Sédimentation organique profonde associée au système d'upwelling du Courant de Benguela (Atlantique Sud-est) : de la molécule à la modélisation.
La marge Sud-Est Atlantique est le siège d'une accumulation très importante de carbone organique durant les derniers cycles climatiques ; les teneurs y étant parmi les plus élevées du monde pour des sédiments océaniques profonds. Trois thèses ont été menées dans le cadre du GDR Marges Continentales pour tenter de mieux comprendre la dynamique de la sédimentation organique profonde dans cette partie de l'Océan Atlantique –qui est aussi la plus oxygénée du monde– afin de raffiner les modèles de dépôt des roches mères pétrolières dans l'offshore profond. La première thèse s'est intéressée à l'enregistrement temporel (400 000 ans) de la sédimentation organique le long de la pente au dessus de la cellule d'upwelling la plus active (Pichevin, 2004). La seconde s'est attachée à comprendre la répartition spatiale de la sédimentation organique à l'échelle de toute la marge Sud-Est Atlantique depuis le dernier maximum glaciaire jusqu'à l'Optimum climatique Holocène (Blanke, 2004). Enfin, la troisième thèse a intégré les données issues des deux premières dans une approche modélisatrice de la sédimentation organique en contexte d'upwelling (Tranier, 2006). Il ressort de ces études que l'enfouissement de carbone organique sur la pente continentale était plus efficace pendant les périodes glaciaires du fait d'un accroissement des flux de matière organique exportée. Cette augmentation des flux agit positivement sur l'initiation de mécanismes de fossilisation tels que la sulfuration naturelle. Les variations eustatiques ont partiellement gouverné l'exportation de carbone organique vers la pente continentale supérieure en déplaçant vers le large la zone de productivité maximum pendant les bas niveaux marins. L'approche modélisatrice permet de quantifier les stocks de carbone ainsi fossilisés, ce qui présente un intérêt tant du point de vue académique –impact sur le cycle du carbone– qu'industriel –nature et distribution des roches-mères pétrolières du deep offshore–.
(pp. 1p., 22/02/2026)
MNHN, UPMC, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ISTO, INSU - CNRS, UO, CNRS, IFPEN, HNHP, MNHN, CNRS
Phase lag between Intertropical Convergence Zone migration and subtropical monsoon onset over the northwestern Indian Ocean during Marine Isotopic Substage 6.5 (MIS 6.5).
[1] High-resolution faunal and isotopic analyses of foraminifera were performed on core MD96-2073 (10°94 0 N, 52°62 0 E, 3142 m depth), located close to Socotra Island in the upwelling area of the Somali Basin (NW Indian Ocean). This work focuses on Marine Isotopic Stage 6.5 in order to reconstruct paleo-upwelling changes and their links with the Arabian Sea summer monsoon and the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Correspondence and cluster analyses of planktonic foraminiferal abundances, partly controlled by temperature and water mass productivity, together with an upwelling intensification index, show the occurrence of a strong upwelling between 176 and 165 ka. This upwelling intensification responds to a northward migration of the ITCZ. An isotopic depletion in the planktonic foraminifera d 18 O records occurring between 180 and 167 ka is interpreted as proof of a large salinity decrease in the surface waters, probably linked to a strong input of fresh rainfall waters induced by an intense monsoon activity. The lag between the onset of upwelling intensification and the strong monsoonal impact over the same area suggests a decoupling between both phenomena. The migration of the ITCZ is influenced by obliquity and precessional forcing, while the Arabian Sea summer monsoon precipitation depends only on precessional forcing.
(Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. vol. 7, pp. Q12N08, 22/02/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, CNRS, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, PALEOCEAN, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA
Significance of vertical flux as a sink for surface water DMSP and as a source for the sediment surface in coastal zones of northern Europe
(Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. vol. 68, n° 0272-7714, pp. 473-488, 22/02/2026)
LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, ICOS-RAMCES, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, LEMAR, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
SPCZ migration and ENSO events during the 20th century as revealed by climate proxies from a Fiji coral
Instrumental sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) records since 1975 have indicated that migrations of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) are strongly related to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. To reconstruct independent SSS and SST time series for the past century and document this SPCZ and ENSO relationship prior to 1975, we apply a neural network analysis to seven climate proxies derived from a coral skeleton collected in Fiji. These reconstructions suggest that five SPCZ migrations linked to ENSO occurred between 1908 and 1970 while as many migrations occurred during the last three decades, highlighting the recent enhanced frequency of ENSO occurrence.
(Geophysical Research Letters. vol. 33, n° 0094-8276, pp. L17710, 22/02/2026)
LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, PALEOCEAN, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, LOCEAN, IPSL, ENS-PSL, PSL, UVSQ, UPMC, CEA, INSU - CNRS, X, IP Paris, CNES, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, UPMC, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ESTIMR, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, PALEOTROPIQUE
Three-dimensional densitometry imaging of diatom cells using STIM tomography
Scanning transmission ion microscopy tomography (STIM-T) was carried out on diatom cells with the aim of displaying their 3D structure and performing density measurements on their silica skeleton. Two software packages were compared for data reduction: TomoRebuild, based on a simple filtered backprojection algorithm, and DISRA, an iterative program. Silicon carbide microfibres of known density were also analysed as reference specimens. Similar results were obtained with both algorithms, demonstrating the ability of STIM-T to provide density measurements at the cell level without requiring any standard calibration samples. This unique feature stresses the interest of STIM-T to accurately normalise X ray emission micro-tomography data from synchrotron radiation (SXRF: synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence) or ion beam sources (PIXE: particle induced X-ray emission). Possible enhancements of the DISRA code are discussed in order to facilitate its use for the reconstruction of future PIXE/STIM tomography data. A “nanoprobe” coupled to a Singletron® accelerator, allowing a spatial resolution of a few tens of nanometers, is going to be built in the coming months at the Centre d'Etudes Nucléaires de Bordeaux Gradignan (CENBG). This new facility will bring promising applications in imaging and analysis at the sub-cellular level.
(. vol. 249, pp. 653-659, 22/02/2026)
CENBG, UB, IN2P3, CNRS, CNAB, UB, CNRS, LST, ENS de Lyon, UCBL, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LCTS, UB, CEA, INC-CNRS, CNRS
Fifty-year sedimentary record of heavy metal pollution in the lagoon of Oualidia (Moroccan Atlantic coast)
The Oualidia lagoon is known for its heavy metal pollution resulting from mining and smelting activities since the late 19th century. Here, we report 137Cs and 210Pb activities and heavy metal concentration depth profiles from sediment cores retrieved in 1997. High mean sedimentation rates of 0.6e1 cm/y are indicated by 210Pb and 137Cs dating. The lagoon sediments have recorded heavy metal deposition and thus allow establishment of a connection between the temporal evolution of the heavy metal pollution and historical changes in smelting and waste-treatment proceedings. Through a study of the evolution of heavy metal contents, we can distinguish between two categories of metals: 1- Al, Fe and Cr contents have varied around a mean value over the last seven decades and could have natural origins. 2- Pb, Zn, Cu and Hg have relatively more elevated contents than those of the natural geochemical background, especially in the station in front of illegal sewerage discharges. These metals are enriched at depths between 20 and 30 cm; this corresponds to the period between 1960 and 1975, which was characterized by the setting up of the main suburbs and the first aquaculture farms that surround the lagoon. The pollution intensity of the lagoon is determined by enrichment factors and the geo-accumulation index, which show that the lagoon of Oualidia is unpolluted to moderately polluted on the Geo-I scale of Müler (1979).
(Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. vol. 72, n° 0272-7714, pp. 359-369, 22/02/2026)
LETG - Nantes, UNICAEN, NU, EPHE, PSL, UBO EPE, UR2, CNRS, IGARUN, UN, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Comparison between shell morphology and genetic diversity in two sympatric lymnaeid snails, vectors of fasciolosis
Species determination of freshwater snails is particularly important in the case of disease vectors. In central France, for example, it has been shown that Galba truncatula (Müller, 1774) and Omphiscola glabra (Müller, 1774), which can be found in sympatry, are intermediate hosts for fasciolosis. Although these two species are distinguishable based on their shell morphology, some snails present in sympatric zones possess shell characteristics that are common to both species, suggesting possible gene flow. To test this hypothesis, we carried out multilocus enzyme electrophoreses on individuals sampled in one zone of sympatry. Our results clearly show that all snails with shell characteristics common to both species are O. glabra. We also note an absence of hybridization between G. truncatula and O. glabra in the study area. Remarkably, we observe a total monomorphism at the six studied loci among individuals of G. truncatula. Similarly, we find a total lack of heterozygotes in the O. glabra sample (with classic or intermediate shell characteristics). These results suggest a predominance of selfing in the reproductive mode of both species. Our results suggest that conchological characteristics can provide information about the taxonomic position of lymnaeids. However, they are insufficient to confidently differentiate species.
(Canadian Journal of Zoology. vol. 83, n° 0008-4301, pp. 1643–1648, 01/12/2005)
GEMI, UM1, CNRS, IRD [Occitanie], UNILIM, UMR ISEM, Cirad, EPHE, PSL, UM, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Spatial and seasonal dynamics of total suspended sediment and organic carbon species in the Congo River
The Congo (Zaire) River, the world's second largest river in terms both of water discharges and of drainage area after the Amazon River, has remained to date in a near-pristine state. For a period between 2 and 6 years, the mainstream near the river mouth (Brazzaville/Kinshasa station) and some of the major and minor tributaries (the Oubangui, Mpoko, and Ngoko-Sangha) were monitored every month for total suspended sediment (TSS), particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In this large but relatively flat equatorial basin, TSS levels are very low and organic carbon is essentially exported as DOC: from 74% of TOC for the tributaries flowing in savannah regions and 86% for those flowing in the rain forest. The seasonal patterns of TSS, POC, and DOC show clockwise hysteresis in relation to river discharges, with maximum levels recorded 2 to 4 months before peak flows. At the Kinshasa/Brazzaville station, the DOC distribution is largely influenced by the input from the tributaries draining the large marshy forest area located in the center of the basin. There is a marked difference between specific fluxes, threefold higher in the forest basins than in the savannah basins. The computation of inputs to the Atlantic Ocean demonstrates that the Congo is responsible for 14.4 × 106 t/yr of TOC of which 12.4 × 106 t/yr is DOC and 2 × 106 t/yr is POC. The three biggest tropical rivers (the Amazon, the Congo, and the Orinoco), with only 10% of the exoreic world area drained to world oceans, contribute ~4% of its TSS inputs but 15-18% of its organic carbon inputs. These proportions may double when considering only world rivers discharging into the open ocean.
(Global Biogeochemical Cycles. vol. 19, n° 0886-6236, pp. 4019, 01/12/2005)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LMTG, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, CNRS, SISYPHE, UPMC, EPHE, PSL, PSL, CNRS, HSM, IRD, UM2, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Palaeoclimatology and palaeohydrography of the glacial stages on Celtic and Armorican margins over the last 360000 yrs
Core MD03-2692 was retrieved in a water-depth of 4064 m on the Celtic margin (Bay of Biscay) during the SEDICAR cruise onboard the RV Marion Dufresne II. It covers the last 360 ka in a total length of 39 m. Multidisciplinary analyses have been applied to this sequence with the aim of studying the palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental signals of the last few climatic cycles. The analyses undertaken include: (1) non-destructive logging with: physical properties (magnetic susceptibility, sediment colour), X-ray radiography and measurement of the major elements by X-ray-fluorescence, (2) analyses of planktonic and benthic foraminifera, lithic grains and stable isotopic measurements (oxygen and carbon). We have focused on the longterm evolution of glacial stages (with special attention to terminations and Heinrich events). The results obtained confirm the close correlation between deep-sea sedimentation recorded on the Celtic margin and changes in the terrestrial environment of the adjacent continent. Heinrich layers have been identified in MIS 2, 3, 6 and 8. We note the occurrence of laminated facies within deglacial sequences deposited during Termination I and MIS 6. These facies are closely linked to disintegration phases of the British-Irish Ice Sheet (BIS). The laminations contain lower ice-rafted detritus (IRD) concentrations than the equivalent Heinrich layers and are linked to abrupt changes in sea-surface palaeotemperatures. We suggest that the laminations are formed by an annual cycle of meltwater and iceberg release from the disintegrating BIS generating cascading plumes of dense turbid meltwater coeval with IRD release.
(Marine Geology. vol. 224, n° 0025-3227, pp. 57-82, 01/11/2005)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, IFREMER, SHOM
Structuring factors and recent changes in subtidal macrozoobenthic communities of a coastal lagoon, Arcachon Bay (France)
Fourteen years after a previous investigation in Arcachon Bay (SW France), the quantitative distribution of subtidal macrozoobenthic communities was assessed in 2002 through a stratified sampling strategy involving a larger number of stations (89 vs. 18) than in 1988. A total of 226 taxa were recorded. Cluster Analysis and Correspondence Analysis identified nine station groups corresponding to benthic faunal assemblages and their characteristic species. Multiple Discriminant Analysis showed that the main environmental factors influencing the distribution of faunal assemblages were sediment parameters and distance from the ocean. Depth was a minor structuring factor. At the scale of the lagoon, biogenic structures such as Zostera marina beds, Crepidula fornicata-dominated bottoms or dead oyster shell bottoms did not display any particular assemblage of infauna. Comparison with previous quantitative data from the 1988 survey provided more precision on the distribution of benthic assemblages and revealed community changes at a 14-year scale. These modifications reflected a general increase of silt and clay content in the sediment in the internal parts of channels, inducing community change. These changes can be correlated to the recent first signs of a moderate eutrophication process which have appeared, since 1988, through the development of green macroalgae in some parts of the lagoon. This trend was enhanced in transverse channels with reduced hydrodynamics and led to muddy areas where green macroalgae tended to accumulate. Locally, the dredging of sandbanks induced stronger currents and allowed the marine influence to occur, and also induced community change. These observations confirm that surveys of macrobenthic communities are useful tools to assess coastal ecosystem change even in moderately disturbed environments.
(Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. vol. 64, n° 0272-7714, pp. 561-576, 01/09/2005)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS