Evidence of Messinian nonmarine deposition at Site 968 (Cyprus lower slope)

Abstract

The upper Messinian succession recovered at Ocean Drilling Program Hole 968A on the Cyprus lower slope was generated under brackish conditions (Lago Mare), as deduced from sedimentological and paleontological data. Gypsum that displays marine signatures (stable isotope composition of gypsum and monospecific nannoplankton included in gypsum crystals) is interbedded within this series and interpreted as being reworked from earlier Messinian evaporite deposits, such as those present onshore in Cyprus.