Mercury Analysis Across the Eocene-Oligocene Transition: Assessing Potential Volcanic Eruptions of the Period (Cagnero, Italy)

• Grant number: 24/23647-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Geological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Luigi Jovane
• Grantee: Thiago Camara da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/24946-9 - Sea-level changes and Global Monsoon System: clues from marine cores in Brazil, AP.PFPMCG.TEM

Abstract

Geological records show that transitions between geological epochs are marked by significant events that cause global changes. A notable example, and the focus of this project, is the Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT), characterized by intenses climate shifts that reorganized terrestrial and marine systems. For a better understanding of the scenarios and paleoenvironmental conditions that lead to these transformations, Mercury (Hg) concentration analysis, together with the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) , can provide valuable data on volcanic activity, its intensity, and its impact on ecosystems during the EOT. In this way, this present project uses high quality geological data from Cagnero Section to quantify variations in Hg concentrations using the MA-3 Solo, following the USEPA 7473 method. Later these data are integrated with TOC data to evaluate the correlations between Hg and organic matter. These results may contribute to a better understanding and interpretation of volcanic dynamics and their potential paleoenvironmental impacts during the EOT. (AU)