Chironomidae-based reconstruction from a Holocene lake record & surface samples from Morocco & Spain

The DFG-funded project “Holocene summer temperature and biodiversity change recorded by Chironomidae in Western Mediterranean North Africa” focuses on developing a new chironomid-based training set for the Western Mediterranean region. Surface sediment samples were collected from lakes in Morocco and Spain to establish temperature ranges for taxa occurring in this climatically sensitive area and to improve quantitative temperature reconstructions.
This presentation outlines the field campaigns in Morocco and Spain, including site selection, sampling strategies and logistical challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the diversity of subfossil invertebrate remains identified in the samples, with a focus on Chironomidae and associated taxa. Regional differences in species composition and abundance are discussed in relation to environmental factors potentially limiting or promoting biodiversity.
Overall, the project aims to assess chironomid diversity across Morocco, Spain and France, identify key taxa and environmental controls on their distribution, and explore implications for Holocene temperature reconstruction and biodiversity change in the Western Mediterranean region.