Geological Society of America

4 Earth Surface in the Anthropocene

Monday, 5 September 2011
11:00 AM - 1:25 PM
A 016

ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF LAUREL FOREST ROCKS, SOILS, ROOTS AND LEAVES. IN THE FRAME OF GLOBAL CHANGE AND GLOBALIZATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF TENERIFE (CANARY ISLANDS; SPAIN)

Paper number: 4-3
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM

Authors

Markus Heidak Presenting Author
University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, N/A
Ulrich A. Glasmacher
University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, N/A
Heinfried Schöler
University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, N/A
José M. Hernández-Moreno
Departamento de Edafología y Geología, La Laguna, N/A
Ramon Casillas Ruiz
Departamento de Edafología y Geología, La Laguna, N/A

Abstract

The endangered laurel forest on the northern slope of the Canary Island Tenerife, is exposed to different climatic conditions, variations in lithology, soils, aerosols (caused by local anthropogenic emissions), Saharan dust, and sea spray. The soils and plants of this sensitive ecosystem provide an archive that allows determining the anthropogenic influence on the biosphere in a restricted landscape environment. They store information on global change and globalization in various archives. Major urban and industrial development is located on Tenerife, and as a touristy hotspot the Island is exposed to heavy air traffic. Furthermore, the short distance to the African coastline and, therefore, to the Sahara, contribute a regular influence of African Dust emissions (ARIMOTO et al., 1995; ANTEQUERA, 1999. The element distribution allows constraining the anthropogenic influence on this ecosystem. The results are compared with data received from areas with less anthropogenic influence to define the geological background values. These data are used to understand the impact of future climate change and increased globalization to a highly sensitive Island ecosystem.

Arimoto, R., Duce, R.A., Ray, B.J.Ellis, W.G., Cullen J.D. and Merrill, J.T. 1995. Trace elements in the atmosphere over the North Atlantic. Journal of Geophysical Research,Vol.100,No.D1, 1199-1213.

Dorta Antequera, P.1999. Las invasiones de aire sahariano en Canarias. Consejería de Agricultura Pesca y Alimentación del Gobierno de Canarias, 287 pp.