A taphonomic study of δ13C and δ15N values in Rhizophora mangle leaves for a multi-proxy approach to mangrove palaeoecology

Mangrove ecosystem dynamics and elemental cycling at Twin Cays, Belize, during the Holocene

“…Sections (1 cm) of core TCC1 were removed at 5 cm (or less) intervals along the length of the core to sample fragments of Rhizophora mangle leaves (as described in Wooller et al, 2003a). The matrix of fine roots, courser roots and fine organic material were teased apart to reveal dark fragments of R. mangle leaves.…”

“…The multi-proxy approach has been successfully applied to other tropical ecosystems (e.g. Street-Perrott et al, 1997;Wooller et al, 2000Wooller et al, , 2003cFicken et al, 2001) and shows strong potential for mangrove palaeoecology (Wooller et al, 2003a). We analysed fossil pollen to investigate changes in vegetation composition over time (e.g.…”

“…The pollen data were supplemented with data derived by the stable isotope (carbon and nitrogen) analyses of sub-fossil leaf fragments preserved in the same core (e.g. Wooller et al, 2003a). The stable isotope (C and N) data were used to indicate the vegetation stand structure (as described by Wooller et al, 2003a).…”

“…Wooller et al, 2003a). The stable isotope (C and N) data were used to indicate the vegetation stand structure (as described by Wooller et al, 2003a). More negative ( <À27%) 13 C values are indicative of tall Rhizophora mangle, while more negative ( <À3%) 15 N values are indicative of dwarf R. mangle (Wooller et al 2003a).…”

Stable Carbon Isotope Compositions of Eastern Beringian Grasses and Sedges: Investigating Their Potential as Paleoenvironmental Indicators

“…Some processes associated with the decomposition of organic matter can slightly alter the stable isotopic composition of plant material (e.g., Macko et al, 1993;Fogel and Tuross, 1999;Wooller et al, 2003a), but this would generally be insufficient to shift the signature from one indicating high water-use efficiency (e.g., …”