Lower Jurassic epicontinental carbonates and mudstones from England and Wales: chemostratigraphic signals and the early Toarcian anoxic event

Sections through Lower Jurassic epicontinental carbonates from Southern Britain (Junction Bed and equivalent) show a positive carbon-isotope excursion (δ¹³C_carbonate), detectable in bulk rock, in the falciferum Zone of the lower Toarcian. Isotopic data from organic matter in more clay-rich sections from Wales and north-east England, together with determinations on belemnite calcite, indicate that highest δ¹³C values are localized in the upper exaratum Subzone of the falciferum Zone. Levels of particular enrichment in organic carbon were developed in the early to mid-exaratum Subzone and hence pre-date this δ¹³C maximum. These phenomena reflect the impact of the early Toarcian oceanic anoxic event in the British area. Similar isotopic trends have been recorded in other Toarcian sections from Tethyan Europe and are interpreted as reflecting the chemistry of sea water. On the assumption of isotopic correlation between the English and Tethyan sections, the δ¹³C maximum would be everywhere dated as latest exaratum Subzone in terms of the north European ammonite scheme. Absolute oxygen-isotope values in carbonates probably reflect both early diagenetic cementation and later temperature-related burial diagenesis, although a palaeotemperature maximum is tentatively identified as characterizing the early falciferum Zone. Subsequent climatic deterioration may have been triggered by drawdown of CO₂, related to regional excess carbon burial during the oceanic anoxic event. Using the positive δ¹³C excursion as a correlative level in sections from different faunal provinces (Britain, Italy and Spain) implies that lower Toarcian zonal stratigraphy is diachronous between northern and southern Europe. There is evidence for partitioning of water masses between the north European shelf and the Tethyan continental margin during the Early Jurassic.     

Spatial variability of watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway during the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian–Toarcian)

In order to constrain spatial variability in watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway prior to, during and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, carbon (δ¹³C_bel, δ¹³C_carb) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O_bel, δ¹⁸O_carb) isotope records were obtained from three sections in the Grands Causses Basin (southern France). These data were then compared with similar records along a north–south transect across the European Epicontinental Seaway. As the conclusions reached here strongly depend on the reliability of belemnite calcites as archives of palaeoceanographic changes, an attempt was made to improve the understanding of isotope signals recorded in belemnite calcite. Intra‐rostral carbon and oxygen‐isotope data from six belemnite specimens belonging to the genus Passaloteuthis were collected. Intra‐rostral carbon‐isotopes are influenced by vital effects, whereas oxygen‐isotopes reflect relative changes in temperature and salinity. Palaeotemperatures calculated from δ¹⁸O_bel‐isotope records from the Grands Causses Basin confirm relatively low temperatures throughout the Late Pliensbachian. Similar cool water conditions have previously been shown in Germany, England, Spain and Portugal. A temperature increase of up to 6 °C is observed across the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary. A pronounced negative shift of at least ?3‰ (Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite) is recorded in bulk carbonate carbon during the lower Harpoceras serpentinum zone, typical of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. Before and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a good correlation between δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_bel exists, indicating well‐ventilated bottom‐waters and normal marine conditions. Instead, data for the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event indicate the development of a strong north–south gradient in salinity stratification and surface‐water productivity for the Western Tethyan realm. This study thus lends further support to a pronounced regional overprint on carbon and oxygen‐isotope records in epicontinental seaways.     

Carbon and oxygen isotopes: a tool for Jurassic and early Cretaceous pelagic correlation (southern Spain)

The isotopic evolution of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O is reported for the Jurassic and early Cretaceous in two pelagic sections of the External Zones in the Betic Cordilleras (SE Spain). Stable isotope curves from pelagic trough and swell sections display similar patterns. Variations in δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values from strata at equivalent age probably reflect both early diagenetic cementation and later temperature‐related burial diagenesis. Comparison of global isotope curves with those presented in this work allows the differentiation of global from local events. Thus, the anoxic event during the early Toarcian (falciferum Zone) is characterized by elevated δ¹³C and depressed δ¹⁸O values. The isotopic record also allows the detection of the middle Oxfordian transgression. There are other peaks for the late Toarcian, early Bajocian, Callovian and early Berriasian that can also be used as tools for correlation purposes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Black shales and carbon isotopes in pelagic sediments from the Tethyan Lower Jurassic

Detailed sampling and analysis of Jurassic pelagic limestones and marls from Italy, Hungary and Switzerland have enabled construction of an isotope stratigraphy across the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary with resolution to the zonal level. The oxygen-isotope record is unremarkable. The carbon isotopes, however, show two positive excursions: one, relatively minor, during the Pliensbachian, margaritatus Zone, subnodosus Subzone, the other, more major, during the Toarcian. early falciferum Zone, where a maximum δ¹³C value of 4·52%_PDB is attained. These intervals are known to be favoured periods of organic-rich sedimentation in diverse parts of the globe and the isotopic excursions are interpreted as a response to abnormally high rates of storage of organic carbon in the sedimentary record. A comparable phenomenon has been documented from the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in the Cretaceous where it has been referred to the influence of an ‘Oceanic Anoxic Event’. Some Italian sections spanning this Lower Jurassic interval contain organic-rich shales in the falciferum Zone; the isotopic signatures from their included, locally manganiferous carbonate betray a considerable diagenetic overprint and they cannot therefore be incorporated in a composite isotopic curve. Carbon isotopes from the organic carbon itself are extremely negative, falling to –33δ_PDB and, in one section examined in detail, correlate with the calcium-carbonate content of the shales; they may reflect a partial change to a non-calcified planktonic biota during deposition of this lime-poor interval, possibly responding to upwelling and increased fertility of near-surface waters. The onset of upwelling may have been as early as spinatum-tenuicostatum Zone time, that is, at the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary.     

Expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event: New insights from a Swiss transect

A sedimentological, biostratigraphical and geochemical (stable isotopes and Rock‐Eval parameters) analysis was performed on four Swiss successions, in order to examine the expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event along a north–south transect, from the Jura through the Alpine Tethys (Sub‐Briançonnais and Lombardian basins). The locations were selected to represent a range of palaeoceanographic positions from an epicontinental sea to a more open marine setting. The Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event was recognized by the presence of the characteristic negative carbon‐isotope excursion in carbonate (ca 2 to 4‰) and organic matter (ca 4 to 5‰) at the base of the falciferum ammonite Zone (NJT6 nannofossil Zone). The sedimentary expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event varies along the transect from laminated mudstone rich in total organic carbon (≤11 wt.%) in the Jura, to thin‐bedded marl (≤5 wt.% total organic carbon) in the Sub‐Briançonnais Basin and to hemipelagic reddish marly limestone (total organic carbon <0·05 wt.%) in equivalent levels from the Lombardian Basin. The carbon‐isotope excursion is thus independent of facies and palaeoceanographic position. The low nannofossil abundance and the peak in Calyculaceae in the Jura and the Sub‐Briançonnais Basin indicate low salinity surface waters and stratified water masses in general. Sedimentological observations (for example, obliquely‐bedded laminae and homogeneous mud layers containing rip‐up clasts) indicate the presence of dynamic conditions, suggesting that water mass stratification was episodically disrupted during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. The proposed correlation highlights a stratigraphic gap and/or condensed interval between the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary and the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event interval (most of the tenuicostatum ammonite Zone is missing), which is also observed in coeval European sections and points to the influence of sea‐level change and current dynamics. This transect shows that the sedimentary expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event is not uniform across the Alpine Tethys, supporting the importance of local conditions in determining how this event is recorded across different palaeoceanographic settings.     

Early Jurassic climatic trends in the south-Tethyan margin

The Early Jurassic period was characterized by extreme environmental changes, as reflected by major global carbon isotope anomalies and abrupt changes in oxygen isotope and elemental records of marine organisms. Available data suggest an overall warm Early Jurassic climate interrupted by periods of severe cooling, with a climatic optimum during the early Toarcian. Available geochemical studies, however, have mainly focused on the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean, so that the palaeogeographic extent of these environmental perturbations, latitudinal palaeotemperature gradients and climate belt boundaries remain poorly constrained. Here we report the first stable isotope records of brachiopod shells (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values) from the Upper Sinemurian-Middle Toarcian interval in the southern margin of the Tethys Ocean (northwest Algeria). These data were used to better constrain the palaeoenvironmental evolution of the North Gondwana margin during the Early Jurassic, which likely played an important role on supra-regional climate. The diagenetic history of the analysed brachiopod shells was monitored using scanning electron microscopy, and elemental (manganese and strontium) compositions. The brachiopod δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O data show very similar trends as those reported for various Tethyan regions, and record negative carbon and oxygen isotope excursions near the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian and Pliensbachian–Toarcian transitions and during the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event (T-OAE). Despite these similarities, the carbon and oxygen isotope records are systematically offset towards more positive δ¹³C values (average +0.5‰) and more negative δ¹⁸O values (−1.0‰) compared to those obtained from sites of higher palaeolatitudes in the northern Tethyan margin. These offsets suggest a spatial heterogeneity in the stable isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon in the Early Jurassic Ocean and a marked latitudinal temperature gradient between the southern and northern margins of the Tethys.     

Biosedimentology of the Early Jurassic post-extinction carbonate depositional system, central High Atlas rift basin, Morocco

This study documents a Liassic example of the long‐ranging effects of mass extinction on carbonate systems. Biohistoric constraints inherent in the Liassic carbonate depositional system are deciphered from normal‐marine, sub‐tidal deposits of the central High Atlas rift basin (Morocco) through ?Hettangian/Sinemurian to Early Toarcian times. The integration of results from the analysis of lithofacies, depositional geometries, microfacies, macrobenthos, carbonate build‐ups, carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, and rare earth element + yttrium distribution patterns allows the intrinsic (or biohistoric) control on the central High Atlas deposits to be separated from extrinsic factors, such as basin development and palaeoclimate. The survival interval in the aftermath of the end‐Triassic mass extinction persisted until the Early Sinemurian indicated by a severely depleted carbonate system impoverished in skeletal organisms. A tectonic pulse at the Early to Late Sinemurian boundary interval caused a basin widening with immigration of a marine fauna. However, until the latest Sinemurian (macdonelli Subzone of the raricostatum Zone) the deposits were dominated by filter‐feeding benthic heterotrophs (sponges, brachiopods, polychaetes and crinoids). During this stage, primary production within the enlarged basin must have been largely planktonic and there was a net‐flux of organic matter to the sea floor (oxygen minimum zone). A regional radiation of organic‐walled phytoplankton is inferred to explain the selective success of the filter‐feeding community and the occurrence of sponge mounds. Thus, significant effects of the end‐Triassic mass extinction are still present during the Late Sinemurian. Through almost the entire Pliensbachian a highly productive, shoal‐rimmed carbonate platform existed; it developed subsequent to tectonic reorganization and a marine recirculation event (radiolarian facies, Δδ¹³C ≈ ?1·1, strongly negative Ce‐anomaly). Photosymbiotic sediment producers (mainly large bivalves) now state the success of specialists and environmental equilibrium conditions. In the latest Pliensbachian the climax stage was reached with the development of a coralgal reef‐rimmed carbonate platform. The Liassic carbonate depositional system experienced a terminal, multicausal Early Toarcian drowning event during which most of the large bivalves became extinct.     

A forefin of Leptonectes solei from the Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian) of Dorset,UK

An incomplete forefin in the collections of the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, is herein assigned to the rare leptonectid species, Leptonectes solei, known only from the west Dorset coast. It is only the third specimen of the species and is smaller than both the holotype and referred specimen. The new specimen is from the Lower Jurassic (lower Pliensbachian, Charmouth Mudstone Formation, Tragophylloceras ibex Ammonite Zone, Acanthopleuroceras valdani Ammonite Subzone) of Seatown, Dorset, UK. It confirms that all three species of Leptonectes were present in the Pliensbachian and expands the known diversity of ichthyosaurs for that time period. We show that isolated forefins of Leptonectes can be assigned to a species with a high degree of confidence.     

Organic Geochemistry of the Early Jurassic Oil Shale from the Shuanghu Area in Northern Tibet and the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event

This paper presents new geological and geochemical data from the Shuanghu area in northern Tibet, which recorded the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. The stratigraphic succession in the Shuanghu area consists mostly of grey to dark-colored alternating oil shales, marls and mudstones. Ammonite beds are found at the top of the Shuanghu oil shale section, which are principally of early Toarcian age, roughly within the Harplocearasfalciferrum Zone. Therefore,the oil shale strata at Shuanghu can be correlated with early Toarcian black shales distributing extensively in the European epicontinental seas that contain the records of an Oceanic Anoxic Event. Sedimentary organic matter of laminated shale anomalously rich in organic carbon across the Shuanghu area is characterized by high organic carbon contents, ranging from 1.8% to 26.1%. The carbon isotope curve displays the δ^13C values of the kerogen (δ^13Ckerogen) fluctuating from -26.22 to -23.53‰ PDB with a positive excursion close to 2.17‰, which, albeit significantly smaller, may also have been associated with other Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) in Europe. The organic atomic C/N ratios range between 6 and 43, and the curve of C/N ratios is consistent with that of the δ^13Ckerogen values. The biological assemblage,characterized by scarcity of benthic organisms and bloom of calcareous nannofossils (coccoliths), reveals high biological productivity in the surface water and an unfavorable environment for the benthic fauna in the bottom water during the Oceanic Anoxic Event. On the basis of organic geochemistry and characteristics of the biological assemblage, this study suggests that the carbon-isotope excursion is caused by the changes of sea level and productivity, and that the black shale deposition, especially oil shales, is related to the bloom and high productivity of coccoliths.     

Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Coniacian-Maastrichtian sequences of the Bey Dağları Autochthon,western Taurides,Turkey: thin-section zonation

Planktonic foraminifer distributions in seventeen stratigraphic sections of Upper Cretaceous hemipelagic and pelagic sequences of northern Bey Da?lar? Autochthon (western Taurides) yield six biozones such as, Dicarinella concavata Interval Zone, Dicarinella asymetrica Range Zone, Radotruncana calcarata Range Zone, Globotruncana falsostuarti Partial Range Zone, Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone, and Abathomphalus mayaroensis Concurrent Range Zone. Two of the zones, Dicarinella concavata Zone and Dicarinella asymetrica Zone, are identified in the massive hemipelagic limestones of the Bey Da?lar? Formation, of Coniacian-Santonian age. They are characterized by scarce planktonic foraminifera and abundant calcisphaerulids. The other four biozones are determined from the cherty pelagic limestones of the Akda? Formation and indicate a late Campanian-late Maastrichtian time interval. The planktonic foraminifera observed in these four biozones are diverse, complex morphotypes (K-selection), suggesting open oceans. The assemblage of the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Zone shows that the latest Maastrichtian record is absent throughout the northern part of the autochthon. Two main sedimentary hiatuses are recognized within the Upper Cretaceous pelagic sequence. Early to middle Campanian and latest Maastrichtian-middle Paleocene planktonic foraminifera are absent in all measured stratigraphic sections. Hiatus durations differ between sections as a result of diachronism of onset of the hemipelagic and pelagic deposition and the post-Santonian and post-Maastrichtian erosional phases. Drowning event and the early-middle Campanian and latest Maastrichtian-middle Paleocene hiatuses in the pelagic sequence are attributed to regional tectonics during the Late Cretaceous.     

A complementary section for the proposed Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) global stratotype: The Almonacid de la Cuba section (Spain)

We present the biostratigraphy (ammonites, brachiopods, foraminifers, and ostracodes), lithostratigraphy, sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and isotope stratigraphy of the Almonacid de la Cuba section located in the Iberian Range, central-eastern Spain. This section, which contains a continuous and expanded record of the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary (Early Jurassic), has been proposed as a complementary section for the Toarcian GSSP. An excellent ammonite-based biozonation has been obtained. Four ammonite assemblages characterized by the presence of Pleuroceras, Canavaria, Dactylioceras (Eodactylites), and Dactylioceras (Orthodactylites) have been distinguished. The base of the Toarcian is located at level CU35.2, based on the first occurrence of Dactylioceras. The occurrence of taxa from the NW European and the Mediterranean provinces is useful to improve the correlation between both provinces. Foraminiferal and ostracode assemblages are rich and diversified and no significant biostratigraphic events take place at the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary. The magnetostratigraphic data presented here are the most complete record of reversals of the earth magnetic field for the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary. A good record of the onset of the positive δ¹³C excursion reported in the Lower Toarcian of many European sections has been obtained. Average paleotemperatures measured at the latest Pliensbachian Spinatum Biochron of about 12.5°C, recorded a marked increase of the seawater temperature which started during the Toarcian, reaching average temperatures of 16.7°C at the Tenuicostatum Biochron. The obtained ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values fully agree with the LOWESS calibration curve.     

Stable carbon-isotope stratigraphy and ammonite biochronology at Madotz,Navarra, northern Spain: implications for the timing and duration of oxygen depletion during OAE-1a

Detailed stable carbon-isotope and biostratigraphic data based on ammonites allow us to reinterpret the timing of the different units of the Madotz section (62 m thick) in Navarra, northern Spain, relative to OAE-1a. We also infer bulk sedimentary rates and the duration of the intervals that include facies indicative of oxygen depletion. The lowermost part of the sequence includes the predominately clastic unit 1 (3 m) overlain in ascending order by subunits 2a (20 m), 2b (24.4 m) and 2c (basal 15 m studied) of the “Madotz Limestone”. Subunits 2a and 2c consist of Urgonian-type pure carbonate rocks. In contrast, subunit 2b consists of mixed carbonate–clastic facies (24.4 m thick) including beds of claystone and clay/shale with dispersed pyrite and scarce or no benthic foraminifera suggestive of oxygen-depleted conditions, and intermittent orbitolinid-rich intervals. δ¹³C_org data within subunit 2b, between 26.6 and 49.2 m show two excursions of 4.21 and 3.34‰, separated by a central segment with more uniform values around 22.56%. Compared to the high-resolution δ¹³C stratigraphy of the Early Aptian of the Alpine Tethys, these two positive excursions correlate with segments C4 and C6 of OAE-1a, whereas the central segment correlates with segment C5. New ammonite findings include Deshayesites cf. forbesi Casey and Pseudohaploceras? sp. in the uppermost part of unit 1, and D. cf. forbesi Casey, Pseudosaynella bicurvata (Michelin) and P. raresulcata (d'Orbigny) in the middle part of subunit 2b. The presence of D. cf. forbesi in unit 1 (0–37.7 m) and subunit 2b (lower 14.7 m), the first appearance datum of Pseudosaynella in subunit 2b, and the high relative abundance of Pseudosaynella specimens, support a stratigraphic position correlative with at least the upper part of the D. forbesi Zone (formerly D. weissi Zone). Such an ammonite faunal assemblage implies a lower stratigraphic position in the Lower Aptian (Bedoulian) than previously assigned to the section. Segments C4 and most of C5 comprise the lower part of subunit 2b and correspond to the upper part of the D. forbesi Zone. Based on chemostratigraphic correlations with published Spanish sections (Barranco de las Calzadas, Cap de Vinyet and Cau) in which calibrations of δ¹³C_carb stages with ammonite zones was possible, we infer that the interval of the Madotz section between 37.7 and 53.1 m, or the upper part of subunit 2b and the basal part of subunit 2c, whose δ¹³C_org signal is indicative of stages C5, C6, and perhaps the beginning of stage C7, also correlates with the D. forbesi Zone. Average bulk sedimentation rate for C-isotope stages C4–C6 of OAE-1a ranges from 1.8 to 2.09 cm/kyr in the Madotz section. Facies indicative of oxygen deficiency are restricted to C-isotope stage C4 and part of C5 of OAE-1a. Hypoxic conditions lasted about 95.23–120 kyr and are coeval with deposition of the most prominent claystone and shale layers (1.8 m thick), which display the lowest TIC values (8.16–18.93 weight% CaCO₃) and the highest TOC in the section (0.4–0.97%).     

Jurassic-Cretaceous (Bathonian to Cenomanian) palynology and stratigraphy of the West Tiba-1 borehole,northern Western Desert,Egypt

Land-derived pollen and spores and marine dinoflagellate cysts were extracted from the Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments of the West Tiba-1 borehole, northern Western Desert, Egypt, On the basis of the recovered palynomorphs, of known stratigraphical significance, the following stages were assessed: Bathonian-Oxfordian (Middle-Late Jurassic) and Hauterivian, Aptian-Early Albian, Late Albian-Early Cenomanian, Early Cenomanian and Late Cenomanian (Early-Middle Cretaceous). No palynomorphs diagnostic for the Berriasian, Valanginian and Barremian stages (Early Cretaceous) were depicted. Based on the nature and composition of the identified palynomorph content, five informal palynomorph assemblage zones were recognised. These are: the Gonyaulacysta jurassica-Korystocysta kettonensis Assemblage Zone (PI, Bathonian-Oxfordian), Ephedripites-Aequitriradites verrucosus Assemblage Zone (PII, Hauterivian), Afropollis jardinus-Duplexisporites generalis-Tricolpites Assemblage Zone (PIIl, Aptian-Early Albian), Nyssapollenites-Elaterosporites Assemblage Zone (PIV, Late Albian-Early Cenomanian) and Assemblage Zone PV (Early-Late Cenomanian). The latter zone was differentiated into two subzones, namely the Classopollis brasiliensis-Elaterosporites klaszii Assemblage Subzone (PVa, Early Cenomanian) and Afropollis kahramanensis-Triporates Assemblage Subzone (PVb, Late Cenomanian). The time stratigraphy of the studied interval was revised. The occurrences and types of the dinoflagellate cysts, extracted from the studied succession, reflect a general shallow (shelf) marine pal˦oenvironment.     

The diagenesis of the late Dinantian Derbyshire-East Midland carbonate shelf, central England

Carbonate cements in late Dinantian (Asbian and Brigantian) limestones of the Derbyshire carbonate platform record a diagenetic history starting with early vadose meteoric cementation and finishing with burial and localized mineral and oil emplacement. The sequence is documented using cement petrography, cathodoluminescence, trace element geochemistry and C and O isotopes. The earliest cements (Pre-Zone 1) are locally developed non-luminescent brown sparry calcite below intrastratal palaeokarsts and calcretes. They contain negligible Fe, Mn and Sr but up to 1000 ppm Mg. Their isotopic compositions centre around δ¹⁸O =?8.5‰, δ¹³C=?5.0‰. Calcretes contain less ¹³C. Subsequent cements are widespread as inclusion-free, low-Mg, low-Fe crinoid overgrowths and are described as having a‘dead-bright-dull’cathodoluminescence. The‘dead’cements (Zone 1) are mostly non-luminescent but contain dissolution hiatuses overlain by finely detailed bright subzones that correlate over several kilometres. Across‘dead'/bright subzones there is a clear trend in Mg (500–900 ppm), Mn (100–450 ppm) and Fe (80-230 ppm). Zone 1 cements have isotopic compositions centred around δ¹⁸O =?8.0‰ and δ¹³C=?2.5‰. Zone 2 cement is bright, thin and complexly subzoned. It is geochemically similar to bright subzones of Zone 1 cements. Dull Zone 3 cement pre-dates pressure dissolution and fills 70% or more of the pore space. It generally contains little Mn, Fe and Sr but can have more than 1000 ppm Mg, increasing stratigraphically upwards. The δ¹⁸O compositions range from ?5.5 to ?15‰ and the δ¹³C range is ?1 to + 3.2^0/00. Zone 4 fills veins and stylolite seams in addition to pores. It is synchronous with Pb, Ba, F ore mineralization and oil migration. Zone 4 is ferroan with around 500 ppm Fe, up to 2500 ppm Mg and up to 1500 ppm Mn. Isotopic compositions range widely; δ¹⁵O =?2.7 to ?9‰ and δ¹³C=?3.8 to+2.50‰. Unaltered marine brachiopods suggest a Dinantian seawater composition around δ¹⁵O = 0‰ (SMOW), but vital isotopic effects probably mask the original δ¹³C (PDB) value. Pre-Zone 1 calcites are meteoric vadose cements with light soil-derived δ¹³C and light meteoric δ¹⁸O. An unusually fractionated‘pluvial’δ¹⁵O(SMOW) value of around — 6‰ is indicated for local Dinantian meteoric water. Calcrete δ¹⁸O values are heavier through evaporation. Zone 1 textures and geochemistry indicate a meteoric phreatic environment. Fe and Mn trends in the bright subzones indicate stagnation, and precipitation occurred in increments from widespread cyclically developed shallow meteoric water bodies. Meteoric alteration of the rock body was pervasive by the end of Zone 1 with a general resetting of isotopic values. Zone 3 is volumetrically important and external sources of water and carbonate are required. Emplacement was during the Namurian-early Westphalian by meteoric water sourced at a karst landscape on the uplifted eastern edge of the Derbyshire-East Midland shelf. The light δ¹⁸O values mainly reflect burial temperatures and an unusually high local heat flow, but an input of highly fractionated hinterland-derived meteoric water at the unconformity is also likely. Relatively heavy δ¹³C values reflect the less-altered state of the source carbonate and aquifer. Zone 4 is partly vein fed and spans burial down to 2000 m and the onset of tectonism. Light organic-matter-derived δ¹³C and heavy δ¹⁸O values suggest basin-derived formation water. Combined with textural evidence of geopressures, this relates to local high-temperature ore mineralization and oil migration. Low water-to-rock ratios with host-rock buffering probably affected the final isotopic compositions of Zone 4, masking extremes both of temperature and organic-matter-derived CO₂.     

Pliensbachian-Toarcian biotic turnover in north Siberia and the Arctic region

The biotic turnover in the Pliensbachian-Toarcian transition and changes in assemblages of bivalves, ostracodes, foraminifers, dinocysts, spores, and pollen are described. Only five of 24 bivalve genera and two of four ostracode genera cross the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary so that composition of genera and families to be entirely renewed at the base of the Harpoceras falciferum Zone. In the interval of three ammonite zones, diversity of foraminifers is reducing from 27 genera in the Amaltheus margaritatus Zone (upper Pliensbachian) to 17 and then to 15 genera in the Tiltoniceras antiquum (lower Toarcian) and Harpoceras falciferum zones, respectively. Single dinocysts of the Pliensbachian are replaced by their abundant specimens at the base of the Toarcian, and substantial changes in composition of palynological assemblages are simultaneously established. Factors responsible for “mass extinctions” of marine invertebrates are suggested to be the paleogeographic reorganization, anoxic events, eustatic sea-level changes, and climatic fluctuations. The biotic turnover in the Arctic region is interrelated mainly with thermal changes, which caused the southward displacements of taxa distribution areas during a rapid cooling and their gradual return to former habitat areas in the period of warming, rather than with extinction events.     

The Chachil Limestone (Pliensbachian–earliest Toarcian) Neuquén Basin,Argentina: U–Pb age calibration and its significance on the Early Jurassic evolution of southwestern Gondwana

New radiometric U–Pb ages obtained on zircon crystals from Early Jurassic ash layers found within beds of the Chachil Limestone at its type locality in the Chachil depocentre (southern Neuquén Basin) confirm a Pliensbachian age (186.0 ± 0.4 Ma). Additionally, two ash layers found in limestone beds in Chacay Melehue at the Cordillera del Viento depocentre (central Neuquén Basin) gave Early Pliensbachian (185.7 ± 0.4 Ma) and earliest Toarcian (182.3 ± 0.4 Ma) U–Pb zircon ages. Based on these new datings and regional geological observations, we propose that the limestones cropping out at Chacay Melehue are correlatable with the Chachil Limestone. Recent data by other authors from limestones at Serrucho creek in the upper Puesto Araya Formation (Valenciana depocentre, southern Mendoza) reveal ages of 182.16 ± 0.6 Ma. Based on these new evidences, we consider the Chachil Limestone an important Early Jurassic stratigraphic marker, representing an almost instantaneous widespread flooding episode in western Gondwana. The unit marks the initiation in the Neuquén Basin of the Cuyo Group, followed by widespread black shale deposition. Accordingly, these limestones can be regarded as the natural seal of the Late Triassic –earliest Jurassic Precuyano Cycle, which represents the infill of halfgrabens and/or grabens related to a strong extensional regime. Paleontological evidence supports that during Pliensbachian–earliest Toarcian times these limestones were deposited in western Gondwana in marine warm water environments.     

Stable isotopic insights into paleoclimatic conditions and alluvial depositional processes in the Kaiparowits Formation (Campanian,south-central Utah,U.S.A.)

The Kaiparowits Formation contains an exceptionally rich history of tectonic, climatic, and biologic conditions within the Western Interior of North America during the Campanian. Here we reconstruct aspects of the southern Cordilleran foreland basin's paleohydrology using δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values determined from unionoid bivalve shells and pedogenic carbonate nodules derived from a suite of lithofacies associations. Unionoid shells derived from fluvial deposits display average water δ¹⁸O estimates of −13.7‰ ± 2.1 (1σ) (VSMOW) and shell δ¹³C values of −4.0‰ ± 1.5 (VPDB), whereas pedogenic carbonate nodules display average values of −6.0‰ ± 0.5 and −8.7‰ ± 0.8, respectively. Unionoid shells derived from pond deposits fall in between the two other environments with average values of −9.5‰ ± 1.8 and −5.7‰ ± 2.1, in δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values respectively. Water δ¹⁸O estimates are interpreted to represent high altitude runoff within river systems, low elevation precipitation within the basin onto floodplain soils, and varying degrees of mixing between these two components within floodplain ponds. δ¹³C values track the isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon within river, soil, and pond waters with high values likely reflecting greater contribution from chemically weathered marine carbonates exposed in the hinterland and lower values reflecting greater contributions from the in situ degradation of plant matter. Up-section there is a shift to lower δ¹⁸O values and higher δ¹³C values in fluvially-derived unionoid shells that post-dates an incursion of the Western Interior Seaway, but coincides with a shift in sediment provenance, an increase in basin sedimentation rates, and a change to a more anastomosed-style channel morphology within the basin foredeep depocentre. By combining the isotopic patterns with previously published sedimentologic, climate model, and paleofloral records we find: 1) additional evidence for humid, wet, and potentially monsoonal conditions within the region, 2) support for a tectonic uplift event, potentially related to Laramide deformation, and 3) greater aggradation and overbank flooding within the alluvial system in response to the uplift event.     

Stable isotopic signatures of the modern land snail Eremina desertorum from a low-latitude (hot) dry desert—A study from the Petrified Forest,New Cairo,Egypt

This study was conducted on recent desert samples—including (1) soils, (2) plants, (3) the shell, and (4) organic matter from modern specimens of the land snail Eremina desertorum—which were collected at several altitudes (316–360 m above sea level) from a site in the New Cairo Petrified Forest. The soils and shell_{E. desertorum} were analyzed for carbonate composition and isotopic composition (δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C). The plants and organic matter_{E. desertorum} were analyzed for organic carbon content and δ¹³C. The soil carbonate, consisting of calcite plus minor dolomite, has δ¹⁸O values from −3.19 to −1.78‰ and δ¹³C values −1.79 to −0.27‰; covariance between the two values accords with arid climatic conditions. The local plants include C3 and C4 types, with the latter being dominant. Each type has distinctive bulk organic carbon δ¹³C values: −26.51 to −25.36‰ for C3-type, and −13.74 to −12.43‰ for C4-type plants.The carbonate of the shell_{E. desertorum} is composed of aragonite plus minor calcite, with relatively homogenous isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O_mean = −0.28 ± 0.22‰; δ¹³C_mean = −4.46 ± 0.58‰). Most of the δ¹⁸O values (based on a model for oxygen isotope fractionation in an aragonite-water system) are consistent with evaporated water signatures. The organic matter_{E. desertorum} varies only slightly in bulk organic carbon δ¹³C values (−21.78 ± 1.20‰) and these values suggest that the snail consumed more of C3-type than C4-type plants. The overall offset in δ¹³C values (−17.32‰) observed between shell_{E. desertorum} carbonate and organic matter_{E. desertorum} exceeds the value expected for vegetation input, and implies that 30% of carbon in the shell_{E. desertorum} carbonate comes from the consumption of limestone material.     

Predominance of archaea-derived hydrocarbons in an Early Triassic microbialite

We investigated the distribution of lipids in Lower Triassic sedimentary rocks (252–247 myr) from South China, including a shallow water microbialite in the uppermost section of the outcrop. Archaeal derived hydrocarbons were the major constituents of the microbialite from the latest Early Triassic. Among these, we detected (i) abundant C₄₀ acyclic and monocyclic biphytanes (possibly derived from glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipids) and their degradation products, C_30–39 pseudohomologues and (ii) a C₂₅ head-to-tail linked (regular) isoprenoid hydrocarbon [possibly derived from dialkyl glycerol diether lipids (DGDs)] and its degradation products, C_21–24 pseudohomologues and abundant pristane and phytane. Through combination of compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis of isoprenoid hydrocarbons, which had average δ¹³C values of −35‰ to −30‰, and their molecular distribution, it was not possible to unambiguously define the archaeal source for the biphytanes in the microbialite. The δ¹³C values for pristane and phytane were similar to those for head-to-tail linked C_21–25 isoprenoids; potential source organisms for these compounds were halophilic archaea. Except for methane seep microbialites, no other ancient or recent phototrophic microbialites have been reported to contain predominantly archaeal isoprenoid hydrocarbons. Our findings suggest the presence of a new type of microbialite.     

An approach to estimate Lower Jurassic seawater oxygen‐isotope composition using δ18O and Mg/Ca ratios of belemnite calcites (Early Pliensbachian,northern Spain)

Palaeotemperature estimates from the oxygen‐isotope compositions of belemnites have been hampered by not knowing ancient seawater isotope compositions well enough. We have tackled this problem using Mg/Ca as a proxy for temperature and here, we present a ~2 Ma record of paired Mg/Ca and δ¹⁸O measurements of Jurassic (Early Pliensbachian) belemnites from the Asturian basin as a palaeo‐proxy of seawater oxygen‐isotope composition. From the combined use of the two approaches, we suggest a δ¹⁸O_w composition of about ?0.1‰ for the Jamesoni–Ibex zones. This value may have been increased by about 0.6‰ during the Davoei Zone due to the effect of waters with a different δ¹⁸O_w composition. These findings illustrate the inaccuracy of using a globally homogeneous ice‐free value of δ¹⁸O_w = ?1‰ for δ¹⁸O_carb‐based palaeotemperature reconstructions. Our data suggest that previous palaeotemperatures calculated in the region from δ¹⁸O values of belemnites may have been underestimated as the seawater oxygen isotopic composition could have been higher.