Extreme events in the Holocene geological record of Corfu (Ionian Islands, Greece) and their influence on man and environment - XTREME EVENTS

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Extreme events (XE) in the geomorphological system trigger abrupt changes of sedimentary and environmental conditions associated to distinct high-energy processes. XE may be of temporary character and provoke an interruption of prevailing conditions or induce a permanent change of the geo- and ecosystem and thus strongly influence the subsequent landscape evolution. Such geomorphological crises may act as catalyser for distinct shifts in the cultural record and even cultural crises. XE leave distinct marker horizons in the sedimentary record: Using a modern multi-proxy approach, we seek to detect their spatial and temporal dimensions and, by geomorphological and geoarchaeological evidence, reconstruct their specific influence on landscape evolution as well as on man-made infrastructure. On Corfu, published data provide evidence of various XE that have occurred since the Palaeoanthropocene, comprising hydrological XE and soil erosion related to torrential runoff and rapid climate changes, co-seismic crustal movements bound to seismo-tectonic events, and tsunamis triggered by earthquakes and submarine mass movements. Also, extreme storm events must have left traces at least in the sedimentary record of the exposed west coast of Corfu. In addition, human-environmental interactions as part of the cultural heritage on Corfu are documented in many sedimentary archives where archaeological remains are embedded in Holocene deposits. Such a constellation offers ideal conditions for multi-proxy based geoscientific investigations in geomorphological, (geo-)archaeological and archaeoseismological contexts covering different spatial and temporal scales. The planned investigation of Holocene XE and abrupt environmental changes are based on well-defined research gaps and detailed preparatory studies. The main objective of the XTREME EVENTS project is to identify and discriminate between signals of human-induced, climatic, tectonically triggered events based on a different sensitiveness to XE of sedimentary archives such as inland poljes, alluvial plains and coastal zones. Moreover, the overall character - temporary or enduring, interfering pre-existing processes or triggering landscape changes -, dimension and intensity of detected XE and their influence on natural and cultural landscapes will be evaluated by integrating (geo-)archaeological studies in appropriate archaeological sites, such as harbour facilities, houses, public building or temple areas of ancient Corfu. The project founds on a joint venture (2013-2017) between the 8th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, the Greek Ministry of Culture and our research group. It will shed new light on the general relation between geomorphological and cultural crises: Corfu Island, having been subject to different XE during the past millennia, offers ideal preconditions regarding different sedimentary archives and a long-lasting cultural tradition.