scholarly journals Molecular and isotopic evidence reveals the end-Triassic carbon isotope excursion is not from massive exogenous light carbon

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (48) ◽  
pp. 30171-30178
Author(s):  
Calum P. Fox ◽  
Xingqian Cui ◽  
Jessica H. Whiteside ◽  
Paul E. Olsen ◽  
Roger E. Summons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Microbial Mats ◽  
Type Locality ◽  
Marine Biota ◽  
Marine Strata ◽  
Carbon Isotopic ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Global Extinction ◽  
Extinction Events

The negative organic carbon isotope excursion (CIE) associated with the end-Triassic mass extinction (ETE) is conventionally interpreted as the result of a massive flux of isotopically light carbon from exogenous sources into the atmosphere (e.g., thermogenic methane and/or methane clathrate dissociation linked to the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province [CAMP]). Instead, we demonstrate that at its type locality in the Bristol Channel Basin (UK), the CIE was caused by a marine to nonmarine transition resulting from an abrupt relative sea level drop. Our biomarker and compound-specific carbon isotopic data show that the emergence of microbial mats, influenced by an influx of fresh to brackish water, provided isotopically light carbon to both organic and inorganic carbon pools in centimeter-scale water depths, leading to the negative CIE. Thus, the iconic CIE and the disappearance of marine biota at the type locality are the result of local environmental change and do not mark either the global extinction event or input of exogenous light carbon into the atmosphere. Instead, the main extinction phase occurs slightly later in marine strata, where it is coeval with terrestrial extinctions and ocean acidification driven by CAMP-induced increases inPco2; these effects should not be conflated with the CIE. An abrupt sea-level fall observed in the Central European basins reflects the tectonic consequences of the initial CAMP emplacement, with broad implications for all extinction events related to large igneous provinces.

scholarly journals Sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and facies analysis of Cambrian Series 2 – Series 3 boundary strata in northwestern Scotland

2016 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUKE E. FAGGETTER ◽  
PAUL B. WIGNALL ◽  
SARA B. PRUSS ◽  
YADONG SUN ◽  
ROBERT J. RAINE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphy ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Carbon Isotopic ◽  
Carbonate Carbon ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Isotope Record ◽  
Laurentian Margin ◽  
Sequence Boundaries

AbstractGlobally, the Series 2 – Series 3 boundary of the Cambrian System coincides with a major carbon isotope excursion, sea-level changes and trilobite extinctions. Here we examine the sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy and carbon isotope record of this interval in the Cambrian strata (Durness Group) of NW Scotland. Carbonate carbon isotope data from the lower part of the Durness Group (Ghrudaidh Formation) show that the shallow-marine, Laurentian margin carbonates record two linked sea-level and carbon isotopic events. Whilst the carbon isotope excursions are not as pronounced as those expressed elsewhere, correlation with global records (Sauk I – Sauk II boundary andOlenellusbiostratigraphic constraint) identifies them as representing the local expression of the ROECE and DICE. The upper part of the ROECE is recorded in the basal Ghrudaidh Formation whilst the DICE is seen around 30m above the base of this unit. Both carbon isotope excursions co-occur with surfaces interpreted to record regressive–transgressive events that produced amalgamated sequence boundaries and ravinement/flooding surfaces overlain by conglomerates of reworked intraclasts. The ROECE has been linked with redlichiid and olenellid trilobite extinctions, but in NW Scotland,Olenellusis found after the negative peak of the carbon isotope excursion but before sequence boundary formation.

scholarly journals Carbon isotope (δ<sup>13</sup>C) excursions suggest times of major methane release during the last 14 kyr in Fram Strait, the deep-water gateway to the Arctic

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 669-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Consolaro ◽  
T. L. Rasmussen ◽  
G. Panieri ◽  
J. Mienert ◽  
S. Bünz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level Rise ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Planktonic Foraminifera ◽  
Sediment Supply ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Fram Strait ◽  
The North ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion

Abstract. We present results from a sediment core collected from a pockmark field on the Vestnesa Ridge (~ 80° N) in the eastern Fram Strait. This is the only deep-water gateway to the Arctic, and one of the northernmost marine gas hydrate provinces in the world. Eight 14C AMS dates reveal a detailed chronology for the last 14 ka BP. The δ 13C record measured on the benthonic foraminiferal species Cassidulina neoteretis shows two distinct intervals with negative values termed carbon isotope excursion (CIE I and CIE II, respectively). The values were as low as −4.37‰ in CIE I, correlating with the Bølling–Allerød interstadials, and as low as −3.41‰ in CIE II, correlating with the early Holocene. In the Bølling–Allerød interstadials, the planktonic foraminifera also show negative values, probably indicating secondary methane-derived authigenic precipitation affecting the foraminiferal shells. After a cleaning procedure designed to remove authigenic carbonate coatings on benthonic foraminiferal tests from this event, the 13C values are still negative (as low as −2.75‰). The CIE I and CIE II occurred during periods of ocean warming, sea-level rise and increased concentrations of methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. CIEs with similar timing have been reported from other areas in the North Atlantic, suggesting a regional event. The trigger mechanisms for such regional events remain to be determined. We speculate that sea-level rise and seabed loading due to high sediment supply in combination with increased seismic activity as a result of rapid deglaciation may have triggered the escape of significant amounts of methane to the seafloor and the water column above.

The geochemistry of the late Cambrian carbonate in North China: the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) record suppressed in a coastal condition?

2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (10) ◽  
pp. 1805-1819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Huang ◽  
Yali Chen ◽  
Xuelei Chu ◽  
Tao Sun
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
North China ◽  
Coastal Environment ◽  
Sedimentary Records ◽  
Late Cambrian ◽  
Geochemical Proxies ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Globally Distributed ◽  
Shallow Coastal Environment

AbstractThe Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) is globally distributed in late Cambrian sedimentary records but controversially heterogeneous in its magnitudes. Here we use multiple geochemical proxies to investigate the late Cambrian carbonates from the Tangwangzhai section in North China, which were deposited in a shallow coastal environment with three depositional sequences (S1–S3). Each sequence comprises a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a highstand systems tract (HST). The REE + Y and trace element records are consistent with the depositional condition and indicate that terrigenous influence was more significant in the TST than HST. δ13Ccarb and δ34SCAS are low in the TST relative to HST, consistent with the scenario that terrigenous inputs were profoundly aggressive to seawater by introducing 13C-depleted and 34S-depleted materials. Within the TST of S2, the SPICE excursion shows a scaled-down δ13Ccarb positive shift (∼1.7 ‰) relative to its general records (∼4–6 ‰); the corresponding δ34SCAS show no positive excursion. This ‘atypical’ SPICE record is attributed to enhanced 13C-depleted and 34S-depleted terrigenous influence during the TST, which would reduce the amplitude of δ13Ccarb excursion, and even obscure δ34SCAS excursion. Meanwhile the subaerial unconformity at the base of TST would also cause a partially missing and a ‘snapshot’ preservation. Our study confirms significant local influence to the SPICE records, and further supports the heterogeneity and low sulphate concentrations of the late Cambrian seawater, because of which the SPICE records may be vulnerable to specific depositional conditions (e.g. sea-level, terrigenous input).

scholarly journals Carbon isotopes, stratigraphy, and environmental change: the Middle–Upper Cambrian Positive Excursion (SPICE) in Port au Port Group, western Newfoundland, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 1209-1222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalia Barili ◽  
Joyce Elaine Neilson ◽  
Alexander Thomas Brasier ◽  
Karin Goldberg ◽  
Tatiana Pastro Bardola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Environmental Change ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Carbon Isotopes ◽  
Carbonate Rocks ◽  
Isotopic Signature ◽  
Upper Cambrian ◽  
Carbon Isotopic ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Diagenetic Environment

In many basins, Upper Cambrian carbonate successions display intervals with a positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE) of up to +5‰. In North America, this marks the boundary between the Sauk II–III super-sequences. A Steptoean positive carbon isotope excursion (SPICE) locality previously identified in the Port au Port peninsula, western Newfoundland, has been revisited and an additional potential SPICE locality found. In both locations, a CIE is found to be associated with a prominent bioherm and sandstone layer within a sequence of carbonate rocks. At March Point columnar stromatolites occur, whereas at Felix Cove thrombolites can be seen. In the latter, the sandstone immediately overlies the thrombolites coincident with the CIE, whereas at March Point a dolomitized grainstone occurs above the stromatolites. The sandstone at this locality post-dates the CIE. Although lower than the SPICE in some localities, a positive CIE is present in both sections: March Point (+1.1‰) and Felix Cove (+1.8‰). Additionally, δ13Corg rises from −30.0‰ to −22.0‰ at March Point and from −27‰ to −24.0‰ at Felix Cove and, in accordance with previously published work, we suggest that this could be the SPICE. Comparison of the stratigraphy and petrography between the two localities suggest that both depositional and diagenetic factors could have influenced the nature of the interpreted SPICE in Newfoundland. It is also possible that the local carbon isotopic signature may have been influenced by a semi-restricted depositional and early diagenetic environment related to the paleogeographic configuration rather than the global marine excursion.

scholarly journals Carbon isotope (δ13Ccarb) and facies variability at the Wenlock–Ludlow boundary (Silurian) of the Midland Platform, UK

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 725-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Blain ◽  
David C. Ray ◽  
James R. Wheeley
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Sea Level Rise ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Spatial Variations ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Depositional Settings ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion

The Wenlock–Ludlow series boundary (Silurian) has been recognized as a time of pronounced sea-level rise and the end of a globally recognized Late Homerian Stage (Mulde) positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE). However, the precise timing and synchronicity of the end of the excursion with respect to the Wenlock–Ludlow boundary is debated. Within the type Wenlock and Ludlow areas (UK), high-resolution δ13Ccarb isotope data are presented across the Wenlock–Ludlow boundary, and within a range of carbonate platform settings. Correlation between sections and depositional settings has been based upon the characteristics of high-order sea-level fluctuations (parasequences). Comparisons between parasequence-bounded δ13Ccarb values reveal clear spatial variations, with lighter values recorded from more distal settings and heavier values from shallower settings. Temporal variations in the δ13Ccarb values are also documented and appear to reflect local variations in carbonate provenance and productivity in response to sea-level rise. While δ13Ccarb values converge in all sections towards the Wenlock–Ludlow boundary, the apparent end of the Mulde CIE appears diachronous and is progressively older within more distal settings.

Katian (Upper Ordovician) carbon isotope chemostratigraphy in the Neixiang area, central China: implications for intercontinental correlation

2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (12) ◽  
pp. 2053-2066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuchun Jing ◽  
Svend Stouge ◽  
Yufeng Tian ◽  
Xunlian Wang ◽  
Hongrui Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Central China ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
Upper Ordovician ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Carbon Isotopic ◽  
The North ◽  
Main Driver

AbstractThe Katian (Upper Ordovician) Shiyanhe Formation at the Sigang section, Neixiang area, Henan Province, central China, has been investigated for carbon isotope (δ13Ccarb) chemostratigraphy. The carbon isotopic data document signal between the two major Ordovician positive shifts in δ13C, the early Katian Guttenberg and the Hirnantian excursions. The Kope (Ka1/2), Fairview (Ka2/3), Waynesville (Ka3/4), Whitewater (Ka4) excursions and a doubtful Elkhorn (Ka4) excursion are identified herein. The continuous and well-defined conodont zonal succession of the Sigang section provides a secure biostratigraphic framework for the mid-late Katian carbon isotope chemostratigraphy in China. Correlation between carbon-isotope data curve and the relative sea-level changes shows no clear correspondence, and hence the sea-level change is probably not the main driver of δ13C excursions during the Katian. Intercontinentally, the mid–late Katian carbon isotope excursions, identified mainly in the North American and Baltoscandian successions, are useful for improving long-distance stratigraphic correlations. This further suggests that these excursions represent global perturbations in the carbon cycle.

scholarly journals High-resolution correlation of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) across the interior of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-620
Author(s):  
David C. Ray ◽  
Emilia Jarochowska ◽  
Philipp Röstel ◽  
Graham Worton ◽  
Axel Munnecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Sea Level Change ◽  
The West ◽  
Relative Sea Level ◽  
Level Change ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
West Midlands

AbstractNew δ13Ccarb and microfacies data from Hereford–Worcestershire and the West Midlands allow for a detailed examination of variations in the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) and depositional environment within the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK. These comparisons have been aided by a detailed sequence-stratigraphic and bentonite correlation framework. Microfacies analysis has identified regional differences in relative sea-level change and indicates an overall shallowing of the carbonate platform interior from Hereford–Worcestershire to the West Midlands. Based upon the maximum δ13Ccarb values for the lower and upper peaks of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the shallower depositional setting of the West Midlands is associated with values that are 0.7 ‰ and 0.8 ‰ higher than in Hereford–Worcestershire. At the scale of parasequences the effect of depositional environment upon δ13Ccarb values can also be observed, with a conspicuous offset in the position of the trough in δ13Ccarb values between the peaks of the Homerian CIE. This offset can be accounted for by differences in relative sea-level change and carbonate production rates. While such differences complicate the use of CIEs as a means of high-resolution correlation, and caution against correlations based purely upon the isotopic signature, it is clear that a careful analysis of the depositional environment can account for such differences and thereby improve the use of carbon isotopic curves as a means of correlation.

scholarly journals Graptolite turnover and δ13Corg excursion in the upper Wenlock shales (Silurian) of the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland)

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-221
Author(s):  
Sigitas Radzevičius ◽  
Paweł Raczyński ◽  
Marius Užomeckas ◽  
Audrius Norkus ◽  
Andrej Spiridonov
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Benthic Fauna ◽  
Northern Margin ◽  
Holy Cross Mountains ◽  
New Information ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
Małopolska Block ◽  
The Given

Abstract The mid–late Homerian Age of the Silurian Period was a time of intense changes in biota, oceanic chemistry, and sea level and is known as the lundgreni extinction (for the graptolite extinctions), the Mulde bioevent (for the conodont turnover event) or the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (CIE) probably related to glacially influenced climate perturbation. New information on this interval from the deep water sedimentary and graptolite succession of the Kielce Region (Holy Cross Mountains, Poland) of the northern margin of the Małopolska Block is presented here based on analysis of the Prągowiec Ravine section. The lundgreni–nilssoni graptolite biozones interval have been recognized there. This interval is composed by dark shales with very rare benthic fauna, which indicate the deep open-marine (pelagic) paleoenvironment. Ten samples were taken for the δ13Corg analysis from the lundgreni (2 samples), parvus (2 samples), praedeubeli (2 samples), praedeubeli–deubeli (1 sample), ludensis (2 samples) and nilssoni (1 sample) biozones. According to the δ13Corg results, the first positive δ13Corg excursion of the Mulde Bioevent is well recognized. The δ13Corg values rise from −30.7 – −30.1 ‰ in the lundgreni Biozone to −29.3 – −28.7 ‰ in the parvus Biozone and fall below −30 ‰ in the praedeubeli–deubeli interval. The second positive δ13Corg peak of the Mulde Event was not recognized in the Prągowiec Ravine. Based on the numerical comparisons using Raup-Crick metric of co-occurrences of graptolite species, the upper Homerian was characterized by significant between-biozone turnover of these taxa at the given locality.

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