Prior to the BREEMECO project, the study of climatic change recorded in Eocene flysch deposits using oxygen and carbon isotopes, as well as geochemical parameters, had not been undertaken in Croatia, where only biostratigraphic studies and reconstruction of the sedimentary environment had been conducted (Magdalenić 1972, Bonazzi et al., 1996, Marinčić et al. 1996, Živković & Babić 2005, Babić et al. 2007, Živković & Glumac 2007, Mikes et al. 2008). Oxygen and carbon isotopes are a powerful tool for identifying middle Eocene warm events (Late Lutetian Thermal Maximum; LLTM=41.52 Ma) and climatic optima (Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum; MECO=40.08 Ma). With the help of the multidisciplinary approach initiated within the previous project, which included some geochemical parameters and now with palynomorph assemblages, we propose to improve on the preliminary results made on smaller outcrops (up to 10 m high) in Istria. Here we will extend the research to outcrops of more than 10 m in Istria, as well as to selected Adriatic wells, which contain foraminifera that are much better preserved than in the previously studied outcrops, where they are recrystallised. Analysis of foraminiferal stable isotopes will enable better evaluation of local paleoclimate changes, which will then be able to be better compared with regional and global data. This project will also include the use of the TEX86 sea surface temperature (SST) method in this region for the first time, which will contribute to a better understanding of adaptation of organisms to temperature changes in marine environment, which is a fundamental issue today. We will investigate how climate change affected these microorganisms and their environments, which could give insight into current and future adaptations, extinctions, and/or decline in species diversity resulting from anthropogenic climate change. Analysis of microfossil assemblages for biostratigraphy and paleoecological parameters based on the dominant species, together with palynomorphs that are used to identify palynofacies related to specific climates, will improve the current paleoecological understanding and provide critical parameters for paleoclimatic models of the Eocene. The research outcomes of the project will contribute to a better overall understanding of Eocene climate in Istria and beyond, which has not been the focus of research in Croatia so far. Such research is extremely important for a better understanding of climate change and its impacts, and will contribute to future studies on sustainability and adaptation of organisms, including humans, to coming climate changes.

Project website: https://teach-in.hgi-cgs.hr