Anne Alexandre
alexandre@cerege.fr
CEREGE, UMR 7330 CNRS
Europôle méditerranéen de l'Arbois,
BP 80, 13545 Aix en Provence cedex 04, France
Phone: (+33) 04 42 97 15 42
CURRENT POSITION
2014-Present Director of research/Senior scientist, CNRS, CEREGE (Aix-en-Provence, France)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
1998- Present CEREGE (Aix en Provence, France), CNRS, Research fellow and Senior scientist
. Dynamic of the water cycle: insights from the triple oxygen isotope composition of water and silicates
. Plants in the silicon and carbon cycles: insights from the geochemistry of plant silica
. Past dynamic of herbaceous environments: insights from phytolith morphological assemblages
. Past vegetation reconstructions: calibrations for model/data comparisons
08/2017- 08/2018 Invited professor Western University (ON, Canada)
1996-1998 Case Western Reserv University (OH, USA), Lavoisier Post-doctoral fellow
. Reconstruction of silicrete formation and pedogenesis: the oxygen isotopic composition of silicates
EDUCATION
2009 Habilitation for research direction, Aix-Marseille University
1998 PhD Environmental Sciences, Aix-Marseille University
SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
. Laser-fluorination-IRMS analyses of the triple oxygen isotope composition of silicates
. FT-IR, SEM-EDS, NanoSIMS
. Isotopic labelling
. Growth chamber experimental monitoring
. Phytolith high purity extractions and microscopy counting
. Soil and vegetation sampling
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION
1999-Present PI of 12 French projects (INSU, INEE, Labex OT-MED, ANR), participation to NSF (USA) projects
2018-Present Scientific manager of the Stable Isotope Laboratory at CEREGE
2017-Present Member of the EC2CO/BIOHEFECT program scientific committee
2012-2017 Coordinator of CEREGE group “Environmental variability and impact on ecosystems”
2000-Present Scientific manager of CEREGE stable isotopes lab-Silicates
2012-2017 Membre of CEREGE scientific council
2012 -2014 Membre of CEREGE laboratory council
2013 Coordinator for the « SIC/ Paleoenvironments prospectives » writing group
2008-2012 Member of section 20 of the scientific committee of CNRS
2009 Member of working group «Sciences de l’Environnement» for the SNRI («Stratégie Nationale de la Recherche et de l’Innovation»).
2000-2002 Member of « Commission de Spécialistes de l’Enseignement Supérieur 35/36 ».
1998-2012 Manager of CEREGE phytolith laboratory
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION
2000-Present Supervision : 8 PhD students and post-doctOral fellows, 8 Master students
Teaching : 10-20H/year in under-graduate and post-graduate classes
PUBLICATIONS
. 47 publications in peer reviewed journals (e.g. GCA, Chem. Geol., EPSL, Anal. Chem., Clim. Past, Global and Planetary Change, Biogeosciences, Palaeo 3, Quat. Res., Radiocarbon).
. h-index (Scopus): 26
1. Santos, G.M., Masion, A., and Alexandre, A. (2018). When the carbon being dated is not what you think it is: Insights from phytolith carbon research. Quaternary Science Reviews 197, 162–174.
2. Alexandre, A., Landais, A., Vallet-Coulomb, C., Piel, C., Devidal, S., Pauchet, S., Sonzogni, C., Couapel, M., Pasturel, M., Cornuault, P., et al. (2018). The triple oxygen isotope composition of phytoliths as a proxy of continental atmospheric humidity: insights from climate chamber and climate transect calibrations. Biogeosciences 15, 3223–3241.
3. Masion, A., Alexandre, A., Ziarelli, F., Viel, S., and Santos, G.M. (2017). Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR as a new tool to investigate the nature of organic compounds occluded in plant silica particles. Scientific Reports 7, 3430.
4. van Ginneken, M., Gattacceca, J., Rochette, P., Sonzogni, C., Alexandre, A., Vidal, V., and Genge, M.J. (2017). The parent body controls on cosmic spherule texture: Evidence from the oxygen isotopic compositions of large micrometeorites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 212, 196–210.
5. Santos , G.M. and Alexandre A. (2017). The Phytolith Carbon Sequestration Concept: Fact or Fiction? A comment on “Occurrence, 1 turnover and carbon sequestration potential of phytoliths in terrestrial ecosystems by Song et al. Earth and Science Reviews 164, 251-255.
6. Pasturel M., Alexandre A., Novello A., Dieye A.M., Paradis L., Hély C. (2016). Climatic distribution of herbaceous biomes in Africa : insights from the classification of grass morphological traits. Biotropica, 48 (3), p 311-320. Doi : 10.1111/btp.12282
7. Santos G., Alexandre A. Prior C.A. (2016) A comment to “Phytolith Radiocarbon Dating in Archaeological and Paleoecological Research: A Case Study of Phytoliths from Modern Neotropical Plants and a Review of the Previous Dating Evidence, Journal of Archaeological Science (2015), doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2016.04.015
8. Reyerson, P.E., Alexandre, A., Harutyunyan, A., Corbineau, R., Martinez De La Torre, H.A., Badeck, F., Cattivelli, L., and Santos, G.M. (2016). Unambiguous evidence of old soil carbon in grass biosilica particles. Biogeosciences 13, 1269–1286.doi: 10.5194/bg-13-1269-2016.
9. Alexandre, A., Balesdent, J., Cazevieille, P., Chevassus-Rosset, C., Signoret, P., Mazur, J.-C., Harutyunyan, A., Doelsch, E., Basile-Doelsch, I., Miche, H., et al. (2016). Direct uptake of organic carbon by grass roots and allocation in leaves and phytoliths: 13C labeling evidence. Biogeosciences, 13, 1693-1703. Doi: 10.5194/bg-13-1693-2016.
10. Santos, G.M., Alexandre, A., and Prior, C.A. (2016). From radiocarbon analysis to interpretation: A comment on “Phytolith Radiocarbon Dating in Archaeological and Paleoecological Research: A Case Study of Phytoliths from Modern Neotropical Plants and a Review of the Previous Dating Evidence”, Journal of Archaeological Science (2015), doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2015.06.002.” by Dolores R. Piperno. Journal of Archaeological Science 71, 51–58.
11. Alexandre, A., Basile-Doelsch, I., Delhaye, T., Borshneck, D., Mazur, J.C., Reyerson, P., and Santos, G.M. (2015). New highlights of phytolith structure and occluded carbon location: 3-D X-ray microscopy and NanoSIMS results. Biogeosciences 12, 863–873. doi: 10.5194/bg-13-169
12. Matteuzzo, M.C., Volkmer-Ribeiro, C., Varajão, A.F.D.C., Varajão, C. a. C., Alexandre, A., Guadagnin, D.L., Almeida, A.C.S., Matteuzzo, M.C., Volkmer-Ribeiro, C., Varajão, A.F.D.C., et al. (2015). Environmental factors related to the production of a complex set of spicules in a tropical freshwater sponge. An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc.87, 2013–2029. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201520140461
13. Quesada B., Sylvestre F., Vimeux F., Black J.L., Paillès P., Sonzogni C., Alexandre A., Blard P.H., Tonetto A., Mazur J.C., Bruneton H. (2015) Impact of Bolivian paleolake evaporation on the d18O of the Andean glaciers during the last deglaciation (18.5-11.7 ka): diatom-inferred d18O values and hydro-isotopic modelling. Quaternary Science Review 120, 96-106. Doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2015.04.022
14. Matteuzzo, M.C., Alexandre, A., Varajão, A.F.D.C., Volkmer-Ribeiro, C., Almeida, A.C.S., Varajão, C.A.C., Vallet-Coulomb, C., Sonzogni, C., and Miche, H. (2013). Assessing the relationship between the δ18O signatures of siliceous sponge spicules and water in a~tropical lacustrine environment (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Biogeosciences Discuss 10, 12887–12918. Doi:10.5194/bgd-10-12887-2013
15. Corbineau, R., Reyerson, P.E., Alexandre, A., and Santos, G.M. (2013). Towards producing pure phytolith concentrates from plants that are suitable for carbon isotopic analysis. Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol. 197, 179–185. Doi: 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2013.06.001
16. Coe H.., Alexandre A., Carvalho C.N., Santos G.M., Silva A.S., Sousa L.F., Lepsch I.F. 2013. Changes in Holocene tree cover density in Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)? Tracks from soil phytolith assemblages. Quaternary International, 63-72. Doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2012.02.044
17. Santos G. M. , Alexandre A., Southon J. R. , Treseder K. K. , Corbineau R. , and Reyerson P. E. 2012. Possible source of ancient carbon in phytolith concentrates from harvested grasses. Biogeosciences, 9, 1873-1884. Doi: 10.5194/bg-9-1873-2012
18. Alexandre, A., Crespin, J., Sonzogni, C. Sylvestre, F., D. Hilbert. 2012. The oxygen isotopic composition of phytoliths from tropical rainforest soils (Queensland, Australia): application of a new paleoenvironmental tool. Clim. Past. 8 , 307-324. Doi: 10.5194/cp-8-307-2012
19. Chapligin B., L. M. J., Webb L., Alexandre A., Dodde J.P., Ijiri A., Lücke A, Shemesh A., Abelmann A., Herzschuha U., Longstaffe F.J., Meyera H., Moschen R., Okazaki Y., Reesi N.H., Sharp Z.D., Sloane H.J., Sonzogni C., Swann G.E.A., Sylvestre F., Tyler J.J., Yam R. 2011. Inter-laboratory comparison of oxygen isotopes from biogenic silica. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta. 75 (22), 7242-7256. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2011.08.011
20. Alexandre A., Bouvet M., Abbadie L., 2011. The role of savannas in the terrestrial Si cycle: a case-study from Lamto, Ivoiry Coast. Global and Planetary Change78, 162-169. doi: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2011.06.007
21. Suavet C., Alexandre A., Franchi I. A., Gattacceca J., Sonzogni C., Folco L., Greenwood R. C. and Rochette P. 2010. Identification of the parent bodies of micrometeorites with high-precision oxygen isotope ratios. EPSL.293, 313-320. Doi : 10.1016/j.epsl.2010.02.046
22. Crespin J., Sylvestre F., Alexandre A., Sonzogni C., Paillès C. 2010. Re-examination of the thermo-dependent relationship between d18Odiatomsand d18Olake water. Implications for palaeoclimatic applications. Journal of Paleolimnology.DOI 10.1007/s10933-010-9436-2
23. Santos G.M., AlexandreA., Coe H.H.G., Reyerson P.E., SouthonJ.R., De CarvalhoC.N. 2010. The Phytolith 14C puzzle: a tale of background determinations and accuracy tests, Radiocarbon, 52-1, 113-128. 10.2458/azu_js_rc.52.3241
24. Alexandre A. et Bremond L. 2009. Comment to the paper: "Methodological concerns for analysis of phytolith assemblages: Does count size matter?" from C. A.E. Stromberg, Quaternary International, 193, 141-142.
25. Bremond L; Alexandre, A.; Peyron, O.; Guiot J. 2008. Grassland biomes estimated from phytoliths in West Africa. Journal of Biogeography, 35, 2039-2048.
26. Crespin J., Alexandre A., Sylvestre F., Sonzogni C., Paillès C. Garreta V. 2008. IR-laser-extraction technique adapted to oxygen isotopes analysis of small biogenic silica samples” Analytical Chemistry,80, 2372-2378.
27. Bremond L., AlexandreA., WoollerM.J., HélyC., WilliamsonD, SchäferP.A., MajuleA., GuiotJ., 2008. Phytolith indices as proxy of grass subfamilies dominance on tropical mountains from three sites in East Africa: Mt Kenya (Kenya), Mt Rungwe and Lake Masoko (Tanzania). 2008. Global Planetary Change, 61, 209–224.
28. Alexandre A., Sonzogni C. Basile I., Sylvestre F., Parron C., Meunier J.D. and Colin F. 2006. Oxygen isotope analyses of fine silica grains using laser-extraction technique: comparison with oxygen isotope data obtained from ion microprobe analyses and application to quartzite and silcrete cement investigation. (Chapligin B. Submitted), 70, 2827-2835.
29. Crespin, J., Alexandre, A., Sonzogni, C., Sylvestre, F.,2006 . A new protocol for oxygen isotope analyses of fine powders using laser-extraction technique: application to quartzite cements and phytolithes. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 88, 423-426.
30. Borba- Roschel M., Alexandre A., Meunier J.D., Drummond Chicarino Varajão A. , Chicarino Varajão C.A., Colin F. 2006 . Phytoliths as indicators of pedogenesis and paleoenvironments in the Brazilian cerrado . Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 88, 172-176.
31. Madella M., Alexandre A., Ball T. 2005. International Code for Phytolith Nomenclature 1.0 (ICPN 1.0). Annals of Botany.96; 253-260.
32. Schwartz D., Thinon M., Goepp S., Schmitt C., Casner J., Rosique T., Wuscher P., Alexandre A., Dambrine E., Martin C., Guillet F., 2005. First dating of protohistorical forest clearings on the Vosges grasslands (Rossberg, Haut-Rhin, France). A pedoanthracological study, C. R. Geoscience337, 1250–1256
33. Cary L., Alexandre A., Meunier J.D., Boeglin J.L. and Braun J.J. 2005.Contribution of phytoliths to the suspended load of biogenic silica in the Nyong basin rivers (Cameroon). Biogeochemistry, 74: 101-114.
34. Bremond L, Alexandre A., Hely C., Guiot J. 2005. A phytolith index as a proxy of tree cover density in tropical areas : calibration with Leaf Area Index along a forest-savanna transect in southeastern Cameroon. Global and Planetary Change. 45, 277-293.
35. Bremond L, Alexandre A., Peyron O., Guiot J. 2005 Grass water stress estimated from phytoliths in West Africa. Journal of Biogeography. 32, 311-327
36. Alexandre A. Meunier J.D., Llorens E., Hill S.M. and Savin S.S. 2004. Methodological improvements for investigating silcrete formation: petrography, FT-IR and oxygen isotope ratio of silcrete quartz cement, Lake Eyre Basin (Australia).Chemical Geology, 211, 261-274.
37. Bremond L., Alexandre A., Vélla E. and Guiot J., 2004. Advantages and disadvantages of phytolith analysis for the reconstruction of Mediterranean vegetation: an assessment based on modern phytolith, pollen and botanical data (Luberon, France). Review of Paleobotany and Palynology, 129,4, 213-228..
38. Delhon C., Alexandre A., Berger J.F., Thiébault S., Brochier J.L. and Meunier J.D., 2003. Phytolith assemblages as a promising tool for reconstructing Mediterranean Holocene vegetation. Quaternary Research, 59, 48-60.
39. Meunier J.D., Alexandre A., Colin F. et Braun J.J., 2001. Deciphering the dynamics of tropical soils through the study of the biogeochemical cycle of silica . Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France, 172-5, 533-538.
40. Vincens A., Schwartz D., Elenga H., Reynaud-Farrera I., Alexandre A., Bertaux J., Mariotti A., Martin L., Meunier J-D., Nguetsop F., Servant M., Servant-Vildary S., Wirrmann D., 1999. Forest response to climate changes in Atlantic Equatorial Africa during the last 4000 years BP and inheritance on the modern landscapes, Journal of Biogeography, 26, 879-885.
41. Barboni D., Bonnefille R., Alexandre A. and Meunier J-D. 1999. Phytolith as paleoenvironmental indicator at the Midle Awash hominid site, Ethiopia. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology, 152, 87-100.
42. Alexandre A., Meunier J-D., Mariotti A. and Soubiès F. 1999. Late Holocene paleoenvironmental record from a latosol at Salitre (southern central Brazil): phytolith and carbon isotope evidence. Quaternary Research., 51, 187-194.
43. Alexandre A., Meunier J-D., Lézine A-M., Vincens A. and Schwartz D. 1998. Grassland dynamics in intertropical Africa during the late Holocene: a phytolith analysis. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology136, 213-229.
44. Alexandre A., Colin F., Koud J-M. and Meunier J-D. 1997.Plant impact on the biogeochemical cycle of silicon and related weathering problems. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta, 61 (3): 677-682.
45. Alexandre A., Colin F. and Meunier J-D., 1994. Phytoliths as indicators of the biogeochemical turnover of silicon in equatorial forest. Compte-rendus de l'Académie des Sciences, Paris, 319 (II), pp453-458.
46. Pironon J., Meunier J.D., Alexandre A., Mathieu R., Mansuy L., Grosjean A. and Jarde E., 2001. Individual characterization of phytoliths: experimental approach and consequences on paleoenvironment understanding. In: Book of proceedings of the second international meeting on phytolith research. Meunier and Colin Eds.
Schwartz, D; Vincens, A; Elenga, H; Alexandre, A; Bertaux, J; Servant, M; Servant, S; Nguetsop, F; Bonvallot, J; Guillet, B; Mariotti, A; De Namur, C; Reynaud-Farrera, I; Happi, JY; Delegue, MA; Fuhr, M., 2000. Response of vegetation in Atlantic Central Africa (Congo, Cameroon) to climatic changes since the Middle Holocene: Temporal thresholds, spatial variability. In: Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary Program for Research on Environment, Life and Societies, Nov 05-07, 1997. Temporality of the environment. Book Series: Paysages et Environnements, Presses Univ Mirail, Toul