Reply to comment: Monsoon variability and high latitude climate signals in the Central Mediterranean at the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition: The Gelasian stratotype section (Monte San Nicola, Sicily) [Global and Planetary Change, 249, 104788]

In their recent comment, Zanola et al. (2025) raise concerns regarding the stratigraphic integrity and correlation potential of the Monte San Nicola type section (MSN t-s ) for the Gelasian Stage described in Addante et al. (2025). In this Reply, we provide a point-by-point response, demonstrating that the MSN t-s stands as a stratigraphically continuous and robust global reference section, as supported by multi-proxy datasets including high-resolution stable isotopes, calcareous plankton, alkenone sea surface temperature and C 37 records, geochemical and mineralogical analyses, not all of which are available for the Mandorlo section, 400 m to the west. We clarify misconceptions about sapropel identification, age model construction, tectonic disturbance, and the calcareous nannofossil signal. We reaffirm the strong alignment of the MSN t-s record with regional and global climatostratigraphic archives. • MSN t-s shows continuous stratigraphy anchored by sapropels and geochemical data. • MSN t-s is located at the officially ratified Gelasian GSSP site. • Correlation of the stratigraphic record of MSN t-s is well beyond the type area. • Inconsistency in the Mandorlo section alkenone record remains unresolved. • The Gelasian stratotype section stands as a valuable and robust record.