Extensive elemental mapping unlocks Mg/Ca ratios as climate proxy in seasonal records of Mediterranean limpets

Hausmann, Niklas; Prendergast, Amy; Lemonis, Andreas; Zech, Jana; Roberts, Patrick; Siozos, Panagiotis; Anglos, Demetrios

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-39959-9

Cited by 19 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 68 publications

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“…Recent work including extensive elemental mapping of a larger set of molluscs has revealed variability of the Mg/Ca ratios between and within specimens (Hausmann et al 2019a). While their study was focused on the Mediterranean limpet (Patella caerulea, Linnaeus, 1758), there are some similarities with the variation of the elemental maps identified in the oyster of this study.…”

Section: Intra-specimen and Intra-increment Variability In Mg/camentioning

confidence: 59%

“…These effects occur as Mg/Ca ratio offsets, that skew the Mg/Ca ratio on top of any seasonally changing patterns induced by environmental changes (see below). However, the degree to which superimposed physiological effects skew seasonal changes, can be species-or even specimen-specific and finding general correlations have been difficult to identify (Wanamaker et al 2008;Graniero et al 2017;Cobo et al 2017;Hausmann et al 2019a).…”

Section: An Overview Of the Irish Mesolithic And Shell Middensmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We followed the methodology for Mg/Ca mapping developed by (Hausmann et al 2019a), in which a full stepby-step guide is deposited on the protocols.io repository (Hausmann et al 2019c). The oyster shells were sectioned using a Buehler ISOMET 1000 Precision Saw (Model 11-2180), and a Buehler Diamond Wafering Blade (Series 15LC Diamond No 11-4276).…”

Section: Spectroscopymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the wide range of Mg/Ca ratios found within single growth increments, indicates that isolated elemental ratios are difficult to simply translate into specific growth conditions or environmental parameters (e.g. sea surface temperature) as in the case of P. caerulea (Ferguson et al 2011;Hausmann et al 2019a). Specifically, because Mg/Ca ratios can vary depending on the distance to the shell hinge, it is not always possible to acquire definitive absolute ratios.…”

Section: Intra-specimen and Intra-increment Variability In Mg/camentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Building on this, we employed the spectroscopic method of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), which has recently been used as a fast elemental mapping technique for mollusc shells (Hausmann et al 2017;Hausmann et al 2019a), has been shown to reach analytical speeds of over 300,000 measurements per hour (Cáceres et al 2017), and requires little sample preparation (Cobo et al 2015;García-Escárzaga et al 2015;Cobo et al 2017;Hausmann et al 2019b). We aim to explore the use of LIBS to create 2-dimensional maps of Mg/Ca ratios, and relate these 2D patterns to the incremental growth structures of the European oyster obtained via microscopic analysis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Annual Growth Patterns and Interspecimen Variability in Mg/Ca Records of Archaeological Ostrea edulis (European Oyster) from the Late Mesolithic Site of Conors Island

Hausmann¹,

Robson²,

Hunt

2019

Open Quaternary

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Annual growth patterns in marine mollusc shells are valuable indicators of the condition of marine ecology through time. In archaeological contexts, the mollusc's time of death (i.e. the last season of growth) is an indicator of human exploitation patterns throughout the year, enabling the reconstruction of when and how often gathering occurred as well as when sites were occupied. Both pieces of information, growth rate and season of death, are vital for understanding exploitation pressure(s) in the past, and building baselines for modern environmental policies that secure sustainable marine resources. Previously, these parameters have been determined by incremental growth-line or isotopic analyses, which are time consuming and often expensive techniques, thus restricting sample size and the overall robustness of palaeoecological interpretations. Here, we apply Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to produce elemental maps (Mg/Ca) with the potential to trace and display growth patterns quickly, and at a reduced cost. We further compare the elemental maps with the results obtained from incremental growth-line analysis to provide a structural context for the geochemical data, and demonstrate the utility of an integrated methodological approach. Our pilot study was undertaken on 12 European oysters (Ostrea edulis, Linnaeus, 1758) from the Late Mesolithic shell midden at Conors Island, Co. Sligo in the Republic of Ireland. Our LIBS analysis enabled us to accurately and quickly determine repeating growth patterns, which were often in agreement with the annual growth increments visible through the microscopic analysis. Based on this comparative dataset, including structural and geochemical patterns, the Late Mesolithic site of Conors Island had been occupied throughout the year. Moreover, our analyses highlight the applicability of LIBS to determine prehistoric seasonality practices as well as biological age and growth at an improved rate and reduced cost than was previously achievable.

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Section: Intra-specimen and Intra-increment Variability In Mg/camentioning

confidence: 59%