Distinct oxygenation modes of the Gulf of Oman over the past 43 000 years – a multi-proxy approach

Abstract kyr approximately. This multi-proxy approach is done for the first time at the northeastern Oman margin located in the Gulf of Oman. We used bulk sedimentary nitrogen isotopes (δ 15 N) and the alkane ratio (lycopane + n -C35)/n 31 and benthic foraminiferal faunal analysis to reconstruct the strength of the OMZ in the water column and bottom water oxygenation, respectively. Our results show that the Gulf of Oman experienced strong pronounced OMZ and bottom water deoxygenation during the Holocene. In contrast, during Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2), including the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the Gulf of Oman was very well ventilated, with a highly diverse benthic foraminiferal community. This may have been caused by stronger wind-induced mixing and better ventilation by oxygen-rich water masses. Our results also show moderate oxygenation during MIS 3, with deoxygenation events during most of the warmer Dansgaard–Oeschger (D–O) events. We propose two distinct oxygenation modes for the Gulf of Oman: (1) a stable period of either strongly pronounced water column OMZ and bottom water deoxygenation or well-oxygenated water column and bottom water conditions and (2) an unstable period of oscillating oxygenation states between moderately oxygenated (stadials) and deoxygenated (interstadials, D–O events) conditions. The unstable period may be triggered by an interstadial Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) mode, which is required to initiate D–O events.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Distinct oxygenation modes of the Gulf of Oman over the past 43 000 years – a multi-proxy approach ; volume:21 ; number:6 ; year:2024 ; pages:1477-1499 ; extent:23 ; Biogeosciences ; 21, Heft 6 (2024), 1477-1499 (gesamt 23)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Burdanowitz, Nicole ; Schmiedl, Gerhard ; Gaye, Birgit ; Munz, Philipp M. ; Schulz, Hartmut

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/bg-21-1477-2024
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024032803410305007930
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:56 AM CEST