Evolution of Arkona Basin environment in the Holocene in the light of diatom research

Abstract

This article presents the results of diatom studies from three cores taken from the Arkona Basin. The main stages of the Baltic Sea evolution in the Holocene - Ancylus Lake, Mastogloia Sea, Littorina Sea, and Post-Littorina Sea - were identified in diatom assemblages. The transition stage between Ancylus Lake and Littorina Sea, called Mastogloia Sea, was not such a long period as in the Mecklenburg Bay but was essential in the evolution of the Baltic Sea. The most pronounced feature of this period was an increase in the number of halophilous species, which reflected the existence of the littoral environment at the onset of this stage. The appearance and development of halophilous species was stimulated by stepwise inflows of saline waters. The composition of diatom assemblages reflected natural eutrophication of the Baltic Sea during the Littorina Sea stage.