白垩纪大洋缺氧事件:研究进展与未来展望

白垩纪古海洋中分别在.Aptian-Albian、Cenomanian-Turonian和Coniacian-Santonian期间发生多次大洋缺氧事件(Oceanic Anoxic Events,OAEs),分别被称为OAE1、OAE2和OAE3,而OAE1又可以划分为OAE1a,1b,1c和1d四次,其中OAE1a和OAE2达到全球规模.白垩纪大洋缺氧事件一般对应海相碳酸盐岩的碳同位素正偏、海洋生物的快速更替和富有机质黑色页岩的大规模分布,指示了大范围的古环境、古气候变化.虽然历次大洋缺氧事件在成因上具有一定的差异,但是一般认为其与白垩纪时期海底大规模火成岩省的活动有关.大规模火成岩省活动将带来大气-海洋系统中CO2的上升,地表风化和水循环的加速,从而造成海洋中营养元素的过剩输入,引发海洋生产力的升高,诱发海洋中缺氧条件的发生.大洋缺氧条件下,由于碳-氧-硫-磷等元素之间的耦合循环关系,在大洋缺氧和海洋生产力之间形成快速的正反馈关系,有可能是白垩纪大洋缺氧事件得以达到全球规模的促进因素(如OAE1a和OAE2).不同时期的大洋缺氧事件对白垩纪大气-海洋系统的发展具有不同的意义:OAE1a标志着白垩纪中期极端温室气候的开始,OAE2前后是温室气候的高潮时期,而OAE3的发生则伴随白垩纪温室气候的减弱.由于历次大洋缺氧事件产生的大规模有机碳的埋藏,对大气-海洋系统产生了深刻的影响,其主要作用是导致大气海洋系统中CO2下降、O2上升,以及伴随而来的全球变冷和海洋氧化能力的增强.虽已历经30多年的研究,白垩纪大洋缺氧事件的前因和后果还未完全阐明,后续研究中将继续对重点的缺氧事件如OAE1(a,b,c,d)、OAE2和OAE3,开展多学科的研究,获取缺氧事件发生期间的古大气CO2浓度、海水温度、营养状况、生物种类及其海平面变化等方面的信息.大洋缺氧事件的陆相响应方面的研究也已经陆续开展,我国科学家可望在这方面有所作为.     

藏南地区海相白垩系富有机质沉积的影响因素浅析

藏南地区白垩纪时期广泛沉积了一套海相富有机质沉积物,而其中与C-T界线缺氧事件有关的黑色页岩引起了广泛关注。但是,其有机碳含量与西特提斯相比明显偏低。因此,有关该区对海相白垩纪富有机质沉积影响机制的认识显得尤为重要。文中选取前人研究程度较高的岗巴宗山Ⅱ剖面、定日贡扎剖面和江孜加不拉剖面、床得剖面,利用其相关数据,定量计算了这些剖面的沉积速率、堆积速率和古生产力值。结果表明,藏南地区沉积速率以C-T界线时期最高,而岗巴、定日地区与江孜地区的沉积速率表现出较大的差异,这主要与沉积环境有关;并且在沉积速率<4cm/ka时,随着沉积速率的增加,有机碳含量随之增加,而沉积速率较大时,则关系不明显。江孜地区初级生产力较低,其缺氧期黑色页岩的形成并不是高生产力的结果,可能与缺氧条件的保存作用相关;对于岗巴和定日地区而言,尽管计算的古生产力较低,但碳同位素正偏以及推测存在的沿岸上升洋流表明,该区白垩纪富有机质沉积拥有高的初级生产力和缺氧的保存条件,表明该区有良好的古海洋条件,富有机质沉积的形成是高生产力、缺氧的保存条件以及低的沉积速率(<4cm/ka)共同作用的结果。而产生有机碳偏低,从而使得计算的古生产力值偏低的原因,则可能与成岩后期强烈的风化作用,导致有机碳的损失有关;另外定日地区C-T期有机碳含量偏低则还与其沉积物粒度有关。     

北大西洋晚白垩世大洋缺氧-富氧事件中Fe同位素研究及其古海洋意义

<正>白垩纪大洋缺氧事件(oceanic anoxic events,OAEs)[1-2]指白垩纪时期海洋中大量有机碳埋藏的短暂时期,记录了全球碳循环的主要扰动。最极端的事件发生在Cenomanian-Turonian(OAE2)界线时期,大致对应于中生代以来的最高温度时期,并表现为碳同位素正偏移和过量的生物碳埋藏。在这个事件之后全球古海洋发生了显著的变化,黑色页岩沉积被大洋红层(Cretaceous oceanic red beds,CORBs)沉积所替     

白垩纪中期异常地质事件与全球变化

白垩纪中期(125~90 Ma)是地质历史中一个极端温室时期,集中出现一系列异常事件。异常事件是地球系统内各圈层相互耦合的产物,事件相互之间不是孤立的,单个事件引起的全球变化对其他事件起着明显的正/负反馈机制作用。文中基于对白垩纪中期异常事件的深入解剖和分析,包括大规模海底火山事件、大洋缺氧事件、生物异常更替与绝灭、白垩纪超静磁带、大洋红层出现等,在探讨白垩纪中期各个事件特征基础上,重点阐述异常事件所引起的全球变化及其对海洋、气候的影响;提出异常事件之间的相互关联与反馈机制。研究发现,大规模海底火山作用是引起白垩纪中期异常海洋和气候的最根本原因,直接促进大洋缺氧事件、生物绝灭与更替、沉积记录的转变等事件的发生。     

白垩纪黑色页岩与海水含氧量变化——以西藏南部为例

黑色页岩具有特殊的沉积学、古生物学和有机地球化学特征，主要表现在生物组合和丰度的变化、有机碳含量的增高与碳稳定同位素的偏移等方面。具有丰富有机质来源的高生产力表层水是黑色页岩中富有机碳沉积物形成与埋藏的先期条件。白垩纪中期黑色页岩在全球广泛分布，是Cenomanian/Turonian期界线事件的最重要标志。在西藏南部的C／T界线处，浮游有孔虫种一级的绝灭速率达34％，底栖有孔虫的绝灭速度达50％；有机碳含量偏高；δ^13C出现2.74‰的正向偏移；生物扰动几乎消失，微小钻孔黄铁矿化；有孔史房室充填有黄铁矿微球丛；诸多其他地球化学指标亦存在不同程度的异常，这些特征说明当时海洋不同深度水层处于不同强度的贫氧至缺氧状态，同时沉积的黑色页岩是缺氧环境中有机碳大量保存的结果。该现象发生的原因是白垩纪中期的海平面上升和气候变化的影响。西藏特提斯海古海洋条件的变化明显受全球和区域性海平面上升的影响，由此形成的白垩纪中期黑色页岩具有全球一致的特征。     

羌塘中生代盆地大洋缺氧事件及全球对比

位于藏北高原的羌塘盆地保存了我国最大面积的侏罗纪海相盆地,记录了较为完整的中生代海相序列。在羌塘中生代（T3—K1）盆地演化过程中,发生了多次水体缺氧事件,这些缺氧事件是全球大洋缺氧事件在羌塘盆地的反映。本文对这些缺氧事件的最新研究成果进行了介绍。羌塘盆地海相T—J界线剖面的碳同位素表现为两次明显的负偏异常,对应于全球T—J典型界线剖面碳同位素的“初始负偏移”和“主要负偏移”,T—J之交水体由氧化环境变为缺氧环境。在盆地演化早期,在毕洛错地区识别出早侏罗世托儿期碳同位素负偏异常,可与全球早侏罗世托尔期大洋缺氧事件的碳同位素负偏进行精确地对比,揭示了早侏罗世托儿期全球缺氧事件在羌塘盆地的普遍性。在盆地演化晚期,海水逐渐从北羌塘拗陷西北部退出盆地,广泛沉积了一套黑色页岩、油页岩、泥岩及泥灰岩的岩石组合,碳同位素特征可与南特提斯、北特提斯及西北特提斯对应时期的碳同位素相对比,是早白垩世巴雷姆期全球大洋缺氧事件在羌塘盆地的反映。     

白垩纪大洋缺氧事件

白垩纪黑色页岩相地层出现在世界主要大洋及地表露头中,一般表现在三人时期:巴雷姆晚期—阿普特期—阿尔布期;赛诺曼晚期—二仑早期及康尼亚克期—三冬期。这些时期海相地层的岩性、动物群及地球化学特征均有变化,并以赛诺曼晚期—二仑早期变化最为明显,表明当时世界海洋处于氧极度损耗的条件。这种条件被称为大洋缺氧事件(OAE)。赛诺曼期—三仑期大洋缺氧事件的发生与当时的海侵高峰期是一致的。海平面的上升可使上升流加强,使表层生物生产率增高,进而导致海洋水体溶解氧的消耗及有机碳的保存。     

陆地沉积物对大洋缺氧事件的响应：六盘山群黑色页岩地球化学特征及其意义

通过对六盘山群中上部湖相沉积中一层黑色页岩年代（113.45~112.98 Ma）及其下部泥灰岩的元素地球化学特征研究发现,黑色页岩形成于干热而相对湿润气候背景下的缺氧还原环境中,与典型缺氧事件黑色页岩的地球化学特征基本一致,说明该黑色页岩记录了六盘山地区对全球白垩纪大洋缺氧事件OAE1b (约113～111 Ma)的响应,可能指示该期大洋缺氧事件是一次全球性的气候变化事件。     

松辽盆地北部白垩纪青山口组黑色页岩元素地球化学特征及沉积古环境恢复

对松辽盆地北部青山口组118块页岩样品进行有机碳和元素地球化学测试,运用一系列判别古气候、古盐度、古生产力和古氧化还原条件的地化指标,恢复青山口组黑色页岩的沉积环境,探讨富有机质页岩成因机制。青山口组沉积期为温暖半湿润亚热带气候,古气温>15℃,水体为陆相微咸水—半咸水环境,盐度5‰~10‰。青山口组底部发育厚度约30 m的富有机质页岩,TOC最高达到9.39%,自下而上有机碳含量逐渐变低。富有机质页岩Cu、Ni、Mo和Zn含量高,发育大量胶磷矿、藻席,表明青山口组早期湖盆生产力达到峰值,为有机质富集提供物质基础。U元素含量以及V/(V+Ni)、V/Sc比值较高,表明青山口组早期水体为强还原环境,为富有机质页岩保存提供有利条件。中-晚期随着湖盆收缩、水体变浅,还原环境遭到破坏,有机碳含量降低。TOC与古生产力及氧化还原指标呈正相关关系,表明有机质含量的变化主要受控于湖盆生产力和氧化还原环境。古海侵事件带来丰富营养物质,极大提高了湖盆生产力,保证有机质大量供应;同时海侵造成盐度分层,使底部水体的强还原环境不受破坏,促进了有机质的保存。松辽盆地青山口组在白垩纪全球缺氧事件影响下形成了面积约5×10^-3km;的黑色页岩,是页岩油勘探的重要目标。     

渝东地区寒武系龙王庙组高分辨率碳酸盐岩碳同位素记录及其古海洋学意义

早寒武世中―晚期是生命演化史上的重要节点。渝东地区寒武系龙王庙组海相碳酸盐岩地层记录了当时海水的碳同位素变化。在确保碳同位素组成有效保留海水原始信息基础上,分析发现龙王庙组61个碳酸盐岩样品的δ~(13)CV-PDB值分布在+2.7‰~-4.3‰之间;碳同位素变化曲线大体上呈先降低、后升高的变化趋势;地层中―下部δ~(13)C值波动幅度大,正、负漂移事件频发,出现可全球对比的幅度约为4‰的正漂移与幅度约为5‰的负漂移事件;地层上部δ~(13)C值具小幅波动,总体正偏。龙王庙组碳酸盐岩的碳同位素特征,受控于海平面变化、风暴沉积、生物演化引起的海洋生产力变化。龙王庙组沉积的早―中期,海平面变化频繁,陆源碎屑注入量波动性增大,风暴沉积发育,海洋环境的稳定性较差,生物种属数量逐渐降低,导致海洋原始生产力下降及碳同位素组成的频繁波动与多次负漂移事件。龙王庙组沉积的中―晚期,海平面长期缓慢上升,风暴沉积发育程度低,海洋环境趋于稳定,生物多样性增强,海洋原始生产力增大,使得碳同位素组成分布较为稳定,多表现为正值。渝东地区龙王庙组碳酸盐岩中δ~(13)C的急速负漂移可能归因于较浅水体、较充足陆源碎屑注入背景下的风暴沉积。     

Benthic microbial mats: a possible major component of organic matter accumulation in the Lower Aptian oceanic anoxic event

Oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) throughout the Cretaceous were periods of high organic carbon burial leading to drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide and lowering of bottom-water oxygen concentration, thereby enhancing the preservation of organic matter (OM). Two dynamic depositional models have been proposed for these events in the Tethyan domain: one is based on strong thermohaline stratification and low surface productivity, the other on high surface productivity with intensified deep-water circulation. Here, we propose another explanation for the concentration of OM, derived essentially from microscopical observations (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope) in the organic-richest interval of an Early Aptian OAE in central Italy (OAE1a or Selli level, 116 Ma). This high-resolution microscopical study of OM highlights benthic microbial mats as the possible source of organic-rich samples where amorphous OM is the major organic constituent. These mats could be more common in OAE black shales than previously thought.     

The Cenomanian—Turonian Anoxic Event in Southern Tibet：A Study of Organic Geochemistry

The Cenomanian-Turonian oceanic anoxic event(C/T OAE) is developed in southern Tibet.Organic geochemical study of the Cenomanian-Turonian sediments from the Gamba and Tingri aress shows that the mid-Cretaceous black shales in southern Tibet are enriched in organic carbon.Te molecular analyses of organic matter indicate marine organic matter was derived from algae and bacteria.In the Gamba area,the organic matter is characterized by abundant tricyclic terpanes and pregane,which are predominant in 191 and 217 mass chromatograms,respectively,Pristane/phytane(Pr/Ph)ratios in the C/T OAE sediments are less than 1, demonstrating the domination of phytane.The presence of carotane can be regarded as a special biomarker indicating oxygen depletion in the C/T OAE sediments in the Tethyan Himalayas.In anoxic sediments,β-carotane and γ－carotane are very abundant.The β-and γ-carotane ratios relative to nC17 in the Cenomanian-Turonian anoxic sediments vary from 32.28-42.87and 5.10-11.01.     

First evidence for the Cenomanian–Turonian oceanic anoxic event (OAE2, ‘Bonarelli’ event) from the Ionian Zone,western continental Greece

Integrated biostratigraphic (planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils), chemostratigraphic (bulk C and O isotopes) and compound-specific organic geochemical studies of a mid-Cretaceous pelagic carbonate—black shale succession of the Ionian Zone (western Greece), provide the first evidence for the Cenomanian–Turonian oceanic anoxic event (OAE2, ‘Bonarelli’ event) in mainland Greece. The event is manifested by the occurrence of a relatively thin (35 cm), yet exceptionally organic carbon-rich (44.5 wt% TOC), carbonate-free black shale, near the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary within the Vigla limestone formation (Berriasian–Turonian). Compared to the ‘Bonarelli’ black-shale interval from the type locality of OAE2 in Marche–Umbria, Italy, this black shale exhibits greatly reduced stratigraphic thickness, coupled with a considerable relative enrichment in TOC. Isotopically, enriched δ¹³C values for both bulk organic matter (−22.2‰) and specific organic compounds are up to 5‰ higher than those of underlying organic-rich strata of the Aptian-lower Albian Vigla Shale member, and thus compare very well with similar values of Cenomanian–Turonian black shale occurrences elsewhere. The relative predominance of bacterial hopanoids in the saturated, apolar lipid fraction of the OAE2 black shale of the Ionian Zone supports recent findings suggesting the abundance of N₂-fixing cyanobacteria in Cretaceous oceans during the Cenomanian–Turonian and early Aptian oceanic anoxic events.     

Biostratigraphy of the Garau Formation (Berriasian?–lower Cenomanian) in central part of Lurestan zone,northwest of Zagros,Iran

Deposition of organic rich black shales and dark gray argillaceous limestones in the Berriasian–Turonian interval has been documented in many parts of the world. Northwest of Zagros, Iran (Lurestan zone), thin bedded black shales and marls, dark gray argillaceous limestones and fissile limestone layers, having bitumen, of the Garau Formation are deposited. For biostratigraphic studies two stratigraphic sections including one surface section (Kuzaran) and one subsurface section (Naft well) were selected, respectively. In this study, 61 foraminiferal species belonging to 17 genera have been identified, and 12 biozones were recognized. Based on fossils distribution and biozones identification, the age of the Garau Formation is Berriasian?–early Cenomanian. In addition, the micropalaeontological study demonstrated a variety of widespread morphological changes in planktonic foraminifera assemblages (e.g., the elongation of the final chambers, appearance of twin chambers in the last whorl). These changes coincide with deposition of argillaceous limestones and marls rich in organic matter, indicating oceanic anoxic events. On this basis, three oceanic anoxic events such as OAE1a, OAE1b and OAE1d were recognized in Naft well section and two (OAE1b and OAE1d) in Kuzaran section.     

Role of microorganisms in oceanic anoxic events (OAEs)

The accumulation of organic matter (OM) during oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) that took place in the Mesozoic may reflect different biogeochemical pathways and feedbacks related to palaeoenvironmental changes. It originates from a combination of nutrient cycling, metal concentrations and position of the chemocline and/or pycnocline controlling biological production. Because ocean stagnation cannot induce euxinia, an expanded oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) associated with upwelling and improved hydrological cycles is more commonly accepted. In some depositional settings, it permitted the evolution of anoxia/dysoxia to euxinia (sulphidic waters). The latter is recorded by the presence of anoxygenic phototrophs and involved denitrification, anaerobic oxidation of methane and sulphate reduction. In order to better constrain different OAE palaeoenvironments, models are suggested here that show the evolution from main microbial communities thriving through the water column to bacterial and more complex microbial mats. Therefore, microbial processes have a key role in OM production and metabolization. They directly influence the position of the chemocline. Detailed study of the OM preserved in black shales will be key to understanding OAEs.     

Paleoenvironments and origin of the sedimentary phosphorites of the Napo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Oriente Basin, Ecuador)

The Napo phosphorites were deposited at the edge of a stable marine shelf during the Upper Cretaceous (Coniacian) oceanic anoxic event (OAE 3) at the transition from bioclastic limestone to organic-rich shale facies. Phosphogenesis was triggered in the shelf margin environment by a number of factors including strong upwelling currents, high biological activity, plankton blooms, and large amounts of organic matter production and subsequent accumulation. Dissolved phosphate levels increased in the sediment from a combination of anoxic conditions and microbial activity. Once dissolved phosphate concentrations were high enough, apatite began to form around nucleic sites including mineral grains, shells, wood fragments, and foraminifera tests forming peloidal fluorine rich carbonate fluoroapatite (francolite). As the peloids formed, sedimentation continued and dissolved phosphate concentrations diminished. A period of minor winnowing ensued, and as dissolved phosphate concentrations remained low, shale layers were deposited separating the various phosphate layers.     

Organic geochemistry of Oxfordian carbon-rich sedimentary rocks of the Russian plate

The lithology and geochemistry of upper Oxfordian sedimentary rocks enriched in marine organic matter (OM) have been studied. These rocks occur as a persistent unit of Upper Jurassic rocks exposed on the right bank of the Unzha River in the Kostroma district. The OM was investigated in detail in both the carbon-rich rocks and their hosts. It was established that the OMs from the Oxfordian rocks are characterized by a low degree of thermal (catagenetic) maturity and their geochemical signature reflects specific features of synsedimentary and early diagenetic processes. Kerogen in the carbon-rich sedimentary rocks is markedly enriched in S_org, and its formation was related to the early diagenetic sulfate reduction (sulfurization of the lipid fraction of the initial OM). The composition of kerogen from the host clay is sharply distinct in many parameters. No derivatives of isorenieratene were revealed in the aromatic fraction of bitumen in the carbon-rich rocks. The Oxfordian carbonaceous rocks are distinguished by slightly enriched in S, Mo, V, and Ni. Anoxic conditions were unstable in the water column during the deposition of carbon-rich sediments (such conditions were probably episodic). The C_org-rich unit formed due to a short-term abrupt increase in the productivity of phytoplankton related to eutrophication of water, probably, as a result of the recycling and redistribution of biophile elements.     

The oceanic anoxic event 2 at Es Souabaa (Tebessa,NE Algeria): bio-events and stable isotope study

At the southern margin of the Tethys, the Es Souabaa area recorded traces of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) around the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (C/Tb). The dark, laminated, filament- and pyrite-bearing limestones represent the typical facies of this event. In terms of sedimentary environment, these features reflect a transgressive drowning that had induced hypoxia in these sedimentary environments. Such conditions favored the deposition and preservation of organic matter of marine origin, the distribution of which was controlled by paleogeography and halokinetic tectonics at that period. The OAE2 reached a climax between the last upper Cenomanian occurrence of Rotalipora cushmani and the lower Turonian occurrence of Whiteinella praehelvetica. Positive shift of the δ¹³C excursion along with relatively high total organic carbon (TOC) contents during OAE2 both indicate palaeo-environmental modifications enhanced by a significant change in primary marine productivity. Meanwhile, negative δ¹⁸O peaks in carbonates reflect increasing temperatures. Comparison of the data from this study with those from the neighboring Kalaat Senan section (Tunisia) suggests close similarities of events, although OAE2 is much more enhanced in Algeria.     

松辽盆地晚白垩世青山口组缺氧事件层的地质地球化学特征

松辽盆地白垩系青山口组下部广泛分布一套富含有机碳的黑色泥岩、页岩沉积,是全盆地地层划分对比的一级标志。茂206井是中国白垩纪大陆科学钻探工程井,全井获取了青山口组497.02 m的岩心资料。茂206井青山口组具有相对高的有机碳、干酪根碳同位素正偏、重排甾烷含量低以及普遍存在伽马蜡烷生物标志化合物等有机地球化学特征,表征为白垩纪温室效应时间窗内古湖泊缺氧事件的产物。结合生物地层研究成果,认为青山口期缺氧事件层大体可与白垩纪古海洋Cenomanian-Turonian界线事件层进行对比,进一步证实了青山口组的地质时代属晚白垩世晚Cenomanian-Turonian期的观点。     

The late Cenomanian paleoecological event (OAE 2) in the eastern Caucasus basin of Northern Peri-Tethys

The Cretaceous sections of the eastern Caucasus contain rich in organic matter (OM) sediments corresponding to the late Cenomanian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. They are marked by positive δ¹³C and negative δ¹⁸O isotopic anomalies, which are characteristic for this level in many areas of the world. The sediments exhibit distinct cyclic patterns reflected in an alternation of black OM-rich and gray more calcareous layers. The rocks are enriched with many chemical elements, although concentrations of some of them (Mo, Se) are lower than in typical sediments of anoxic basins. It is inferred that anoxic environments in the paleobasin were unstable and locally developed. Nannofossil assemblages from OAE 2 sediments are dominated by the highly resistant eurytropic taxon Watznaueria accompanied by common cool-water Eprolithus and rare warm-water Rhagodiscus representatives, which implies the development of environments unfavorable for the normal marine nannoflora and short-term cooling in the basin during OAE 2. The OM-rich sediments were deposited against the background of the rapid eustatic transgression due to a significant increase in productivity of phytoplankton in the paleobasin. The OAE 2 duration is estimated to be approximately 400 ka.