Sapropel

Sapropel (a contraction of ancient Greek words sapros and pelos, meaning putrefaction and mud, respectively) is a term used in marine geology to describe dark-coloured sediments that are rich in organic matter. Sapropels events occurs periodically (about every 21000 years) and are specific to the Mediterranean Sea. Organic carbon concentrations in sapropels commonly exceed 2% in weight. Sapropel (a contraction of ancient Greek words sapros and pelos, meaning putrefaction and mud, respectively) is a term used in marine geology to describe dark-coloured sediments that are rich in organic matter. Sapropels events occurs periodically (about every 21000 years) and are specific to the Mediterranean Sea. Organic carbon concentrations in sapropels commonly exceed 2% in weight. Sapropels have been recorded in the Mediterranean sediments since the closure of the Eastern Tethys Ocean 13.5 million years ago. The formation of sapropel events occurs approximately every 21000 years and last between 3000 and 5000 years. The first identification of sapropel events occurred in the middle of the 20th century. Since then, the conditions of formation have been investigated.