Daniela Esu

BIOCHRONOLOGY OF SELECTED MAMMALS, MOLLUSCS AND OSTRACODS FROM THE MIDDLE PLIOCENE TO THE LATE PLEISTOCENE IN ITALY. THE STATE OF THE ART

The Authors have elaborated four range charts of mammalian (large and micro), molluscs and fresh-water and brackish ostracodes faunas, for the selected Plio-Pleistocene fossiliferous localities of the Italy. A new Mammal Age (Aurelian) correlatable to late Middle and Late Pleistocene has been defined. Inside this age two Faunal Units (Torre in Pietra and Vitinia) have been defined as characteristic for Early and Middle Aurelian, while no gisements have been chosen for the late Aurelian. Biochronological units are calibrated on magnetostratigraphic and isotopic scales and by radiometric datings.

The Tiber river delta plain (central Italy): Coastal evolution and implications for the ancient Ostia Roman settlement

Geomorphologic, stratigraphic, faunistic, palynological and carbon isotope analyses were carried out in the area of the Tiber river mouth. The results depict a complex palaeoenvironmental evolution in the area of the Roman town of Ostia, ascertain the changes of the Tiber river delta over the last 6000 years and support a re-interpretation of some archaeologic issues. The wave-dominated Tiber delta evolved through three distinct phases. In the first step (5000–2700 yr BP) a delta cusp was built at the river mouth, which was located north of the present outlet. Subsequently (2700–1900 BP), an abrupt southward migration of the river mouth determined the abandonment of the previous cusp and the progradation of a new one. The third step, which is still in progress, is marked by the appearance of a complex cusp made up of two distributary channels. The transition from the first to the second evolution phase occurred in the seventh century bc and was contemporary to the foundation of Ostia, as suggested by historical accounts. However, the oldest archaeological evidence of the town of Ostia dates to the fourth century bc, when human activity is clearly recorded also by pollen data. We suggest that the first human settlement (seventh century bc) consisted of ephemeral military posts, with the aim of controlling the strategic river mouth and establishing the Ostia saltworks. Only after the fourth century bc the coastal environment was stable enough for the foundation and development of the town of Ostia.

The Early Messinian Velona basin (Siena, central Italy): paleoenvironmental and paleobiogeographical reconstructions

Abstract A multi-disciplinary study of the basal lacustrine succession of the Velona basin (Tuscany, central Italy) provides informations about the paleoenvironmental and paleogeographical evolution of a post-collisional basin located in the Mediterranean area. Detailed sedimentological, paleontological (molluscs, ostracods, mammals, charophytes and pollen) and geochemical analyses on biogenic carbonates were carried out on a 66-m-thick muddy–sandy succession. Integrating the vertical distribution of selected species of ostracods and molluscs with the range of the mammal assemblage it has been possible to correlate the basal succession of the Velona basin to the Early Messinian (pre-evaporitic) corresponding to the lower part of the MN 13 zone. The basal portion of the Velona filling deposits corresponds to an unstable shallow lacustrine/marshy environment, rich in aquatic vegetation, surrounded by swamps dominated by Taxodiaceae and uplands dominated by warm temperate deciduous forests. Waters were generally brackish (oligo/mesohaline), alternating with hypohaline episodes. Salinity changes recorded by the faunal assemblages do not parallel with changes in the geochemical signatures in ostracod shells and charophyte gyrogonites. Geochemistry of biogenic carbonates points to an athalassic origin of the water salinity probably linked to the dissolution of the Triassic evaporites of the basement. Thus, the absence of connections between the Velona basin and the Mediterranean Sea during Early Messinian is confirmed. Ostracods, molluscs and mammals show a central European paleobiogeographical affinity, showing that, at the time of deposition of the Velona filling deposit, the endemic Tusco-Sardinian paleobioprovince was already disrupted and the northwards connections were noticeable. On the other hand, ostracods do not show any paleobiogeographic affinity with the ostracod assemblages of the Paratethyan realm, suggesting that no links between Mediterranean and Paratethys were present at that time.

Holocene palaeoclimate in the northern Sahara margin (Jefara Plain, northwestern Libya)

The palaeoclimatic evolution of northwestern Libya has been deduced from the study of the palustrine and aeolian sediments. The Holocene environmental variations have been recognized through geological and stratigraphic surveys and by pollen analysis and malacofauna content of the sediments. Some organic-rich horizons have been dated using the radiocarbon method. The data show that in general, the presence of marshes is linked with the period of higher humidity, which began around 9.4 ka BP and ended around 5.0 ka BP. From c. 5.0 ka BP up to about 4.4 ka BP, there was a simultaneous presence of marshes and vegetation of arid climate as a consequence of rainfall in the mountains and/or a decrease in temperatures. The Holocene wet period was interrupted by two arid spells dated about 8.2 and 5.5–5.4 ka BP. The end of the wet phase must have been gradual. The climatic events that occurred in the Jefara plain seem to be well correlated with those identified in Saharan Africa even if the Mediterranean is only 100 km away.

Synopsis of European Neogene freshwater gastropod localities: updated stratigraphy and geography

The last overview of Cenozoic localities with records of freshwater gastropods was provided more than 80 years ago. Since then, a wealth of new information has been published: new localities have been discovered and fundamental changes occurred in regional stratigraphy. In addition, many localities are still attributed to erroneous or outdated stratigraphical concepts even in recent papers. Geopolitical evolution of Europe has, furthermore, led to name changes and confusion regarding the exact origin of samples in collections. Here we provide a fully georeferenced dataset for almost all published Miocene and Pliocene freshwater gastropod localities (2,930), including updated stratigraphic data where possible. This basic update will serve as an essential fundament for any future work related to the freshwater deposits and respective faunas in general. Thomas A. Neubauer. Geological-Paleontological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria thomas.neubauer@nhm-wien.ac.at Elisavet Georgopoulou. Geological-Paleontological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria elisavet.georgopoulou@nhm-wien.ac.at Andreas Kroh. Geological-Paleontological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria andreas.kroh@nhm-wien.ac.at Mathias Harzhauser. Geological-Paleontological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria mathias.harzhauser@nhm-wien.ac.at Oleg Mandic. Geological-Paleontological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria oleg.mandic@nhm-wien.ac.at Daniela Esu. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, “Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy daniela.esu@uniroma1.it

FACIES ANALYSIS, STRATIGRAPHY AND PALAEONTOLOGY (MOLLUSCS AND VERTEBRATES) IN THE UPPER PLIOCENE SANDY FLOOD-BASIN DEPOSITS OF THE UPPER VALDARNO BASIN (NORTHERN APENNINES)

The Upper Valdarno Basin, one of the most investigated Neogene–Quaternary basins of the Northern Apennines, developed during three main phases, as testified by the occurrence of three unconformity-bounded stratigraphic units (UBSUs) in the basin infill. Despite numerous studies having been carried out, biochronological, paleoecological and stratigraphical issues in the lower portion of the Montevarchi Synthem (second phase) have yet to be understood. Sandy deposits (Montecarlo Sand and Silt Unit), stratigraphically located in this portion of the Montevarchi Synthem, are the focus of this multidisciplinary study. These deposits conformably overlie sandy fluvio-eolian sediments and are, in turn, capped by fluvio-palustrine deposits through a progressive unconformity. Facies analysis suggest a sandy flood-basin environment for these deposits, characterised by variations in water discharge and flood event energy. Mollusc and fish remains, pointing to quiet or slow-moving shallow waters, have been affected by transport processes before final burial in overbank areas. Fish remains of the primary marine family Mugilids highlight a connection between the basin and the sea that was previously only supposed. Small mammal remains, referred to the rodent Mimomys polonicus , are coherent with a water-rich environment. Cyclic variations in shell content and sedimentological characteristics testify to the occurrence of short-term climatic oscillations during this warming phase. This study fits with paleomagnetic and radiometric datings and mammal biochronology, in indicating that the Montecarlo Sand and Silt Unit belongs to a time interval preceding the Reunion paleomagnetic event. The depositional evolution of the Montecarlo Unit was driven by climatic change from arid to humid conditions, related to a global increase in temperature that occurred between 2.4 and 2.2 Ma.

Middle-to late-Holocene environmental changes in the Garigliano delta plain (Central Italy): which landscape witnessed the development of the Minturnae Roman colony?

Geomorphologic, stratigraphic, faunistic, palynological and 14C analyses were carried out in the area of the mouth of the Garigliano River characterized by two strand plains that are referred to the Eutyrrhenian and the Holocene, rimming two depressed zones separated by the Garigliano River channel. This study depicts the palaeoenvironmental evolution over the last 8200 years and the landscape context at the time of Minturnae Roman colony. Between 8200 and 7500 yr BP, a wet zone occurred in the northern zone, whereas in the southern part, a lagoon developed. During the final transgression stage and the beginning of the sea level still stand (7500–5500 yr BP), a freshwater marsh formed in the northern zone, and the width of the southern lagoon decreased. Between 5500 and 3000 yr BP, the coastal barrier changed into a delta cusp, a freshwater marsh also appeared in the southern part and the river wandered between the twin marshes. Because of local uplift, previously unknown in this area, part of the floor of the southern marsh emerged, and after 4000 yr BP, both marshes became coastal ponds with prevailing clastic sedimentation. A progressive increment in anthropic forcing on the land took place after 3000 yr BP. The Marica sanctuary was built (7th century BC), and the Roman colony of Minturnae was developed beginning the 3rd century BC. The shallow depth of the ponds prevented their use as harbours, and saltwork plants can be ruled out based on the faunal and palynological data. The ongoing infilling of both ponds was never completed, and their reclamation is still in progress.

The molluscan fauna from the upper Pleistocene vertebrate-bearing deposits of S. Teodoro Cave (North-eastern Sicily).

This paper deals with terrestrial, freshwater and marine molluscs collected in the upper Pleistocene deposits of clay, sands and gravels of S. Teodoro Cave (North-eastern Sicily). Beginning from 1998 two trenches have been excavated (1998 and 2002-2004). A highly diversified assemblage of endemic and not endemic vertebrates (elephant, horse, wild ox, deer, wild boar, hyaena, fox, mouse, ground vole, shrew, hedgehog, bats, birds, reptiles), invertebrates (molluscs) and vegetal remains have been collected from the two trenches. The molluscan fauna is represented by poor to rich-species assemblages of land and freshwater gastropods and bivalves with Mediterranean-European character. Some species have been found for the first time as fossils in Sicily. The land snails prevail in the 1998 trench showing a persistent arid environment during the time of the sediment deposition. The freshwater species, characteristic of slow-running water, point to the presence of a small water body (stream or spring) inside the cave, probably more consistent in the 2002-2004 trench where this fauna prevails. The dispersal of the molluscan fauna of S. Teodoro Cave from the mainland during the low stand sea-level phases of the upper Pleistocene probably belongs to the same dispersal events following the Oxygen Isotope Stage 5e which introduced into the island not endemic faunal elements which are associated with endemic faunal elements in S. Teodoro Cave. Littoral marine reworked molluscs found in the cave deposits probably come from the sedimentary cover of a middle Pleistocene terrace which overlies the roof of the cave. SHORT NOTE

Land mollusc palaeocommunity dynamics related to palaeoclimatic changes in the Upper Pleistocene alluvial deposits of Marche Apennines (central Italy)

A detailed chronological scheme based on 14C and U/Th datings of Upper Pleistocene slope and alluvial deposits in the Upper Esino River Basin (Marche, central Italy), containing archaeological remains, pollens and land molluscs, constrains the time-range deposition of cold climate slope-waste and coeval alluvial deposits between the Middle Pleniglacial and Late Glacial. Integrating molluscan analyses and stratigraphical data (sedimentary features, 14C andU/Th datings) from an Upper Pleistocene stratigraphical section of fluvial gravelly and sandy-silty sediments near Matelica (Macerata) allowed a detailed palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Well preserved land gastropod assemblages from nine levels, typical of cold/cool climate and variable humidity of stadials and interstadials showing prevalence of open and dry environment, were analysed by quantitative methods. Palaeocommunity dynamics through the section, due to alternate cool-cold climatic conditions, proved to be consistent with sedimentary features: braid plain channel gravelly sediments of stadials yielded poor-species assemblages of very dry exposed places (steppe-like), sandy-silty sediments of interstadials recorded diversified molluscan fauna with steppe-prairie species and taxa of more or less damp conditions, suggesting more humid environment.Dominance or decrease in specimen number of one species and variation in species composition were strongly influenced by palaeoclimatic changes, highlighting detailed climatic and palaeoenvironmental variations through time.

Paleobiogeografia dei vertebrati e dei molluschi continentali del Terziario e del Quaternario della Sardegna

DANIELA ESUq e TASSOS KOTSAKIS *4‘ * Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia, Cittfi Universitaria, Roma *’~‘ Centro di Studio per la Geologia de1l’Ita1ia Centrale, C.N.R. c/o Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia, Cittfi Universitaria, Roma Paleobiogeografia dei vertebrati e dei molluschi continentali del Terziario e del Quaternario della Sardegna Scopo della .presente nota e. di dare un quadro d’insieme delle faune a molluschi e vertebrati continentali del Terziario e del Quaternario sardo e specialmente cercare di rispondere a1 problerna del popolarnento de11’iso1a. Le malacofaune continentali fossili del massiccio sardo-corso sono purtroppo ancora mal conosciute mentre per i vertebrati gli studi sono andati -parzialmente avanti nei ternpi pifi recenti. Anche per questi ultimi, tuttavi-a, esistono dati relati- vamente abbondanti solamente per il Quaternario. Studi di sintesi delle faune continentali sarde, limitati ai soli rnammiferi (0 tutt’a1 pit‘; ai vertebrati) sono stati intrapresi da Cornaschi Caria (1948) e pit‘; recentemente da Azzaroli (1977, 1980), Azzaroli e Guazzone (1979) e, per il solo Neogene, da Kotsakis e Palombo (1979). Le considerazioni Che seguiranno si basano in parte su dati bibliografici e in parte su osservazioni dirette degli Autori. PALEOCENE Non si conoscono resti di molluschi continentali 0 di vertebrati sardi riferibili a1 Paleocene. Le analisi palinologiche (Pittau, 1974) dimostrano una stretta affinite della flora sarda con le coeve flore europee (Vedi Osserv. n. 1). EOCENE (Fig. 1) Le pifi vecchie segnalazioni di molluschi continentali cenozoici riguardano 1e formazioni lacustri intercalate a quelle salmastre del bacino di Gonnesa, contenenti gasteropodi dei generi Plzmorbis,