Microfossil assemblages as proxies to reconstruct anthropogenic induced eutrophication of two marginal Eastern Mediterranean Basins

Abstract

The results of this thesis show that the Mediterranean Sea is a unique region with respect to the dinoflagellates cysts and benthic foraminifera communities. Detailed knowledge about the environmental preferences of the single species in modern oceans is the key for understanding changes in cyst assemblages and abundance during human induced eutrophication, and allows detailed reconstructions of various environmental and anthropogenic changes. This thesis enlarges the knowledge about both, spatial and temporal variations of different eutrophication proxies. Dinocysts and benthic foraminifera accurately reflect oceanographic and anthropogenic influences which forms the basis for their application for future eutrophication studies in aquatic ecosystems.