Spatial variability of recent sedimentation in Lake Ohrid (Albania/Macedonia)

[摘要] Lake Ohrid is likely of Pliocene age and thus commonly referred to as theoldest existing lake in Europe. In this study spatial variability of recentsediment composition is assessed using >50 basin wide distributed surfacesediment samples. Analysis of biogeochemical bulk parameters, selectedmetals, pigment concentrations as well as grain size distributions revealeda significant spatial heterogeneity in surface sediment composition. Itimplies that sedimentation in Lake Ohrid is controlled by an interaction ofmultiple natural and anthropogenic factors and processes. Major factorscontrolling surface sediment composition are related to differences ingeological catchment characteristics, anthropogenic land use, and acounterclockwise rotating surface water current. In some instances processescontrolling sediment composition also seem to impact distribution patternsof biodiversity, which suggests a common interaction of processesresponsible for both patterns.

[学科分类] 地球化学与岩石