Late Wenlock carbon isotope excursions and associated conodont fauna in the Podlasie Depression,eastern Poland: a not‐so‐big crisis?

The middle Silurian ‘big crisis’ refers to a graptolite extinction event and faunal turnover at the onset of a double‐peaked positive carbon isotope excursion. The crisis has been proposed to affect conodonts, giving rise to a sophisticated palaeoecological model of their stepwise extinction, known as the Mulde Event. However, the impact of the event on conodont faunas outside Gotland and the Silurian Baltic Basin remains unknown. Here, it is examined in the Widowo IG‐1 core (E Poland). The middle Silurian succession in this core represents foreshoal, shoal, and lagoonal settings on a tropical carbonate ramp on the shelf of the Eastern European Craton. Three positive δ¹³C_carb excursions have been identified; the two upper excursions correlate with the Mulde isotope anomaly and with two global eustatic regressions. Conodont species proposed to be affected by the extinction event either were not observed or ranged through the extinction interval. Changes in their frequencies are best explained by the sequence stratigraphic architecture of the late Wenlock strata in the Widowo IG‐1 core. The little impact of the ‘big crisis’ may reflect facies homogeneity across the studied interval, supporting the hypothesis that the late Wenlock conodont turnover in epicontinental settings was primarily driven by eustatically controlled facies shifts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon isotope stratigraphy of Lochkovian to Eifelian limestones from the Devonian of central and southern Europe

Lower to Middle Devonian carbonates of the Prague Syncline, the Carnic Alps, the Montagne Noire, and the Cantabrian Mountains were investigated for δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_org. These values were measured on bulk rocks, selected components and cements. Many carbonates exhibit primary marine values, but some are altered by diagenesis. A δ¹³C curve can be presented for the latest Pridolian to Emsian time interval. Several sharp or broad positive excursions are obvious in the woschmidti-postwoschmidti, sulcatus, kitabicus, Late serotinus, and kockelianus conodont zones. The excursion at the Silurian–Devonian boundary is known worldwide and therefore considered global in nature. Some of the others are described for the first time from central and southern Europe, and their global nature has to be verified by further investigations in other regions. Most excursions relate to and/or started during major regressions whereas sea-level highstands correspond to minimal δ¹³C values. Similar relationships between sea-level changes and δ¹³C have been observed from other early Palaeozoic intervals. The transgressive Chote? (?) and Ka?ák events are marked by positive isotope excursions, this type of combination is usually observed in late Palaeozoic to Cenozoic black shale events.     

Techniques for assessing spatial heterogeneity of carbonate δ13C values: Implications for craton‐wide isotope gradients

The sedimentary record of carbonate carbon isotopes (δ¹³C_carb) provides one of the best methods for correlating marine strata and understanding the long‐term evolution of the global carbon cycle. This work focuses on the Late Ordovician Guttenberg isotopic carbon excursion, a ca 2·5‰ positive δ¹³C_carb excursion that is found in strata globally. Substantial variability in the apparent magnitude and stratigraphic morphology of the Guttenberg excursion at different localities has hampered high‐resolution correlations and led to divergent reconstructions of ocean chemistry and the biogeochemical carbon cycle. This work investigates the magnitude, spatial scale and sources of isotopic variability of the Guttenberg excursion in two sections from Missouri, USA. Centimetre‐scale isotope transects revealed variations in δ¹³C_carb and δ¹⁸O_carb greater than 2‰ across individual beds. Linear δ¹³C_carb to δ¹⁸O_carb mixing lines, together with petrographic and elemental abundance data, demonstrate that much of the isotopic scatter in single beds is due to mixing of isotopically distinct components. These patterns facilitated objective sample screening to determine the ‘least‐altered’ data. A δ¹⁸O_carb filter based on empirical δ¹⁸O_carb values of well‐preserved carbonate mudstones allowed further sample discrimination. The resulting ‘least‐altered’ δ¹³C_carb profile improves the understanding of regional as well as continental‐scale stratigraphic relations in this interval. Correlations with other Laurentian sections strongly suggest that: (i) small‐scale variability in Guttenberg excursion δ¹³C_carb values may result in part from local diagenetic overprinting; (ii) peak‐Guttenberg excursion δ¹³C_carb values of the Midcontinent are not distinct from their Taconic equivalents; and (iii) no primary continental‐scale spatial gradient in δ¹³C_carb (for example, arising from chemically distinct ‘aquafacies’) is required during Guttenberg excursion‐time. This study demonstrates the importance of detailed petrographic and geochemical screening of samples to be used for δ¹³C_carb chemostratigraphy and for enhancing understanding of epeiric ocean chemistry.     

The end-Ordovician glaciation and the Hirnantian Stage: A global review and questions about Late Ordovician event stratigraphy

This paper proposes a global review of Hirnantian event stratigraphy. The Hirnantian GSSP in south China is tentatively correlated with latest Ordovician strata from the peri-Gondwanan “glacial” regions. Problems of biostratigraphical correlation are highlighted. At a worldwide scale, the major biostratigraphically useful fossil groups (graptolites, chitinozoans, brachiopods, conodonts, acritarchs) are analysed and their limits for global correlation of the uppermost Ordovician are discussed. Palaeobiogeographical disparities are invoked as the primary cause of the difficulty in establishing an effective Late Ordovician global biostratigraphical scheme. As an alternative correlative tool, the HICE (Hirnantian Isotopic Curve Excursion) event is often put forward in the literature. However, carbon isotope chemostratigraphy shows, like biostratigraphy, some limits to the present state of knowledge. No good independent biostratigraphical control of the HICE exists in both shallow carbonate deposits and deeper shaly ones. Recent studies have also demonstrated inconsistencies between carbon isotopic signals obtained from organic (δ¹³C_org) and inorganic (δ¹³C_carb) carbon species, further complicating the use of the HICE as an isochronous benchmark.All of these difficulties for Hirnantian event stratigraphy are discussed in detail in order to enable them to be overcome in the future. Precise Late Ordovician and early Silurian event stratigraphies are essential for the understanding of the mechanisms linked to the first of the “Big Five” extinctions.     

Geochemical Stratigraphy and Microvertebrate Assemblage Sequences across the Silurian/Devonian Transition in South China

Carbon isotope (δ13Corg) analyses of non-marine clastic rocks and neritic carbonates and black shales spanning the Silurian/Devonian transition are compared from two richly fossiliferous sequences in Qujing of East Yunnan and Zoige of Sichuan, South China. The two sections, Xishancun and Putonggou sections in South China, reveal positive δ13Corg shifts happening in the Upper Pridoli and Lower Devonian and reaching peak values as heavy as ?25.2‰ (Xishancun) and ?19.9‰ (Putonggou) in the lowermost Lochkovian following the first occurrence of the thelodont Parathelodus and the conodont Icriodus woschmidti woschmidti (only in Putonggou Section and together with Protathyris-Lanceomyonia brachiopod fauna). These results replicate a globally known positive shift in δ13Corg from the uppermost Silurian to the lowermost Devonian. The δ13Corg variations across the Silurian/Devonian Boundary (SDB) at the two sections in South China exhibit a shift in carbon isotopic composition similar to the detailed SDB curves from the borehole Klonk-1 drilled at top of the Klonk Global Standard Stratotype-Section and Point (GSSP) in the Prague Basin, Czech Republic. In addition, four microvertebrate assemblages, including the Liaojiaoshan, Xishancun, Yanglugou and Xiaputonggou assemblages, are recognized from the Silurian/Devonian transition exposed in the Xishancun and Putonggou sections, respectively. The results from both carbon isotope stratigraphy and microvertebrate assemblage sequences suggest that the SDB in South China is located at the base of the Xishancun Formation (between sample QX-20 and sample QX-21) in the Xishancun Section and the lower part of the Xiaputonggou Formation (between sample ZP-09 and sample ZP-10) in the Putonggou Section. The isotopic trend for organic carbon together with the changes of microvertebrate remains across the SDB can offer an approach to a potential correlation of the SDB from different sedimentary facies, which help to correlate the marine with non-marine deposits.     

Shuram-Wonoka carbon isotope excursion:Ediacaran revolution in the world ocean's meridional overturning circulation

The late Ediacaran Shuram-Wonoka excursion, with δ~(13)C_(carb) values as low as-12‰(PDB) in marineshelf deposits and spanning up to 10 Myr, is the deepest and most protracted δ~(13)C_(carb) negative anomaly recognised in Earth history. The excursion formed on at least four continents in low(≤32°) palaeolatitudes, and in China is associated with a major phosphogenic event. Global and intrabasinal correlation, magnetostratigraphy, isotope conglomerate tests and further geochemical data are consistent with a primary or syn-depositional origin for the excursion. Continental-margin phosphorites are generated by oceanic upwelling driven by surface winds, and δ~(13)C_(carb) negative anomalies are explicable by oceanic upwelling of 13 C-depleted deep oceanic waters, arguing that a feature common to these exceptional Ediacaran events was unprecedented perturbation of the world ocean. These events occurred during the transition from an alien Proterozoic world marked by low-palaeolatitude glaciation near sea level and strong seasonality to the familiar Phanerozoic Earth with circum-polar glaciation and temperate climate, suggesting that the Shuram-Wonoka excursion is related to this profound change in Earth's climate system. Of various hypotheses for Proterozoic low-palaeolatitude glaciation, only the high obliquity(54°) hypothesis, which posits secular decrease in obliquity to near the present-day value(23.5°) during the Ediacaran, predicts an unparalleled revolution in the Ediacaran world ocean. The obliquity controls the sense of the world ocean's meridional overturning circulation, which today is driven by the sinking of cold, dense water at the poles and upwelling driven by zonal surface winds.When the decreasing obliquity passed the critical value of 54° during the Ediacaran the meridional temperature gradient reversed, with the equator becoming warmer than the poles and Hadley lowlatitude(30°-35°) atmospheric zonal circulation reversing. This reversal of the temperature gradient is unique to the Ediacaran Period and caused reversal of the oceanic meridional overturning circulation,with upwelling of anoxic, 13 C-depleted deep oceanic waters producing a deeply negative and protractedδ~(13)C_(carb) signature on late Ediacaran marine-shelf deposits.     

A large epeiric methanogenic Bambuí sea in the core of Gondwana supercontinent?

Carbon isotope compositions of both sedimentary carbonate and organic matter can be used as key proxies of the global carbon cycle and of its evolution through time,as long as they are acquired from waters where the dissolved inorganic carbon(DIC)is in isotope equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2.However,in shallow water platforms and epeiric settings,the influence of local to regional parameters on carbon cycling may lead to DIG isotope variations unrelated to the global carbon cycle.This may be especially true for the terminal Neoproterozoic,when Gondwana assembly isolated waters masses from the global ocean,and extreme positive and negative carbon isotope excursions are recorded,potentially decoupled from global signals.To improve our understanding on the type of information recorded by these excursions,we investigate the pairedδ^13Ccarb andδ^13Corg evolution for an increasingly restricted late Ediacaran-Cambrian foreland system in the West Gondwana interior:the basal Bambui Group.This succession represents a 1~(st)-order sedimentary sequence and records two majorδ^13Ccarb excursions in its two lowermost lower-rank sequences.The basal cap carbonate interval at the base of the first sequence,deposited when the basin was connected to the ocean,hosts antithetical negative and positive excursions forδ^13Ccarb andδ^13Corg,respectively,resulting inΔ^13C values lower than 25‰.From the top of the basal sequence upwards,an extremely positiveδ^13Ccarb excursion is coupled toδ^13Corg,reaching values of+14‰and-14‰,respectively.This positive excursion represents a remarkable basin-wide carbon isotope feature of the Bambui Group that occurs with only minor changes inΔ^13C values,suggesting change in the DIC isotope composition.We argue that this regional isotopic excursion is related to a disconnection between the intrabasinal and the global carbon cycles.This extreme carbon isotope excursion may have been a product of a disequilibria between the basin DIC and atmospheric CO2 induced by an active methanogenesis,favored by the basin restriction.The drawdown of sulfate reservoir by microbial sulfate reduction in a poorly ventilated and dominantly anoxic basin would have triggered methanogenesis and ultimately methane escape to the atmosphere,resulting in a^13C-enriched DIC influenced by methanogenic CO2.Isolated basins in the interior of the Gondwana supercontinent may have represented a significant source of methane inputs to the atmosphere,potentially affecting both the global carbon cycle and the climate.     

The δ13C excursions spanning the Cambrian explosion to the Canglangpuian mass extinction in the Three Gorges area,South China

A remarkable increase of the animal genera and a subsequent mass extinction in the late Early Cambrian are well known as the “Cambrian explosion” and the “Botomian–Toyonian crisis.” A composite global curve of the carbon isotope ratios for inorganic carbon (δ¹³C_carb) shows multiple fluctuations during the evolution events, and it indicates significant changes of the oceanic carbon cycle at that time. This study reveals a new continuous isotopic chemostratigraphy for inorganic carbon (δ¹³C_carb) from the bottom of the Shipai to the base of the Shilongdong formations in Three Gorges area, South China. This section covers the Canglangpuian to the Longwangmiaoian stages in the Lower Cambrian. The δ¹³C_carb variation exhibits three negative excursions: a remarkably negative excursion down to ca. − 12‰ in the middle Canglangpuian stage, a negative excursion to ca. − 1.0‰ in the upper Canglangpuian stage, and a negative excursion to ca. − 1.0‰ in the Longwangmiaoian stage, respectively. The largest negative δ¹³C_carb excursion and a positive excursion before the excursion are definitely consistent with the δ¹³C_carb negative shift (AECE) during the mass extinction and the δ¹³C_carb positive values (MICE) during the increase of animal genera, respectively. However, the minimum values of the negative shifts among South China, Siberia, and Canada sections are different from each other. The positive δ¹³C_carb excursion at the bottom of the Canglangpuian stage indicates that primary productivities and organic carbon burial were enhanced. A sea level rise in the Qiongzhusian to bottom of the Canglangpuian stages in South China corresponds to the Sinsk transgression event in Siberia and Canada. A eutrophication due to higher continental weathering during the transgression after the long-term retrogression enhanced the high primary production and consequently promoted the significant increase of animal diversity.On the other hand, deposition of laminated black shales without bioturbation signatures and a decline of trilobite diversity are observed during the negative δ¹³C_carb excursion in the Canglangpuian stage, indicating that the shallow water environment became anoxic at that time. The negative δ¹³C_carb shift indicates an influx of abundant ¹²CO₂ due to oxidation of organic carbons in seawater. The difference of the minimum values among sections implies the local difference in size of the organic carbon reservoirs and extent of the degradation of the carbons. The largest δ¹³C anomaly in South China suggests the presence of the largest OCPs due to higher activity of primary production and high degree of oxidation of the OCPs because of higher activity of animals. The coincidence of the timing of the negative δ¹³C excursions in the Canglangpuian stage among the sections indicates a global event, and suggests that the onset was caused by increase of oxygen contents of seawater and atmosphere. Abundant oxygen yielded by the increased primary productivity in the Atdabanian and the Qiongzhusian stages caused onset of the oxidation of OCP, and possibly led to the shallow water anoxia and the mass extinction of benthic animals in the Botomian and the Canglangpuian stage.     

滇西保山熊洞村栗柴坝组牙形石的发现及其地质意义

针对保山地层区熊洞剖面原属栗柴坝组的灰岩进行了牙形石样品分析,总计建立了5个牙形石带,分别为Pterospathodus pennatus procerus带、Kockelella walliseri带、Ancoradella ploeckensis带、Polygnathoides siluricus带和Polygnathus nothoperbonus带。该剖面第8层原属栗柴坝组,Polygnathus nothoperbonus分子的出现证实其为下泥盆统埃姆斯阶的地层,应归为向阳寺组。剖面总体对应志留系温洛克统底部到下泥盆统埃姆斯阶中部,中间缺失志留系罗德洛统卢德福特阶—下泥盆统埃姆斯阶之间的8～10个标准牙形石带,说明该地区后期可能受构造作用影响,志留系和泥盆系界线为断层接触。该剖面牙形石序列的建立一定程度上完善了滇西保山地层区志留系生物地层的研究程度,为下一步该区生物地层格架的建立奠定了基础。     

Stable isotope(δ~(13)C_(ker),δ~(13)C_(carb),δ~(18)O_(carb)) distribution along a Cambrian outcrop section in the eastern Tarim Basin,NW China and its geochemical significance

This study investigated the geochemical features of the lower Paleozoic strata of Yaerdang Mountain outcrop along with the core samples from well TD2∈ in the eastern Tarim Basin,NW China.The total organic carbon abundance,hydrocarbon-generating precursor biospecies,and stable isotope ratios of organics and carbonate(δ~(13)C_(ker),δ~(13)C_(carb) and δ~(18)O_(carb)) were comprehensively studied for their possible correlative constraints during sedimentary evolution.The results revealed that the δ~(13)C_(ker)(VPDB) of Cambrian kerogens along the outcrop section varied from-34.6‰ to-28.4‰,indicating an increasing tendency from the lower Cambrian to the upper Cambrian.This was on the whole accompanied by the variation in the δ~(13)C_(carb) and δ~(18)O_(carb) along the profile,which might be associated with the changes in the sea level and also in the compositional variation of benthic and planktonic biomass.The large variation in the stable carbon isotope ratios up to 6‰ along the outcrop section reflected the heterogeneity of the Cambrian source rocks from the eastern Tarim Basin.Hence,the ~(13)C-enriched crude oils from well TD2∈might have been derived from a localized stratum of Cambrian source rocks.The results from this study showed the possibility of multiple source kitchens in the Cambrian-lower Ordovician portion of Tarim Basin.     

Carbon, sulfur, and oxygen isotope evidence for a strong depth gradient and oceanic oxidation after the Ediacaran Hankalchough glaciation

In order to understand spatial variations of stable isotope geochemistry in the Quruqtagh basin (northwestern China) in the aftermath of an Ediacaran glaciation, we analyzed carbonate carbon isotopes (δ¹³C_carb), carbonate oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁸O_carb), carbonate associated sulfate sulfur (δ³⁴S_CAS) and oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁸O_CAS), and pyrite sulfur isotopes (δ³⁴S_py) of a cap dolostone atop the Ediacaran Hankalchough glacial diamictite at four sections. The four studied sections (YKG, MK, H and ZBS) represent an onshore-offshore transect in the Quruqtagh basin. Our data show a strong paleobathymetry-dependent isotopic gradient. From the onshore to offshore sections, δ¹³C_carb values decrease from −2‰ to −16‰ (VPDB), whereas δ¹⁸O_carb values increase from −4‰ to −1‰ (VPDB). Both δ³⁴S_CAS and δ³⁴S_py show stratigraphic variations in the two onshore sections (MK and YKG), but are more stable in the two offshore sections (H and ZBS). δ¹⁸O_CAS values of onshore samples are consistent with terrestrial oxidative weathering of pyrite. We propose that following the Hankalchough glaciation seawater in the Quruqtagh basin was characterized by a strong isotopic gradient. The isotopic data may be interpreted using a three-component mixing model that involves three reservoirs: deep-basin water, surface water, and terrestrial weathering input. In this model, the negative δ¹³C_carb values in the offshore sections are related to the upwelling of deep-basin water (where anaerobic oxidation of dissolved organic carbon resulted in ¹³C-depleted DIC), whereas sulfur isotope variations are strongly controlled by surface water sulfate and terrestrial weathering input derived from oxidative weathering of pyrite. The new data provide evidence for the oceanic oxidation following the Hankalchough glaciation.     

The Hirnantian δ<Superscript>13</Superscript>C Positive Excursion in the Nabiullino Section (South Urals)

The upper Sandbian, Katian, and Hirnantian complexes of conodonts in the upper Ordovician section of the western slope of the Southern Urals near the village of Nabiullino were studied. The δ¹³C positive excursion with a maximum of 3.3‰ associated with the global Hirnantian isotopic event, HICE, was fixed for the first time. This excursion shows the beginning of the Hirnantian stage in the terrigenous–carbonate section of the upper Ordovician in the Southern Urals. It coincides with the first occurrence of the Hirnantian conodont species of Gamachignathus ensifer and the conodonts of shallow-water biophacies, Aphelognathus-Ozarkodina, reflecting the global glacio-eustatic event.     

Paleoproterozoic positive δ13Ccarb excursion in the northeastern Sino-Korean craton: Evidence of the Lomagundi Event

The 2.33–2.06 Ga positive δ¹³C_carb excursion, associated with environmental change and the breakup of the Kenorland or Superia supercontinent, is called the Lomagundi or Jatulian Event or Great Oxidation Event, and has been reported in many Early Precambrian cratons, but not yet in the Sino-Korean craton. The Guanmenshan Formation of the Liaohe Group occurs in the northeastern part of the Sino-Korean craton. δ¹³C_carb and δ¹⁸O values in 42 samples from this formation range from 3.5–5.9‰ (V-PDB), and 15.4–24.8‰ (V-SMOW), respectively, showing a clear positive δ¹³C_carb excursion that characterizes the Lomagundi Event. Thirty-five of the 42 samples with less hydrothermal alteration have higher δ¹³C_carb and δ¹⁸O_carb values than the other 7 samples obviously affected by fluid flow, confirming that it was fluid flow that reduced the δ¹³C_carb and δ¹⁸O_carb values. This positive δ¹³C_carb excursion places deposition of the Guanmenshan Formation within the age range of 2.33–2.06 Ga.     

Carbon and sulfur isotopic fluctuations associated with the end-Guadalupian mass extinction in South China

Concentrations of total organic matter (TOC), carbon isotopic compositions of carbonate and organic matter (δ¹³C_carb, δ¹³C_org), and sulfur isotopic compositions of carbonate associated sulfate (δ³⁴S_sulfate) across the Guadalupian–Lopingian (G–L) boundary were analyzed from identical samples of Tieqiao section, Laibin, Guangxi province, South China. The δ¹³C_carb values show a positive excursion from − 0.45‰ to the peak of 3.80‰ in the Laibin limestone member of the Maokou Formation, followed by a drastic drop to − 2.60‰ in the lowest Heshan formation, then returned to about 1.58‰. Similar to the trends of the δ¹³C_carb values, Δ¹³C_carb–org values also show a positive excursion followed by a sharp negative shift. The onset of a major negative carbon isotope excursion postdates the end Guadalupian extinction that indicates subsequent severe disturbance of the ocean–atmosphere carbon cycle. The first biostratigraphic δ³⁴S_sulfate values during the G–L transition exhibit a remarkable fluctuation: a dramatic negative shift followed by a rapid positive shift, ranging from 36.88‰ to − 37.41‰. These sulfate isotopic records suggest that the ocean during the G–L transition was strongly stratified, forming an unstable chemocline separating oxic shallow water from anoxic/euxinic deep water. Chemocline excursions, together with subsequent rapid transgression and oceanic anoxia, were likely responsible for the massive diversity decline of the G–L biotic crisis.     

Paired δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg records of the Ordovician on the Yangtze platform,South China

During the Ordovician, huge biological revolutions and environmental changes happened in Earth’s history, including the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, global cooling and so on, but the cause of these events remains controversial. Herein, we conducted a paired carbon isotopic analysis of carbonate (δ¹³C_carb) and organic matter (δ¹³C_org) through the Ordovician in the Qiliao section on the Yangtze platform of South China. Our results showed that the δ¹³C_carb trend of the Qiliao section can be correlated with local and global curves. The δ¹³C_org trend seems is less clear than the δ¹³C_carb trend for stratigraphic correlations, but some δ¹³C_org positive excursions in the Middle and Upper Ordovician may be used for correlation studies. These carbon isotopic records may have global significance rather than local significance, revealing several fluctuations to the global carbon cycle during the Ordovician. Several known δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_org negative and positive excursions have been recognised in this study, including the early Floian Negative Inorganic Carbon (δ¹³C_carb) Excursion (EFNICE), as well as the early Floian Positive Organic Carbon (δ¹³C_carb) Excursion, the mid-Darriwilian Inorganic Carbon (δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_org) Excursion (MDICE), and the early Katian Guttenberg Inorganic Carbon (δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_org) Excursion (GICE). These positive excursions and a smooth decline trend of δ¹³C_org values during the early to mid-Floian may imply multiple episodes of enhanced organic carbon burial that began at the early Floian stage, probably resulting in further decline in atmospheric pCO₂ and then global cooling.     

Environmental significance of mid- to late Holocene sapropels in Old Man Lake,Coorong coastal plain,South Australia: An isotopic,biomarker and palaeoecological perspective

The Holocene successions of numerous shallow lakes located along the Coorong coastal plain in South Australia attest to the impact of rising sea level and changing climate on their depositional environment. Old Man Lake is one of the smallest perennial alkaline lakes in the region. Its succession comprises a basal lagoonal sand rich in humic organic matter (OM) overlain by a 3.7 m thick upward shoaling lacustrine mudstone. The latter features three discrete sapropel units deposited between 3270 and 4910 cal yr BP, a time of increasing aridity throughout southeastern Australia. A core taken from the lake’s eastern margin yielded sedimentological, mineralogical, geochronological and micropaleontological data. Coring at five other sites across the lake provided sections of the humic and sapropelic facies (n = 20) for total organic carbon and Rock–Eval analysis; isotopic characterization of their micritic carbonate (δ¹³C_carb, δ¹⁸O_carb) and co-existing OM (δ¹³C_org); and GC–MS and GC–irMS analysis of their free aliphatic hydrocarbons. For each ‘sapropel event’ high productivity of diatoms and green algae was the principal driver of the accumulation and preservation of OM in such high concentrations. The precursor algal blooms were likely triggered by the influx of fresh water following winter rainfall. The combination of kerogen hydrogen index and δ¹³C_carb–δ¹³C_org, previously employed to track secular changes in algal productivity and organic preservation, proved useful in identifying synchronous geographic differences in these processes across the lake. Highly branched isoprenoids (HBI: C_25:1 ≫ C_20:0) are prominent components of the aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sapropels, confirming the significant contribution of diatoms to their OM. The C isotopic signatures of the principal C_25:1 HBI isomer and the co-occurring C₂₃–C₃₁ odd carbon numbered n-alkanes further document the non-uniformity of biomass preservation within and between the three sapropel units. The evidence from this study suggests that seasonal algal blooms and meromixis, although not necessarily an anoxic hypoliminion, were required for sapropel formation in the Holocene lakes of the Coorong region. Higher resolution sampling, dating and comparative analysis (microfossil, biomarker and isotopic) of these sapropels is required to clarify their potential significance as palaeoclimate proxies.     

Early cambrian carbon isotope stratigraphy in the tarim basin and a correlation with the yangtze platform

Carbon isotope chemostratigraphy has been used worldwide for stratigraphic correlation.In this study,δ13Ccarb values are estimated for the Early Cambrian Sugaitebulake section in the Tarim Basin,Xinjiang Autonomous Region,China.As a result,one positive and two negative carbon isotope excursions in the studied section were iden-tified.The δ13Ccarb values reached the maximum negative excursion(N1:-12.39‰) at the basal of the Yuertusi For-mation,and then increased to P1.After P1,δ13Ccarb values sharply decreased to about-7.06‰(N2) in the studied section.The pattern of δ13Ccarb in the Early Cambrian is comparable to the synchronous records of other sections,such as the Laolin section,the Xiaotan section and the Anjiahe section of the Yangtze Platform.It is concluded that the Early Cambrian Yuertusi Formation from the Tarim Basin is within the Nemakit-Daldynian stage,and the lower strata of the Yuertusi Formation may belong to the Zhujiaqing Formation(Meishucun Formation) of the Yangtze Platform.The Ediacaran/Cambrian boundary of the Tarim Block should be located in cherts and phosphorites suc-cessions at the basal of the Yuertusi Formation.The δ13Ccarb negative excursion N1 is just across the PC/C boundary,and may be related to certain biomass extinction due to anoxic sedimentary environment,transgression and/or the oceanic overturn.The second δ13Ccarb negative excursion N2 may account for the sea-level falling in the Early Cam-brian.     

Nitrogen isotope chemostratigraphy of the Ediacaran and Early Cambrian platform sequence at Three Gorges,South China

The appearance of multicellular animals and subsequent radiation during the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition may have significantly changed the oceanic ecosystem. Nitrogen cycling is essential for primary productivity and thus its connection to animal evolution is important for understanding the co-evolution of the Earth's environment and life. Here, we first report on coupled organic carbon and nitrogen isotope chemostratigraphy from the entire Ediacaran to Early Cambrian period by using drill core samples from the Yangtze Platform, South China. The results show that δ¹⁵N_TN values were high (~ + 6‰) until middle Ediacaran, gradually dropping down to − 1‰ at the earliest Cambrian, then rising back to + 4‰ in the end of the Early Cambrian. Organic carbon and nitrogen contents widely varied with a relatively constant C/N ratio in each stratigraphic unit, and do not apparently control the carbon and nitrogen isotopic trends. These observations suggest that the δ¹⁵N_TN and C/N trends mainly reflect secular changes in nitrogen cycling in the Yangtze Platform. Onset of the observed negative N isotope excursion coincided with a global carbon isotope excursion event (Shuram excursion). Before the Shuram event, the high δ¹⁵N probably reflects denitrification in a nitrate-limited oceanic condition. Also, degradation of dissolved and particulate organic matter could be an additional mechanism for the ¹⁵N-enrichment, and may have been significant when the ocean was rich in organic matter. At the time of the Shuram event, both δ¹³C_carb and δ¹⁵N_TN values were dropped probably due to massive re-mineralization of organic matter. This scenario is supported by an anomalously low C/N ratio, implying that enhanced respiration resulted in selective loss of carbon as CO₂ with recycled organic nitrogen. After the Shuram event, the δ¹⁵N value continued to decrease despite that δ¹³C_carb rose back to + 4‰. The continued δ¹⁵N drop appears to have coincided with a decreasing phosphorus content in carbonate. This suggests that ocean oxygenation may have generated a more nitrate-rich condition with respect to phosphorus as a limiting nutrient. Similar to the Shuram event, another negative δ¹³C_carb event in the Canglanpuan stage of the Early Cambrian is also characterized by carbon isotopic decoupling as well as the low C/N ratio. The results strongly support that the two stages of the decoupled negative δ¹³C_carb excursions reflect a disappearance of a large organic carbon pool in the ocean. The two events appear to relate with the appearance of new metazoan taxa with novel feeding strategies, suggesting a link between ocean oxygenation, nutrient cycling and the appearance and adaptation of metazoans. The nitrogen isotope geochemistry is very useful to understand the link between the environmental, ecological and biological evolutions.     

Palaeoecology and biostratigraphy of early Cretaceous (Aptian) calcareous nannofossils and the δCcarb isotope record from NE Iran

Upper Barremian-Lower Aptian sediments of the Sarcheshmeh and Sanganeh formations in the Kopet Dagh area, northeast Iran were studied with regard to their calcareous nannofossil content and their δ¹³C_carb signal. The sediments are composed mainly of marlstones, argillaceous limestones and limestones. Based on the occurrence of biostratigraphic index taxa, the calcareous nannofossil zones NC5, NC6 and the NC7A Subzone were recognised. The calcareous nannofossils and the δ¹³C_carb data enable recognition of the early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a). The deposits of the OAE 1a interval are characterised by the rarity of nannoconids and a sharp negative δ¹³C_carb excursion (1.36‰), followed by an abrupt positive δ¹³C_carb excursion of 4-5‰; both events have been recognised elsewhere in OAE 1a deposits in the Tethys. In the OAE 1a interval, the relative abundance of Watznaueria barnesiae/Watznaueria fossacincta is higher (more than 40%) than that of Biscutum spp., Discorhabdus spp. and Zeugrhabdotus spp., which indicates dissolution. In the upper part of the section, the higher relative abundance of mesotrophic and oligotrophic taxa (Watznaueria spp. and nannoconids respectively) and the enhanced relative abundance of eutrophic taxa (Biscutum spp., Discorhabdus spp., Zeugrhabdotus spp.) is indicative of an environment with slightly increased nutrient content. The presence of warm water taxa (Rhagodiscus asper and nannoconids) and the absence of cool water taxa (Repagulum and Crucibiscutum) suggest warm surface-water conditions.     

Coincident negative shifts in sulfur and carbon isotope compositions prior to the end-Permian mass extinction at Shangsi Section of Guangyuan, South China

Sulfur isotope composition of carbonate-associated sulfate (δ³⁴S_CAS) and carbon isotope composition of carbonate (δ¹³C_carb) were jointly investigated on the Late Permian rocks at Shangsi Section, Guanyuan, Northeast Sichuan, South China. Both δ³⁴S_CAS and δ¹³C_carb show gradual decline trends in Late Permian strata, inferring the occurrence of the long-term variation of marine environmental conditions. Associated with the long-term variation are the two coincident negative shifts in δ³⁴S_CAS and δ¹³C_carb, with one occurring at the boundary between Middle Permian Maokou Formation and Late Permian Wujiaping Formation and another at Middle Dalong Formation. Of significance is the second shift which clearly predates the regression and the biotic crisis at the end of Permian at Shangsi Section, providing evidence that a catastrophic event occurred prior to the biotic crisis. The frequent volcanisms indicated by the volcanic rocks or fragments, and the upwelling are proposed to cause the second negative excursion. An abrupt extreme negative δ³⁴S_CAS (ca. −20‰) associated with a low relative concentration of CAS and total organic carbon without large change in δ¹³C_carb is found at the end of the second shift, which might arise from the short-term oxygenation of bottom waters and sediments that resulted from the abrupt sea level drop.