BLACK SEA
(WATER CHEMISTRY & DEPOSITION PROCESS)
Submitted to: Prof. Partha Pratim Chakraborty
Submitted by: Jahnavi Rai
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[Link]. Sem 2nd
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Evolution of Black Sea:
1. Ancient Lake: The Black Sea was once a freshwater lake, known as
the Paratethys Sea, which existed during the Paleogene and Miocene
epochs. This lake was isolated from the world ocean and had a
distinct fauna and flora.
2. Flooded by the Mediterranean: Around 7,000 years ago, the
Mediterranean Sea breached the Bosphorus Strait, flooding the Black
Sea and transforming it into a brackish sea. This event had a
profound impact on the region's geology, ecology, and human
settlement.
Note:
Euxinic conditions refer to an environment where the water is both
anoxic (oxygen-free) and sulfidic (containing hydrogen sulfide).
The Black Sea is characterized by euxinic conditions and can be
divided into several layers:
- Suboxic layer (50-150 meters): This layer is characterized by low
oxygen levels, but not complete anoxia.
- Anoxic layer (150-200 meters): This layer is characterized by
complete anoxia, with no measurable oxygen present.
- Sulfidic layer (200-500 meters): This layer is characterized by the
presence of hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to most marine life.
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Water Chemistry:
1. Anoxic conditions: The Black Sea is characterized by anoxic
(oxygen-free) conditions below 150-200 meters depth. This is due to
the limited exchange of water with the Mediterranean Sea and the
high levels of organic matter.
2. Salinity: The Black Sea has a relatively low salinity (around 18-20
ppt) compared to other seas, due to the influx of freshwater from
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rivers and precipitation.
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3. pH: The pH of the Black Sea is slightly alkaline (around 8.0-8.5).
4. Nutrient-rich: The Black Sea receives high levels of nutrients from
rivers, which supports a rich phytoplankton community.
5. Redox Interface: A "null zone" exists at the interface between
oxygenated and anoxic waters, where both gases are present at very
low concentrations.
6. Unique Life Forms: While most organisms cannot survive in anoxic
conditions, some specialized bacteria thrive in the Black Sea's anoxic
environment.
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Depositional Processes:
1. Sedimentation: The Black Sea receives a large amount of sediment
from rivers, including the Danube, Dnieper, and Don. This
sedimentation process is influenced by the sea's anoxic conditions,
which slow down the degradation of organic matter.
2. Biogenic sedimentation: The Black Sea's phytoplankton community
contributes to biogenic sedimentation, with the deposition of
calcareous and siliceous shells.
3. Chemical precipitation: The Black Sea's anoxic conditions and high
levels of dissolved metals lead to the chemical precipitation of
minerals such as pyrite, siderite, and rhodochrosite.
4. Hydrothermal activity: The Black Sea's seafloor is characterized by
hydrothermal activity, with the presence of hydrothermal vents and
associated mineral deposits.
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Deposits and Sedimentary Features:
1. Black shales: The Black Sea's anoxic conditions lead to the
formation of black shales, which are rich in organic matter and
metals.
2. Manganese nodules: The Black Sea's seafloor is characterized by
the presence of manganese nodules, which form through the
precipitation of manganese oxides.
3. Hydrothermal deposits: The Black Sea's hydrothermal activity
leads to the formation of deposits such as copper, zinc, and gold.
4. Pyrite: Euxinic condition favours formation of pyrite and is an
important mineral that forms in Black Sea.
Geological Importance:
1. Sedimentary Archive: The Black Sea's sedimentary record
provides a unique archive of geological and climatic changes
over the past 10,000 years. The sediments contain information
on past oceanographic conditions, sea levels, and climate
variability.
2. Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: The Black Sea region is home to
significant hydrocarbon reserves, including oil and natural gas.
The sea's unique geology, with its complex tectonic history and
sedimentary basins, has created favorable conditions for
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hydrocarbon accumulation.
Is Black Sea a Lake?
The Black Sea is considered a lake by some due to its unique
geological and hydrological characteristics, which distinguish it from
other seas. Here are some reasons why:
1. Limited connection to the world ocean: The Black Sea is connected
to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles
straits, but this connection is limited. The flow of water from the
Mediterranean is restricted, and the Black Sea's water level is not
directly influenced by the world ocean.
2. Freshwater input: The Black Sea receives a significant amount of
freshwater from surrounding rivers, such as the Danube, Dnieper,
and Don. This freshwater input dilutes the salinity of the Black Sea,
making it more similar to a lake.
3. Meromictic structure: The Black Sea has a meromictic structure,
meaning that its water layers do not mix completely. This is similar to
some lakes, where the water layers can be stratified.
References:
1. Degens, E. T., & Ross, D. A. (1974). The Black Sea—geology, chemistry,
and biology. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir, 20.
2. Murray, J. W., & Yakushev, E. V. (2006). The Black Sea: A review of its
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chemistry and biology. Marine Chemistry, 101(3-4), 177-195.
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