A Long-Term Record of Quaternary Facies Patterns and Palaeonvironmental Trends from the Po Plain (NE Italy) as Revealed by Bio-Sedimentary Data

Understanding Quaternary dynamics of delta-coastal plains across multiple glacial-interglacial cycles in the Milankovitch band (~100 kyrs) is crucial to achieve a robust evaluation possible environmental response future climate-change scenarios. In this work, we document long-term bio-sedimentary record core 204 S16 (~205 m long), which covers wide portion post-MPR (Mid-Pleistocene Revolution) interval, taking advantage highly subsiding context SE Po Plain (NE Italy). Detailed facies characterization through an integrated sedimentological and meiofauna (benthic foraminifers ostracods) approach allowed for identification repetitive pattern alluvial deposits alternating with four fossiliferous, paralic shallow-marine units (Units 1–4). The transgressive surfaces identified at base these mark major flooding events, forced by Holocene (Unit 4), Late Pleistocene 3) Middle 1, 2) interglacials. Distinct stratigraphic patterns typify includes coastal-marine (tidal inlet bay) deposits. contrast, lagoonal sediments maximum marine influence Pleistocene-Holocene succession. As whole, tracks regressive trend, deepest conditions recorded oldest Unit 1 (MIS 9/11 age?).