Current Event: Ancient African Dust Caused Red Soil in Southern Europe, New Research Reveals

In the Mediterranean there is a type of soil called Terra Rossa. A Spanish and American researcher have run a search to find the origin of this soil (Terra Rossa.) This research analysis has revealed that the dust from that mineral in African regions of the Sahara and Sahel. This research conducts that the mineral dust emits between 600 and 700 tonnes of dust every year brought from the reddish soil in the Mediterranean regions (example: Majorca) this was happening about 12,000 and 25,000 years ago.
Anna Avila (co-author of study and research at the Center of Ecological Research) explains; "The first hint of the relationship between African dust and certain soils in the region of the Mediterranean is heir reddish or reddish-brown color similar to that of African aerosol filters, caused by their clay content,"
This study had showed that African mineral dust addition have and will continue to play an important role in the soil origins in the Mediterranean regions. These results show that they are similar to some results regarding the soils in Sardinia which shows the likelihood of Africa becoming a common source.
For the origin of the soils scientists discussed 3 hypotheses: the non carbonate residual accumulation theory (Soils are derived from the product of non carbonate weathering of mother carbonate rock) second, accumulation of iron and aluminium hydroxides following capillary ascent form the bedrock and lastly, Soil is formed by external sources, including airborne contributions.
The first 2 hypothesis that were stated above were eventually discarded, due to the composition of the elements in the red soils. "The hypothesis, non native contribution was used due to the geochemical land value coinciding with African dust." A scientist working on this experiment stated.
Terra Rossa is located on a carbonated rock that is spread through the Iberian Peninsula in the south of France near the islands in the Mediterranean and in Italy along the coast of the Adriatic Sea from Slovenia to Greece.
This African dust has "adverse affects on human health, such as respiratory problems and reduced visibility. It also arouses interest due to its implication where climate change is concerned, with the role that mineral aerosols play in the radiation balance, nutrient deposition and oceanic fertilisation." Scientist Avila explained.

Source:

"Ancient African Dust Caused Red Soil in Southern Europe, New Research Reveals." Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. 16 Nov. 2010. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. .