements. For all the trace elements studied, the exploratory analysis shows that there are more anomalies in this region than in the rest of the country. Analysis of the semivariograms shows that the six elements are spatially auto correlated. The spatial structure of As highlights anisotropic behaviour with a direction that corresponds to the gold deposit and mining activities of the region. This indicates a dual origin anthropogenic and geogenic for As. The correlation between Cd and inherent features of calcareous soil (pH, CaCO3 and cation exchange capacity) suggest a mainly geogenic origin for this element; Cd origin is confirmed by its spatial distribution associated with the Jurassic limestone bedrock. The correlations between Cr, Ni and clays highlight a geogenic origin for these elements, as weathered parent material rich in clays is also rich in Cr and Ni. The high Cu concentrations are of anthropogenic origin, linked to viticulture and the spreading of Bordeaux mixture as a fungicide. Locally high Pb concentrations are associated with mining activities and automobile emissions in large cities in the region.
(CATENA. vol. 205, n° 0341-8162, pp. 105446, 21/06/2026)
Bordeaux Sciences Agro, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, IPREM, UPPA, INC-CNRS, CNRS
Holocene polynya dynamics and their interaction with oceanic heat transport in northernmost Baffin Bay
Baffin Bay hosts the largest and most productive of the Arctic polynyas: the North Water (NOW). Despite its significance and active role in water mass formation, the history of the NOW beyond the observational era remains poorly known. We reconcile the previously unassessed relationship between long-term NOW dynamics and ocean conditions by applying a multiproxy approach to two marine sediment cores from the region that, together, span the Holocene. Declining influence of Atlantic Water in the NOW is coeval with regional records that indicate the inception of a strong and recurrent polynya from ~ 4400 yrs BP, in line with Neoglacial cooling. During warmer Holocene intervals such as the Roman Warm Period, a weaker NOW is evident, and its reduced capacity to influence bottom ocean conditions facilitated northward penetration of Atlantic Water. Future warming in the Arctic may have negative consequences for this vital biological oasis, with the potential knock-on effect of warm water penetration further north and intensified melt of the marine-terminating glaciers that flank the coast of northwest Greenland.
(Scientific Reports. vol. 11, n° 2045-2322, pp. 10095, 21/06/2026)
GEUS, UNB, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DMI, IGN, UCPH, DGD.REVE, MNHN, LOCEAN-VOG, LOCEAN, MNHN, IRD, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, IPSL (FR_636), ENS-PSL, UVSQ, CEA, INSU - CNRS, X, CNES, SU, CNRS, UPCité, ULaval, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ETH Zürich
1H-NMR metabolomics profiling of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha): A field-scale monitoring tool in ecotoxicological studies
Biomonitoring of aquatic environments requires new tools to characterize the effects of pollutants on living organisms. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from the same site in north-eastern France were caged for two months, upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the international watershed of the Meuse (Charleville-Mézières “CM” in France, Namur “Nam” and Charleroi “Cr” in Belgium). The aim was to test 1H-NMR metabolomics for the assessment of water bodies’ quality. The metabolomic approach was combined with a more “classical” one, i.e., the measurement of a range of energy biomarkers: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase, acid phosphatase (ACP) and amylase activities, condition index (CI), total reserves, electron transport system (ETS) activity and cellular energy allocation (CEA). Five of the eight energy biomarkers were significantly impacted (LDH, ACP, lipase, total reserves and ETS), without a clear pattern between sites (Up and Down) and stations (CM, Nam and Cr). The metabolomic approach revealed variations among the three stations, and also between the upstream and downstream of Nam and CM WWTPs. A total of 28 known metabolites was detected, among which four (lactate, glycine, maltose and glutamate) explained the observed metabolome variations between sites and stations, in accordance with chemical exposure levels. Metabolome changes suggest that zebra mussel exposure to field contamination could alter their osmoregulation and anaerobic metabolism capacities. This study reveals that lactate is a potential biomarker of interest, and 1H-NMR metabolomics can be an efficient approach to assess the health status of zebra mussels in the biomonitoring of aquatic environments.
(Environmental Pollution, n° 0269-7491, pp. 116048, 21/06/2026)
SEBIO, INERIS, URCA, ULH, NU, URCA, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LIEC, INSU - CNRS, UL, CNRS, ICMR, URCA, INC-CNRS, URCA, CNRS, URCA, CNRS, SWDE
Control Mechanisms of Primary Productivity Revealed by Calcareous Nannoplankton From Marine Isotope Stages 12 to 9 at the Shackleton Site (IODP Site U1385)
Nowadays, primary productivity variations at the SW Iberian Margin (IbM) are primarily controlled by wind-driven upwelling. Thus, major changes in atmospheric circulation and wind regimes between the Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 12 and 9 could have driven substantial changes in phytoplankton productivity which remains poorly understood. We present a high-resolution calcareous nannofossil record from the Shackleton Site Integrated Ocean Discovery Program Site U1385 that allow the assessment of primary productivity and changing surface conditions on orbital and suborbital timescales over the SW IbM. These records are directly compared and integrated with terrestrial – Mediterranean forest pollen – and marine – benthic and planktic oxygen stable isotopes (δ18O), alkenone concentration [C37], Uk´37-Sea Surface Temperature and % C37:4 – proxy records from Site U1385. Our results indicate intra-interglacial increase in primary productivity together with intensification of the Azores anticyclonic high-pressure cell beyond the summer that suggests a two-phase upwelling behavior during the full interglacial MIS 11c (∼420–397 ka), potentially drived by atmospheric NAO-like variability. Primary productivity is largely enhanced during the inception of glacial MIS 10 and the early MIS 10 (∼392–356 ka), linked to intensified upwelling and associated processes during a period of strengthened atmospheric circulation. In agreement with the conditions observed during Heinrich events of the last glacial cycle, primary productivity reductions during abrupt cold episodes, including the Heinrich-type (Ht) events 4 to 1 (∼436, 392, 384 and 339 ka) and the Terminations V and IV, seems to be the result of halocline formation induced by meltwater arrival, reducing the regional upward nutrient transference.
(Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology. vol. 36, n° 2572-4525, pp. e2021PA004246, 21/06/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, CCMAR, UAlg, IPMA, UNIBO, AU, UC Santa Cruz, UC
Prospective en sciences de la planète et de l’univers
Lancer une prospective scientifique transverse à tout l’Institut national des sciences de l’Univers faisait partie des actions que je m’étais engagées à mener lorsque j’ai présenté ma candidature à la direction au printemps 2018. Ma conviction était, et est toujours, qu’un tel exercice de réflexion collective est primordial en interne à l’INSU pour développer la transversalité et éviter le cloisonnement des disciplines, au sein du CNRS pour renforcer interdisciplinarité et les liens avec les autres instituts, et vis-à-vis de nos partenaires pour partager les grands défis scientifiques et renforcer la stratégie nationale en sciences de l’Univers et de la planète. Si l’idée semble simple, la mise en oeuvre d’une telle prospective nationale pour la premièrefois s’est avérée complexe et je remercie Cyril Moulin d’avoir accepté de la coordonner avec constance et ténacité pendant 2 années : depuis son lancement, à l’occasion d’une réunion des directeurs et directrices d’OSU en octobre 2018, jusqu’au colloque de restitution en novembre 2020, et enfin en finalisant ce document. Comme vous l’imaginez, la crise sanitaire qui a frappé le monde début 2020 et les confinements successifs n’ont pas facilité ce travail basé sur des échanges et des ateliers dont quelques-uns n’ont pas pu se tenir en présentiel. Malgré l’ambition du projet et la complexité du contexte, force est de reconnaître que cette première prospective a été un succès, au-delà même de nos espérances initiales. Elle le doit en premier lieu à l’implication remarquable de vous toutes et tous, chercheurs, ingénieurs et techniciens de l’INSU et de nos partenaires, qui avez répondu présent pourorganiser et participer aux discussions et aux ateliers de chacun des défis identifiés. Je vous en remercie chaleureusement. Je tiens aussi à remercier tout particulièrement les directeurs et directrices des OSU qui ont depuis le début accompagné avec enthousiasme ce projet en animant les discussionsen interne pour faire remonter des défis, puis en organisant et en accueillant les ateliers nationaux de 2-3 jours au sein de leur structure. Ce furent des journées d’échanges denses et excitantes. Je remercie aussi chaleureusement les animateurs scientifiques qui ont construit avec ténacité et conviction le programme des ateliers, coordonné les discussions et synthétisé les échanges pour en tirer les questions prioritaires et proposer des actions à mettreen oeuvre pour renforcer la transversalité au sein de l’INSU et aborder les grands défis scientifiques à venir. Le présent document reprend, nous l’espérons, l’essentiel de foisonnante matière de ces échanges. Un grand merci aussi à l’équipe de direction de l’INSU au sein de laquelle l’enthousiasme et la motivation permanente ont été un grand soutien pour porter cette prospective. Chaque DAS a contribué à cette réussite, c’est ce qui fait aussi la force de notre institut. Mes remerciements vont aussi à la cellule de communication de l’INSU qui nous a permis de tenir un colloque final de grande qualité en virtuel. Je conclurai ces remerciements en saluant le soutien et l’implication des organismes partenaires de l’INSU qui ont accompagné cette prospective pendant les deux ans au sein du comité inter-organismes (CIO). Cet exercice dépassait le cadre de l’INSU et je leur suis infiniment reconnaissant d’y avoir pleinement participé. Cette prospective ouvre des perspectives communes qui, j’en suis persuadé, vont nous donner un cadre de collaboration renouvelé pour relever ensemble les défis qui nous attendent en sciences de la planète et de l’Univers.
(21/06/2026)
INSU - CNRS, LAM, AMU, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, IPAG, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, Fédération OSUG, UGA, IRAP, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, GEOAZUR 7329, INSU - CNRS, UniCA, CNRS, IRD [Occitanie], IRD, UniCA, LMV, IRD, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UCA, LOCEAN-NEMO R&D, LOCEAN, MNHN, IRD, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, IPSL (FR_636), ENS-PSL, UVSQ, CEA, INSU - CNRS, X, CNES, SU, CNRS, UPCité, iSTeP, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, ICOS-RAMCES, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, LOPS, IRD, IFREMER, INSU - CNRS, UBO EPE, CNRS, IGE, IRD, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, Fédération OSUG, UGA, Grenoble INP, UGA, LCE, CNRS, UMLP, UBFC, LGGE, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, OSUG, Grenoble INP, INSU - CNRS, IRSTEA, USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry], CNRS, UGA [2016-2019], IPEV, M.E.N.E.S.R., ULaval, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, AMURE, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, UBO EPE, IUEM, IRD, INSU - CNRS, UBO EPE, CNRS, UR ETTIS, INRAE, IPREM, UPPA, INC-CNRS, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, M2C, UNICAEN, NU, INSU - CNRS, UNIROUEN, NU, CNRS, OCEANIS, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, ObAS, UNISTRA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, EOST, UNISTRA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ITES, ENGEES, UNISTRA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UNISTRA, ISTerre, IRD, INSU - CNRS, USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry], CNRS, Fédération OSUG, UGA
Headland Rip Modelling at a Natural Beach under High-Energy Wave Conditions
A XBeach surfbeat model is used to explore the dynamics of natural headland rip circulation under a broad range of incident wave conditions and tide level. The model was calibrated and extensively validated against measurements collected in the vicinity of a 500-m rocky headland. Modelled bulk hydrodynamic quantities were in good agreement with measurements for two wave events during which deflection rips were captured. In particular, the model was able to reproduce the tidal modulation and very-low-frequency fluctuations (≈1 h period) of the deflection rip during the 4-m wave event. For that event, the synoptic flow behaviour shows the large spatial coverage of the rip which extended 1600 m offshore at low tide, when the surf zone limit extends beyond the headland tip. These results emphasize a deflection mechanism different from conceptualised deflection mechanisms based on the boundary length to surf zone width ratio. Further simulations indicate that the adjacent embayment is responsible for the seaward extent of the rip under energetic wave conditions. The present study shows that the circulation patterns along natural rugged coastlines are strongly controlled by the natural variability of the coastal morphology, including headland shape and adjacent embayments, which has implications on headland bypassing expressions.
(Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. vol. 9, n° 2077-1312, pp. 1161, 21/06/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
The role of physical disturbance for litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in coastal sand dunes
Disturbance increases ecosystem functioning in productive habitats but its effect in stressful conditions is less documented, although this is crucial for understanding the resilience of disturbed systems to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Our goal is to assess the influence of physical disturbance for ecosystem functioning in coastal sand dunes. We set up an experimental design, including two treatments in four blocks, in a four km-long dune site from South West France. We simulated physical disturbance from marine and wind origin, digging Experimental Notches (EN), in the incipient (West EN treatment) and established foredunes (East EN treatment), respectively and compared the effects of EN to controls along transects including 13 positions from the beach to the transition dune behind ENs. We sampled litter decomposition rate, elevation variation, wind abrasion, sand grain size and vegetation composition. We also used drones to quantify sand deposition sheets during severe winter storms. Litter decomposition rate was the highest where sand accumulated the most, at the ecotone between the established foredune and transition dune and in the East EN treatment. This increase of ecosystem functioning was correlated to wind patterns. However, there was also a strong alongshore variability, with important sand deposition sheets occurring in some blocks depending on dune geomorphology. Vegetation composition was mainly influenced by shoreline distance, but also by the block and EN treatment, with a strong interaction between these three effects. We conclude that physical disturbance increase ecosystem functioning in the stressful conditions of the Atlantic sand dunes, only when sand accumulates, whereas excessive disturbances enhancing sand erosion are not favorable for ecosystem functioning.
(Ecological Engineering. vol. 162, n° 0925-8574, pp. 106181, 21/06/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ONF
Contaminants of emerging concern in the Seine river basin: Overview of recent research
For over 30 years, the sources and the transfer dynamics of micropollutants have been investigated in the PIREN-Seine programme. Recent works included a wide range of chemicals and biological contaminants of emerging concern (i.e. contaminants whose occurrence, fate and impact are scarcely documented). This chapter presents a brief overview of research recently conducted on contaminants as diverse as macro- and microplastics, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pathogenic protozoa, antibiotics and the associated antibiotic resistance. The multiscalar study of plastics and PFASs at a large spatial scale is rare; the results produced in recent years on the Seine River catchment have provided an original contribution to the investigation of the dynamics of these contaminants in urban environments. The results also highlighted that pathogenic protozoa are ubiquitous in the Seine River basin and that the contamination of bivalves such as Dreissena polymorpha could reflect the ambient biological contamination of watercourses. The widespread occurrence of antibiotics in the Seine River was demonstrated, and it was shown that the resistome of biofilms in highly urbanised rivers constitutes a microenvironment where genetic support for antibiotic resistance (clinical integrons) and resistance genes for trace metals are concentrated.
(. vol. 90, pp. 355-380, 21/06/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LEESU, ENPC, UPEC UP12, M2C, UNICAEN, NU, INSU - CNRS, UNIROUEN, NU, CNRS, SEBIO, INERIS, URCA, ULH, NU, URCA, CNRS, GERS-LEE, METIS, EPHE, PSL, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, SIAAP
A review of the effects of contamination and temperature in Solea solea larvae. Modeling perspectives in the context of climate change
The flatfish species Solea solea has been the subject of research for supporting their management in fisheries, restocking natural populations, domestication in aquaculture, and ecotoxicology research. Soles undergo a metamorphosis with drastic morphological and physiological changes and settlement, processes that make them potentially more vulnerable to pollutants than other fish. Up to date, efforts made to develop its aquaculture production in Europe have been limited. In the context of climate change (CC), this review aims i) to gather research conducted in S. solea larvae that summarizes the effects of increased temperature and contaminant exposures during larval development; and ii) to provide a summarized and synergistic view about its larval development. The review consists of 4 sections. Section 1 justifies the selection of this species from ecological and economic perspectives. Section 2 focuses on larvae ontogenesis, metamorphosis, rearing challenges, and further aquaculture production. Section 3 reviews studies dealing with the effects of temperature change (due to CC) and pollutants on larval development. Finally, section 4 provides a "how to go forward on ecotoxicological research" guideline, in which we highlight the methods that we found promising as tools to study the combined effects of CC and pollution. The section includes a multidisciplinary framework that proposes how existing data coming from different scientific domains can be synthesized to be useful for risk assessors and ecotoxicologists. To benefit from such a framework, it is necessary to reach consensus and nurture team effort from players that operate in different research disciplines.
(Journal of Sea Research (JSR). vol. 176, n° 1385-1101, pp. 102101, 21/06/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LSEA MARBEC, UMR MARBEC, IRD, IFREMER, UM, CNRS, UMR MARBEC, IRD, IFREMER, UM, CNRS, GABI, INRAE, LEMAR, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS