Holocene evolution and sedimentation rate of Alikes Lagoon, Zakynthos island, Western Greece: preliminary results P. Avramidis1 and N. Kontopoulos2 1Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, 30200 Mesolonghi, Greece 2University of Patras, Department of Geology, 26500 Patras, Greece
Received: 12 Dec 2008 – Published in eEarth Discuss.: 24 Mar 2009 – Published: 13 Jul 2009
Abstract. In the present study we present preliminary results from Alikes lagoon in
Zakynthos island, an area that is one of the most seismically active regions
of Greece. In order to estimate – interpret the Holocene evolution of the
area and to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental changes, we based on data
derived from a 21 m sediment core. Sediment types, structure, colour, as
well as contact depths and bed characteristics were recorded in the field.
Standarised sedimentological analysis was carried out, on 46 samples
including grain size analysis, calculation of moment measures, and micro-
and molluscan fossils of 17 selected samples. Moreover, radiocarbon age
determinations have been made on individual Cardium shells from two horizons
and whole – core Magnetic Susceptibility (MS) measurements were taken. The
interpretation of depositional environments suggests a coastal environment
(restricted-shallow) with reduced salinity such as a lagoon margin and in a
tidal flat and/or marsh particularly. The maximum age of the studied
sediments is about 8500 BP. The rate of sedimentation between 8280 BP while
5590 BP was 5.3 mm/yr and between 5590 BP and modern times is on the order
of 1.03 mm/yr. These sedimentation rates results are similar to other
coastal areas of western Greece.
Citation: Avramidis, P. and Kontopoulos, N.: Holocene evolution and sedimentation rate of Alikes Lagoon, Zakynthos island, Western Greece: preliminary results, eEarth, 4, 23-29, doi:10.5194/ee-4-23-2009, 2009.