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The Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus are located among the Eurasian, African and Arabian plates, and tectonic activities are very complex. In this paper, the kinematics and strain distribution in these regions are determined and investigated from dense GPS observations with over 1000 stations and longer observations. The elastic block model is used to constrain present-day plate motions and crustal deformation. The relative Euler vectors between the Nubian, Arabian, Caucasus, Anatolian and Central Iranian plates are estimated. The Arabian-Eurasia, Anatolian-Eurasia, Nubian-Eurasia, Caucasus-Eurasia and Central Iranian Euler vectors are 0.584 ± 0.1 Myr −1 , 0.825 ± 0.064 Myr −1 , 0.35 ± 0.175 Myr −1 , 0.85 ± 0.086 Myr −1 and 0.126 ± 0.016 Myr −1 . The strain rate in the East Mediterranean and Caucasus has been estimated from the GPS velocity field. The results show that the thrust dominated areas, the eastern Mediterranean-Middle East-Caucasus and Zagros have negative dilatation and the western Anatolia region has positive 2D dilatation rate with significant rotation. The west Anatolian shows the extension in NW-SE with about 150–199 nstrain/yr in the W-E direction. The Central Anatolia shows compression rate below 50 nstrain/yr and extensional strain rate adjacent to East Anatolian Fault and Dead Sea Fault is about 0–100 nstrain/yr. The contraction strain rate is higher in Zagros and Caucasus between 100–150 nstrain/yr and contraction orientation is along the NE-SW direction in Caucasus. The north part of Iran shows less contraction rate below 50 nstrain/yr but North-East Zagros Mountains, Tabriz fault and Chalderan fault show extensional rate between 50–110 nstrain/yr and principal axes rotation in the N-S direction. The maximum contraction observed in the Kopek Dag is about 100–194 nstrain/yr and orientated in the NE-SW direction. East Zagros Mountain and Makran subduction zone have a large clockwise rotation with 70–85 nradian and principal axes remains mostly along the N-S direction. The observed extension is along N-S by about 0–100 nstrain/yr with counter clockwise rotation in Dead Sea Fault. The Sinai block shows shortening rate in the range of 0–100 nstrain/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study presents the diet composition of 43 of some of the most abundant fish species from the North Aegean Sea, Greece. According to the diet analysis and fractional trophic level previously reported in the literature, 20 of the studied species were omnivores with a preference for animals and the other half were carnivores (15 with preference for fish and Cephalopoda, and seven with preference for fish and Decapoda), whereas Parablennius gattorugine was the only recorded omnivore with a preference for plant material. Finally, according to the results of Schoener's index, diet overlap between species was recorded in a small number of cases (33 out of the 903 pairs examined). Yet, competition among diet-overlapping species may be minimised by either morphological differentiations and/or habitat segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper covers studies on the molecular and ecological aspects of G. glabra var. glandulifera, G. flavescens ssp. flavescens and G. echinata collected from Hatay (Turkey); with the aim to better understand their genetic variation and ecological requirements for possible conservation programs. The material including total genomic DNA was extracted by the CTAB, and for PCR reaction, a total of 14 SSR primers developed for Medicago truncatula were used. PCR amplifications were performed in a Multigen Thermal Cycler. Soil samples were analysed for their texture, pH, total soluble salts, calcium carbonate, total N content, total phosphorus and organic matter content. In order to see the association between genetic, ecological and geographical data, a similarity matrix was generated. Genetic similarity distances between genotypes were correlated with those of Eucledian distances obtained from ecological and geographical data. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed using GenAlEx 6.5 software to determine variation among and within genetic variations. The genetic analysis showed that the highest expected heterozygosity values were obtained from G. glabra while the lowest were obtained from G. echinata. In general heterozygosity values were low, especially for G. echinata. Therefore, variation appears to be lower within each species than among three species. The physical and chemical analysis of soil and plant samples indicates that mineral accumulation in plants is substantially affected by the soil characteristics. There is a need for identification of better strategies for the improvement of varieties, especially for small farmers managing marginal soils. More studies should be conducted in order to safeguard these taxa, especially G. glabra var. glandulifera which is collected intensively due to its economic value, the same is true for endemic taxon G. flavescens ssp. flavescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main synoptic patterns associated with the wet season (October–May) eastern Mediterranean cyclones have been analyzed and described using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis datasets for the period 1958–2013. The cyclone tracks detected in the eastern Mediterranean are classified into two types based on their positions: the local tracks and the long tracks. The local tracks are either stationary or short tracks. The long tracks distinguished into eleven very closed and highly correlated clusters, which are presented into three regimes namely the northern, the southern and the eastern border Mediterranean regimes. Among the 940 (44.78% of a total of 2099) long tracks, the northern, southern, and eastern border regime contributes respectively about 53.62%, 41.81% and 5% of the long tracks. In addition, the distribution of the long tracks reveals that a larger proportion of the cyclones are generated at the northern coast during November and spring months, while few cyclones are developed over the eastern Mediterranean border in warm months (April and May). Further, their synoptic features show that the regimes are associated with the extension of Azores high, specifically for each regime, the cyclogenesis areas of its clusters are controlled by the intersection of low level (850 hPa) trough and the position of the upper level (250 hPa) maximum wind. Furthermore, the orientations of clusters are controlled by the extension of Siberian high and the shape of cyclonic trough at 850 hPa. In addition, the synoptic study shows that most of the southern cyclones generated externally by African and Red Sea troughs, while most of the northern and eastern border cyclones are generated internally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcnemum is a monotypic genus of Salicornioideae comprising rare, annual, hygrohalophytic herbs growing in hypersaline inland lagoons and salt pans. Microcnemum coralloides shows an East-West disjunction in the Mediterranean region: M. coralloides subsp. coralloides occurs in central and eastern Spain while M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum grows in Turkey, Syria, Armenia and Iran. We studied the phylogeny, biogeography and morphological differentiation of M. coralloides. Molecular analyses, using five western and eight eastern accessions of the species, were based on three different markers (nuclear ITS and plastid atpB-rbcL spacer and trnT/F region) analysed with Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood. Estimates of divergence times were calculated using a Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) and the Penalized Likelihood (PL) method. The two subspecies can be clearly distinguished by their different seed testa surface. Other diagnostic characters were not found. The molecular data (ITS and ML analysis of the trnT/F region) indicate that M. coralloides subsp. coralloides originated from within M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum which implies an East Mediterranean origin and subsequent westward dispersal. Age estimates for the split of the two subspecies range from 2.8–0.5 million years ago. Considering the relatively low genetic differentiation and the low crown group age (0.7–0.1 mya) of M. coralloides subsp. coralloides in comparison to M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum we favour the hypothesis that the Iberian part of the species range was established during cold periods of the Early Pleistocene and that the range of the species was fragmented during a warmer period soon after its arrival in Iberia.

Morphological and DNA data support that the East Mediterranean snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii represents a species complex that includes four species A. kitaibelii , A. budaki , A. chernovi , and A. rueppellii , highlighting the need of its taxonomic reevaluation. Here, we used Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods to estimate the phylogenetic relationships of all members of the complex based on two mitochondrial (cyt b , 16S rRNA) and two nuclear markers (MC1R, and NKTR) and using Chalcides, Eumeces , and Eutropis as outgroups. The biogeographic history of the complex was also investigated through the application of several phylogeographic (BEAST) and biogeographic (BBM) analyses. Paleogeographic and paleoclimatic data were used to support the inferred phylogeographic patterns. The A. kitaibelli species complex exhibits high genetic diversity, revealing cases of hidden diversity and cases of non-monophyletic species such as A. kitaibelii and A. budaki . Our results indicate that A. pannonicus branches off first and a group that comprises specimens of A. kitaibelli and A. budaki from Kastelorizo Island group (southeast Greece) and southwest Turkey, respectively is differentiated from the rest A. kitaibelli and A. budaki populations and may represent a new species. The estimated divergence times place the origin of the complex in the Middle Miocene (∼16 Mya) and the divergence of most currently recognized species in the Late Miocene. The inferred ancestral distribution suggests that the complex originated in Anatolia, supposing that several vicariance and dispersal events that are related with the formation of the Mid-Aegean Trench, the Anatolian Diagonal and the orogenesis of the mountain chains in southern and eastern Anatolia have led to current distribution pattern of A. kitaibelii species complex in the Balkans and Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr/Sr isotope ratios of cedar wood from forests in the East Mediterranean have been compiled in order to investigate the feasibility of provenancing archaeological cedar wood finds. Cedrus sp. forests furnished a great amount of wood in antiquity, for purposes ranging from ship to temple construction, and for fashioning cult statues and sarcophagi. The Sr/Sr signatures of archaeological cedar samples may be compared with the preliminary dataset presented here to help determine the geographic origin of wooden artifacts. Sample sites include two forest areas in the Troodos Massif of Cyprus, five in the Lebanon, and two in Turkey's Taurus Mountains. Sr ratios for wood varieties (i.e., early heartwood, late heartwood, sapwood, and twig wood) demonstrate relative uniformity between the xylem types frequently recovered from archaeological contexts. As such, this pilot study also assesses important issues of archaeological sampling and the geographical factors that influence Sr uptake in cedar trees of this region. While the regional signatures are distinct in most cases, small sample sizes and range overlap indicate the need for additional methods to make a case for a certain source forest. Alone, this method continues to be best used to disprove assumed wood provenances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper treats the diachronic evolution of Mesta, a medieval settlement in Chios island, with the aim to investigate the circumstances under which the urban landscape managed to remain nearly intact until today. Scientists from different disciplines have studied the medieval settlements of Chios; however, very few have focused on the evolution of their urban landscape. This research is based on anthropogeographical and other urban-geographical characteristics of the settlement through the nineteenth and twentieth century, which are recorded with the use of computer-aided cartography (ArcGIS) and intends to (a) study the changes in the urban development of the settlement, (b) provide evidence to justify these changes, (c) study the current institutional framework on the protection and promotion of traditional settlements, (d) examine the initiative taken for the protection and promotion of this historical settlement and (e) introduce further suggestions for the protection, conservation and development of the settlement in modern reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A last interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage, MIS5e) marine-coastal sequence has been identified along the Galilee coast of Israel, with the type section located at Rosh Hanikra (RH). The microtidal regime and tectonic stability, along with the detailed stratigraphy of the RH shore, make the study region ideally suited for determining relative sea level (RSL) through the MIS5e interval in the eastern Mediterranean. The sequence contains fossilized microtidal subunits at a few meters above the current sea level. Unfortunately, all fossils were found to be altered, so that U-Th datings cannot be considered to represent initial deposition. We contend that U-Th dating of Strombus bubonius shells (recrystallized to calcite) suffices to indicate a lower limit of ∼110 ± 8 ka for the time sea level dropped below the RH sedimentary sequence. The RH-section comprises three main subunits of a previously determined member (the Yasaf Member) : (a) a gravelly unit containing the diagnostic gastropod Strombus bubonius Lamarck ( Persististrombus latus ), which was deposited in the intertidal to super-tidal stormy zone; (b) Vermetidae reef domes indicating a shallow-water depositional environment; and (c) coarse to medium-sized, bioclastic sandstone, probably deposited in the shallow sub-tidal zone. The sequence overlies three abrasion platforms that are cut by tidal channels at elevations of +0.8 m, +2.6 m and +3.4 m, and which are filled with MIS5e sediments. We present a detailed study of the sequence, with emphasis on stratigraphic, sedimentological, and palaeontological characteristics that indicate sea-level changes. Although without precise absolute dating, the stratigraphic sequence of RH through MIS5e allows us to identify a time-series of RSL positions, using the elevations of three stratigraphic subunits. Reconstructed RSL values range from +1.0 m to +7 m (with uncertainly < 1 m), and most fall within a narrow range of +1.0 to +3.3 m. Toward the end of MIS5e, RSL exceeded about +7 m. Glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) modelling using multiple ice histories suggests that GIA corrections range between about −1.8 m and +5.4 m. This implies that global mean sea level resided between −0.8 m and +8.7 m during most of MIS5e. The absolute GIA correction would not be constant through the interglacial, and reduces to a range of −1.2 m to+ 2.4 m towards the end of the interglacial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at exploring the response of surface-active arthropod communities to fire and fire-induced habitat alteration in a Pinus brutia Ten. forests in southwestern Turkey. Samplings were carried on in twelve study sites by using 36 pitfall traps in burned and unburned sites during two months immediately after fire occurred in August 2004. According to results obtained in two sampling terms, the abundances of all arthropods, insects and ants were higher on the burned site than on the unburned site. The other community parameters such as species richness, diversity and evenness were found higher in the burned site for insects and ants. Diptera that was represented mostly by one species, the syrphid fly Eumerus strigatus (Fallen, 1817) was caught in great abundance in the burned site. Colonizing of Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston, 1857) at burned site in two months after fire increased abundance of bark beetles in the burned site rapidly. Consequently, it was not determined destructive effects of fire on abundance of arthropods in spite there were changes in community structures depending on rapid habitat alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the Mediterranean region, Greece has a high mean temperature. Consequently, the amount of toxic gas emissions from intensive hog farming operations (IHFOs) is greater than that from equivalents in northern Europe and USA. This study evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people who live near IHFOs in central and southern Greece. The collected data from 72-item self-report questionnaires, obtained from 377 residents in vicinity with three IHFOs, have been analyzed. The experimental group consisted of 209 people living within 3 km from IHFOs (near IHFOs), while the control group consisted of 168 people living more than 3 km but less than 5 km away from IHFOs (far IHFOs). There was a statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups in the following: wheezing (26.9 vs. 7.8 %), night-time awakenings due to dyspnea (24.5 vs. 7.2 %), night-time awakenings due to coughing (41.6 vs. 16.8 %), and night or day coughing for at least 3 months per year (42.5 vs. 17.3 %). Subjects living near IHFOs had increased odds for suffering from wheezing, night-time awakenings due to dyspnea, night-time awakenings due to coughing, and night or day coughing for at least 3 months per year. Our research verified that IHFOs adversely affect respiratory and mental health as well as the quality of life of nearby residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent thermohaline pollution at a site along the northern coast of Israel, due to power and desalination plants, is used as a natural laboratory to evaluate the effects of rising temperature and salinity levels on benthic foraminifera living in shallow hard-bottom habitats. Biomonitoring of the disturbed area and a control station shows that elevated temperature is a more significant stressor compared to salinity, thus causing a decrease in abundance and richness. Critical temperature thresholds were observed at 30 and 35 °C, the latter representing the most thermally tolerant species in the studied area Pararotalia calcariformata , which is the only symbiont-bearing species observed within the core of the heated area. Common species of the shallow hard-bottom habitats including several Lessepsian invaders are almost absent in the most exposed site indicating that excess warming will likely impede the survival of these species that currently benefit from the ongoing warming of the Eastern Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus drupacea is an eastern Mediterranean mountain tree with a disjunct geographical range. We hypothesized that this disjunct occurrence (the Peloponnese in Europe and the Taurus and Lebanon Mountains in Asia) should be reflected in the patterns of genetic and morphological diversity and differentiation. Nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSR) and biometric variables of the cones and seeds were examined on material sampled from four populations in Europe and eight in Asia. The Asian populations were characterized by a higher level of genetic diversity than the European populations. The genetic differentiation among populations was moderate but significant ( FST = 0.101, P < 0.001). According to the clustering performed with BAPS, six genetically and geographically groups of populations were found: I and II from the Peloponnese; III from the Taurus Mountains; IV and V from the Anti-Taurus Mountains; and VI from the Lebanon Mountains. The level of genetic differentiation among these six groups (4.30%, P = 0.012) probably reflects long-lasting genetic isolation during the Pleistocene, as limited genetic admixture was found. In accordance with genetic analysis, the biometric investigations indicated a high level of morphological divergence between the European and Asian populations of the species, with further differentiation between the populations from the Taurus and Lebanon Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During Holocene sea-level rise, coastal areas became transitional environments as marine incursion covered the land. Changing conditions resulted in dynamic depositional environments that recorded the migration and stabilization of modern shorelines. These processes are viewed in the Zevulun Plain (Haifa Bay, Israel) record located in the northern edge of the Nile littoral cell. Sedimentological and palaeontological analyses combined with dating enabled the reconstruction of the Holocene chrono-stratigraphical frame. The results reveal an unconformity representing a long period of exposure and erosion during the last glacial. The interplay between relative sea-level rise and sediment supply was first set out by the deposition of alluvial sediments, evidence of the hydrological system reactivation and base level landward migration. Sea flooding of the Zevulun Plain started about 7.8 cal ka BP and the coastline was pushed eastward. Nile-driven sands transported by longshore currents formed dunes that blocked the rivers estuaries and led to wetlands formation. Peat accumulation is evident first in the north of the plain at 7.6–6.2 cal ka BP and later in the south at 6.5–5.5 cal ka BP. Both wetlands showed a change from fresh to brackish water environments at the end of their existence. Following the maximum sea-level rise and inland sea invasion at about 4 ka BP, alluvial sediments covered the plain and the coastline moved westward to its current position. This record serves as a model for the development of Mediterranean clastic coasts controlled by sea rise and infill processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a survey of spider species that have not been previously recorded for Israel. Twenty species, twelve genera and two families (Mysmenidae and Phyx-elididae) are recorded for the first time in Israel. Nine species, Agroeca parva Bosmans, 2011, Aulonia kratochvili Dunin et al., 1986, Ero flammeola Simon, 1881, Hogna ferox (Lucas, 1838), Maculoncus parvipalpus Wunderlich, 1995, Neon rayi (Simon, 1875),Pardosa aenigmatica Tongiorgi, 1966 and Phyxelida anatolica Gris-wold, 1990, are illustrated. Tarentula jaffa Strand, 1913, syn. n. is synonymised with Hogna ferox (Lucas, 1838), and Hahnia carmelita Levy, 2007, syn. n. is synonymised with Hahnia nava (Westring, 1851). A possible synonymy of the widespread Prodidomus rufus Hentz, 1847 with P. hispanicus Dalmas, 1919 known from the Iberian Peninsula is discussed. An original combination is restored for Trochosa urbana O.P.-Cambridge, 1876. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the alien Charybdis (Gonioinfradens) paucidentatus is reported from Santorini Island after repeated underwater surveys carried out in 2014-2015. The findings constitute the first record of an Indo-Pacific brachyuran in the south-central Aegean Sea, showing the successful expansion of this portunid recently introduced into the eastern Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccolithophore seasonality was examined in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea, both at the edge of the coastal shelf and in the open sea offshore Israel during 2018–2019. Oceanographic conditions varied seasonally between markedly stratified and ultra-oligotrophic from April to September and water column-mixing with relatively higher nitrate levels from October to February. Coccolithophores were quantified during the early (April), mid (July) and late (October) stratification period and in the mixing period (January). During stratification, cell densities progressively declined to <1.5 × 104 cells L−1, while both diversity and vertical differentiation of communities markedly increased. Emiliania huxleyi , Umbellosphaera spp., Syracosphaeraceae and Rhabdosphaeraceae as well as holococcolithophores were prevalent in the upper and mid-water layers. Florisphaera profunda characterized deeper sub-euphotic layers. During winter, mixing eroded the vertical zonation of species and coccolithophore density increased up to ~3.5 × 104 cells L−1. Communities became largely dominated by E. huxleyi , coincident with higher nutrient availability. The observed composition of coccolithophore assemblages and succession patterns support previous descriptions that the eastern Mediterranean largely resembles oceanic gyre systems. At the shelf station, the presence of higher fractions of r-selected species, and the rarity of oligotrophic coccolithophores (namely Umbellosphaera irregularis and holococcolithophores), suggest a somewhat greater influence of nutrients towards the shore. Finally, cells from different life-cycle phases were identified for a variety of species, highlighting the clear ecological divergence between coccolithophore life-phases. These data represent important baseline values for this area of the global ocean which is affected by major climate and environmental changes. • Coccolithophores are prevalent in the ultraoligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean. • Assemblages separate vertically during the stratified period and appear mixed during winter. • Overall coccolithophore assemblages closely resemble oceanic gyre communities. • Coastal influence is detected in populations in the neritic sampling station. • Coccolithophore life-phases display distinct distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]