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On the shallow Gallipoli Shelf, slightly increased concentrations of organic material and biogenic carbonate are observed during part of the sapropel S1 NSC 632839 (~ 10–7.5 cal. ka BP) indicating increased primary productivity and/or preservation. After 7 cal. ka BP, a constant increase in terrestrial input and increased sedimentation rates indicate a progressive change towards modern circulation for the Adriatic/NW Ionian Sea. In addition, wetter conditions and deforestation during this period have resulted in increased terrestrial fluxes into the area.
Superimposed on this long-term trend, we observe millennial-scale variability in terrestrial input which corresponds to global climate variability and to the NAO in particular. Although regional factors such as increased evaporation also contribute, we suggest that a positive state of the NAO, i.e. dry conditions in the Mediterranean, dominated during RCC events such as the MWP and the Bronze Age.
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