Oxygen and carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Palaeogene and Cretaceous limestones in the Bottaccione Gorge and the Contessa Highway sections, Umbria, Italy

We have made oxygen and carbon isotope measurements on limestone samples of Albian to Eocene age recovered from the Bottaccione Gorge section in the Umbrian Apennines, central Italy. Additional measurements have been made on topmost Maastrichtian and Palaeocene sediments from the adjacent Contessa Highway section. Our data from the Bottaccione Gorge show ¹³C maxima at the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary and during the Palaeocene, as well as a pronounced ¹³C minimum 7 metres above the clay layer at the K/T boundary. Our data from the Contessa Highway show a ¹³C minimum 9 metres above the K/T boundary clay. These minima are probably diagenetic artifacts. In the Bottaccione Gorge there is evidence for a hiatus in the early Middle Eocene. The Palaeocene of the Bottaccione Gorge appears to have been affected by slumping or faulting (in addition to the diagenetic overprinting) giving a spurious δ¹³C recovery after the K/T boundary, the Contessa Highway section appears to be more complete. The Coniacian-Maastrictian is characterized by relatively stable ¹³C values. Our data indicate an increase in δ¹⁸O (and therefore possible cooling) across the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in both the Bottaccione and Contessa Highway sections.     

Differential response at the seafloor during Palaeocene and Eocene ocean warming events at Walvis Ridge,Atlantic Ocean (ODP Site 1262)

The Latest Danian Event (LDE, c. 62.1 Ma) is an early Palaeogene hyperthermal or transient (<200 ka) ocean warming event. We present the first deep‐sea benthic foraminiferal faunal record to study deep‐sea biotic changes together with new benthic (Nuttallides truempyi) stable isotope data from Walvis Ridge Site 1262 (Atlantic Ocean) to evaluate whether the LDE was controlled by similar processes as the minor early Eocene hyperthermals. The spacing of the double negative δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O excursion and the slope of the δ¹⁸O–δ¹³C regression are comparable, strongly suggesting a similar orbital control and pacing of eccentricity maxima as well as a rather homogeneous carbon pool. However, in contrast to early Eocene hyperthermals, the LDE exhibits a remarkable stability of the benthic foraminiferal fauna. This lack of benthic response could be related to the absence of threshold‐related circulation changes or better pre‐adaptation to elevated deep‐sea temperatures, as the LDE was superimposed on a cooling trend, in contrast to early Eocene warming.     

Organic Carbon Isotope Geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, South China

The Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation on the Yangtze Platform, South China, documents a sedimentary succession with different sedimentary facies from carbonate platform to slope and to deep sea basin, and hosts one of the world-class phosphorite deposits. In these strata, exquisitely preserved fossils have been discovered： the Weng＇an biota. This study presents carbon isotope geochemistry which is associated paired carbonate and organic matter from the Weng＇an section of a carbonate platform （shelf of the Yangtze Platform, Guizhou Province） from the Songtao section and Nanming section of a transition belt （slope of the Yangtze Platform, Guizhou Province） and from the Yanwutan section （basin area of the Yangtze Platform, Hunan Province）. Environmental variations and bio-events on the Yangtze Platform during the Late Neoproterozoic and their causal relationship are discussed. Negative carbon isotope values for carbonate and organic carbon （mean δ^13Corg = -35.0‰） from the uppermost Nantuo Formation are followed by an overall increase in δ^13C up-section. Carbon isotope values vary between -9.9‰ and 3.6‰ for carbonate and between -35.6‰ and -21.5‰ for organic carbon, respectively. Heavier δ^13Ccarb values suggest an increase in organic carbon burial, possibly related to increasing productivity （such as the Weng＇an biota）. The δ^13C values of the sediments from the Doushantuo Formation decreased from the platform via the slope to basin, reflecting a reduced environment with minor dissolved inorganic carbon possibly due to a lower primary productivity. It is deduced that the classical upwelling process, the stratification structure and the hydrothermal eruption are principally important mechanisms to interpret the carbon isotopic compositions of the sediments from the Doushantuo Formation.     

Sedimentology and isotopic composition of Upper Palaeocene to Eocene non-marine stromatolites, eastern Ebro Basin, NE Spain

Stromatolites are abundant in Upper Palaeocene to Eocene fluvial deposits from the Eastern Ebro Basin, whereas they are scarce in the lacustrine facies. The fluvial stromatolites display a variety of growth forms: oncoids, domes, laminated crusts and locally irregular bioherms. These morphologies are related to the hydrological behaviour of the fluvial systems. Elongate domes, dome heads and ovoid to subspherical oncoids accreted in flowing water. Laminated crusts and small-sized cylindrical to lenticular oncoids formed during low-discharge and ponding phases. In the lacustrine environments only small-sized ovoid oncoids occur. The main characteristics of the Ebro Basin non-marine stromatolites are: (1) laminations and concentric banding exhibited by all morphologies; (2) the occurrence of well-preserved cyanobacterial filaments in several laminae, suggesting that these microbiotas are the major contributors in growth; (3) the asymmetrical growth of cortices in domes and oncoids with polar thickening on the upper side suggesting in situ growth under low energy conditions. δ¹³C values of carbonate stromatolites range from - 11.3%o (Late Palaeocene) to — 4.4%o (Middle-Late Eocene). During the Late Palaeocene, under tectonically quiescent conditions, the δ¹³C values mainly reflect the influence of soil-derived CO₂. During the Eocene, the progressive uplift of the surrounding catchment areas led to an increase of exposures of Mesozoic rocks. Consequently, the δ¹³C values of the Eocene stromatolites reflect the influence of the CO₂ derived from the dissolution of Mesozoic marine carbonates. There is a 2.5%o shift in δ¹⁸O values of stromatolites from the Late Palaeocene to Middle-Late Eocene which is consistent with the variation in δ¹⁸O of precipitation due to changes in altitude of the catchment area during this time. The isotopic values of all Middle-Upper Eocene laminated crust samples show distinct covariant trends, suggesting that these stromatolites were formed either in ponding zones of fluvial channels or in disconnected pools developed during low-discharge episodes.     

Barium, SiO2 (excess), and P2O5 as proxies of biological productivity in the Middle East during the Palaeocene and the latest Palaeocene benthic extinction event

The distribution of barium and other elements related to biological productivity has been studied in two Palaeocene sections from the Middle East. In the bathyal Ben Gurion section, Israel, Ba* (= Ba/Al₂O₃× 15%) concentrations are low, in the range 0.04% to 0.3% in the lower Palaeocene, and very high, 1% to 2%, throughout most of the upper Palaeocene. In the neritic Gebel Aweina section in Egypt Ba* values are low, < 0.1%, throughout the entire Palaeocene. The Ba* enrichments at Ben Gurion and their correlations with increases in P₂O₅ and opaline silica, and local and global δ¹³C maxima, indicate that upwelling and high productivity were important in this region during the late Palaeocene. The absence of Ba* enrichments in the shallower Gebel Aweina section probably reflects the strong depth dependence of biobarium deposition. In the uppermost Palaeocene, at the level where the global benthic extinction event is registered, Ba* concentrations in the Ben Gurion section increase to anomalous 6%. which suggests that upwelling and possibly wind strengths intensified during this event. The results speak against deep-water formation in this region since downwelling and not upwelling is required.     

Evolution of Carbon Isotope Composition in Potential Global Stratotype Section and Point at Luoyixi, South China, for the Base of the Unnamed Global Seventh Stage of Cambrian System

This work deals with the evolution of carbon isotope composition in the Luoyixi (罗依溪) Section, a candidate of the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point (GSSP), defining the base of the as-yet-undefined seventh stage of Cambrian System at the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid Lejopyge laevigata. This level is favored in a vote of International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy (ISCS) as the biohorizon for defining the base of a global stage. Two hundred and sixty-four samples for carbon and oxygen isotope analysis have been collected from the carbonate successions at an interval of 0.25 to 0.5 m in this section. Results of the carbon isotope data exhibit a remarkable disciplinarian trend. The pattern of the carbon isotope evolution is gently undulant with a relatively long period during the underlying Drumian Stage, and then the values of δ13C fluctuate sharply with a short period in provisional seventh stage. The onset of sharp fluctuation in the δ13C values begins at the proposed GSSP level, defining the base of the global seventh stage, where δ13C values change from a gentle trend to a sharp trend. Distinct covariant-relationships among δ13C, δ13O, and sea level fluctuations suggest that a warming change in paleoclimate took place during the early global seventh stage, which led to a positive shift in δ13C values.     

南海ODP1143站底栖有孔虫Cibicidoides与Uvigerina稳定氧碳同位素值的均衡试验

从南海南部ODP184航次1143站上部合成深度190.77m共1992个样品中, 由老到新挑选了64个样品, 测试了同一样品中底栖有孔虫Uvigerina peregerina与Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi的δ18O和δ13C值, 结果表明1143站U.peregerina与C.wuellerstorfi的δ18O差值的平均值约为(0.614±0.07)×10-3, 而δ13C差值的平均值约为(0.692±0.04)×10-3.1143站U.peregerina与C.wuellerstorfi的δ18O差值与大西洋和东太平洋的标准差值0.64×10-3比较接近, 而δ13C的差值却比大西洋和东太平洋的标准差值0.9×10-3轻0.2 08×10-3, 可能是由于南沙珊瑚礁区较低的生产力缩小了沉积物与海水之间的δ13C的差异而引起的.该均衡试验为南海甚至西太平洋的古海洋学研究提供了上述2种底栖有孔虫氧碳同位素值转换的标准.      

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.     

Carbon and oxygen isotopes in the Frasnian–Famennian section of the Kuznetsk basin (southern West Siberia)

The first detailed isotope-geochemical study of carbonate deposits has been performed in the Lower Famennian stratotype section of the northwestern Kuznetsk Basin (Kosoy Utyos), which was localized in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the Late Devonian. The δ¹³C_carb, δ¹³C_org, and δ¹⁸O variation curves were constructed for the section deposits. Geochemical and petrographic studies of carbonates allowed allocation of samples that underwent postsedimentation alteration and exclude them from further interpretation. Compared with coeval sections in the other world's regions, the Kosoy Utyos section is characterized by higher δ¹³C_carb values, up to 5.4‰, whereas the maximum value in subequatorial area sections is 4‰. The isotope shift amplitude of the studied section reaches 4.6‰, which is 1.5‰ higher than those in other regions. The δ¹⁸O values are 3‰ lower than the ones of the world's coeval sections. The results obtained show that δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O variation trends differ from those of coeval subequatorial sections. The high shift amplitude and maximum δ¹³C_carb values in the Kosoy Utyos section are due to the shallow-water carbonate sedimentation environments on the Siberian continental shelf and, probably, the lower temperatures of waters in the middle latitudes as compared with the subequatorial areas.     

Isotope signatures associated with early meteoric diagenesis

The environments in which carbonate diagenesis proceeds have been documented in previous studies of Holocene and late Pleistocene sediments and limestones on Barbados, West Indies. Variations in the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of limestones, produced during early freshwater diagenesis, have been observed in this study to occur in specific patterns. Six potentially useful patterns emerge when one views stable isotope data within a stratigraphic framework: (1) the subaerial exposure surface is characterized by strongly ¹²C-enriched limestones. δ¹³C compositions of underlying limestones grow progressively heavier with increasing depth; (2) the subaerial exposure surface may also be marked by slight ¹⁸O-enrichment; (3) an abrupt shift in δ¹⁸O values may differentiate sediments above the exposure surface from those below; (4) sediments altered in the marine-meteoric mixing zone may be characterized by positive covariance between their δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C compositions; (5) the vadose-phreatic boundary may be marked by a sharp increase in δ¹³C values in the seaward portions of a fresh groundwater system; and (6) samples contemporaneously altered in a single fresh groundwater system within an areally restricted region should display a narrow range of δ¹⁸O and a wide range of δ¹³C compositions. Analysis of samples from five Palaeozoic and Mesozoic formations, which contained petrographic evidence of early freshwater diagenesis, showed that isotope patterns similar to those observed in Barbados limestones have been preserved in rocks as old as Mississippian. These isotope patterns could prove to be useful for identifying diagenetically induced porosity trends in carbonate rocks. They might be used to identify limestones diagenetically altered in meteoric environments, to identify mixing zone cements and dolomites, and to trace the regional and vertical distributions of early meteoric groundwater systems in ancient carbonate formations.     

A multiple cave deposit assessment of suitability of speleothem isotopes for reconstructing palaeo‐vegetation and palaeo‐temperature

The suitability of speleothems for interpreting palaeoclimate is typically determined by using either the Hendy Test, overlapping analysis or long‐term cave environment monitoring. However, in many cases, these methods are not applicable, because a speleothem lacks clearly traceable layers for the Hendy Test, it is difficult to obtain an overlapping speleothem nearby, or long‐term cave monitoring is impractical. The authors propose a multiple cave deposit approach to assess the suitability of speleothems for palaeoclimate study. Speleothems collected from two sites within Raccoon Mountain Cave, Tennessee (USA) exhibit remarkable spatial variation (δ¹³C: ?10·3‰ to ?2·2‰) over a relatively short distance (ca 260 m). Drip water δ¹⁸O values exhibit a seasonal precipitation signal at Site 1 and an annual signal at Site 2. Combining field observations, water isotope analysis and trace‐element data, the authors propose that the speleothem formation at Site 1 and Site 2 tapped distinct sources of CO₂: (i) CO₂ derived from overlying soils for Site 1; and (ii) limestone dissolved inorganic carbon induced by ground water dissolution for Site 2. Using fresh cave deposits (modern speleothem) δ¹³C (100% C3 vegetation) as an analogue, a simple model was developed to estimate land surface vegetation for speleothems. The speleothem formation temperature estimated using fresh cave deposit δ¹⁸O values generally reflects the mean annual temperature in this region. This study indicates that spatial variations in carbon isotopes could be caused by different carbon sources dominating in different parts of the cave, which should be taken into consideration by researchers when using speleothem δ¹³C values to reconstruct temporal palaeo‐vegetation changes. This study demonstrates a practical sampling strategy for verifying suitability of speleothems for palaeo‐vegetation and palaeo‐temperature reconstructions by analysing multiple cave deposits, especially for cases in which the Hendy Test, parallel sampling and long‐term monitoring of cave environment are not feasible.     

Isotopic signature of burial diagenesis and primary lithological contrasts in periplatform carbonates (Miocene, Great Bahama Bank)

The stable isotope geochemistry of Miocene sediments from the leeward margin of the Great Bahama Bank was examined to investigate burial diagenetic processes in periplatform carbonates. Data indicate that, in addition to differences in bulk proportions of neritic and pelagic carbonate along the slope, rhythmic variation in primary carbonate content has controlled patterns of burial diagenesis and associated geochemical signatures throughout much of the succession examined. The present study focuses on Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1006 and 1007, the most distal of five sites drilled from marginal to deep basin environments during Leg 166. These Miocene sections are characterized by their cyclic appearance, manifest as decimetre‐ to metre‐scale alternations between light‐coloured ooze/chalk/limestone and dark‐coloured marl/marlstone. The section at Site 1006 contains a high proportion of pelagic carbonate and is unlithified to a subbottom depth of ～675 m. Fluctuations in δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values at this site are independent of lithological variation and reflect primary conditions. At Site 1007, located at the toe‐of‐slope and composed of a mixture of bank‐derived and pelagic carbonate, limestones are densely cemented, show little evidence of compaction and have δ¹⁸O values up to 2‰ higher than coeval sediments at Site 1006. Marlstones at Site 1007 are poorly cemented, exhibit an increase in compaction‐related features with depth and have lower and more variable δ¹⁸O values that are similar to those of coeval sediments at Site 1006. Isotopic and petrographic characteristics of limestone interbeds result from cement precipitation from cold sea water during the first ～100 m of burial. Higher proportions of insoluble materials and pelagic carbonate seem to have inhibited diagenetic alteration in adjacent marlstones; in spite of significant compaction and pressure solution during burial, original isotopic compositions appear to be best preserved in these intervals at Site 1007. The documented contrasts in petrographic and isotopic patterns illustrate the role of primary sediment composition in controlling lithification processes in periplatform carbonates and stress the importance of considering such factors when interpreting geochemical data from ancient shelf and slope limestones.     

Stable carbon‐isotope record of shallow‐marine evaporative epicratonic basin carbonates,Ordovician Williston Basin,North America

Secular variations in stable carbon‐isotope values of marine carbonates are used widely to correlate successions that lack high‐resolution index fossils. Various environmental processes, however, commonly may affect and alter the primary marine carbon‐isotope signal in shallow epicratonic basins. This study focuses on the marine carbon‐isotope record from the carbonate–evaporite succession of the upper Katian (Upper Ordovician) Red River Formation of the shallow epicratonic Williston Basin, USA. It documents the carbon‐isotope signal between the two major Ordovician positive shifts in δ¹³C, the early Katian Guttenberg and the Hirnantian excursions. Eight δ¹³C stages are identified based on positive excursions, shifts from positive to negative values and relatively uniform δ¹³C_carb values. A correlation between carbon‐isotope trends and the relative sea‐level changes based on gross facies stacking patterns shows no clear relation. Based on the available biostratigraphy and δ¹³C trends, the studied Williston Basin curves are tied to the isotope curves from the North American Midcontinent, Québec (Anticosti Island) and Estonia, which confirm the Late Katian age (Aphelognathus divergens Conodont Zone) of the upper Red River Formation. The differences in the δ¹³C overall trend and absolute values, coupled with the petrographic and cathodoluminescence evidence, suggest that the carbon‐isotope record has been affected by the syndepositional environmental processes in the shallow and periodically isolated Williston Basin, and stabilized by later burial diagenesis under reducing conditions and the presence of isotopically more negative fluids.     

Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate rocks in the northwestern Russian platform

Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate rocks in the northwestern Russian Platform (eastern Ladoga Klint, Lynna River, and Babino quarry sections) are considered. In the studied section interval, average δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values are 0 ± 0.5 and ?5 ± 0.5‰ (V-PDB), respectively. Two closely-spaced negative carbon isotope excursions with the amplitude of 2‰ are established near the Lower-Middle Ordovician boundary (between the Floian and Dapingian stages). The lower part of the Darriwilian Stage is marked by the gradual decrease in δ¹³C values to 1‰. Excursions of δ¹³C do not correlate with δ¹⁸O variations and can be considered as primary. The carbon isotope event defined at the Lower-Middle Ordovician boundary is traceable at the interregional level and represents a promising stratigraphic reference level. It may likely be explained by decrease in the relative rate of organic matter burial due to sea level fall and expansion of well-aerated shallow-water basins with a low primary production of phytoplankton.     

Carbon isotope records of the early Albian oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1b from eastern Tethys (southern Tibet,China)

The early Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE), i.e., OAE1b, is well documented in western Tethys and in the primary North Atlantic Ocean, but has not yet been reported from eastern Tethys. In this paper, we present bulk carbon isotope data of hemipelagites to examine if it was recorded in eastern Tethys. Samples were taken from the upper Chuangdepu Member (nannofossil zone CC8) of the lower Gyabula (former Shadui) Formation at the Bangbu section, Qonggyai, southern Tibet of China. The δ¹³C values mainly range from −0.6‰ to 1.8‰ with a maximum of 1.87‰ and a minimum of −0.69‰. Three stages of carbon isotope evolution were distinguished with three boundaries. By the constraint of the stratigraphic sequence and nannofossil biostratigraphic zone CC8, the rapid δ¹³C change and correlation with western Tethys and Atlantic Ocean together suggest that these three boundaries of the carbon isotope evolution probably correspond to three subevents of the early Albian OAE1b, and the subevent levels of upper Kilian, Paquier, and Leenhardt are recorded in eastern Tethys (southern Tibet). The fact that the amount of δ¹³C shift is less by ∼1.5–2.0‰ in eastern Tethys than in western Tethys and Atlantic Ocean is interpreted as a result of possible cool sea surface (∼14–16 °C) of the southeastern Tethys (northern Indian passive margin of Greater India), which was probably located in a medium–high latitude during the Albian, leading to low primary productivity. The recognition of OAE-1b from Tethys Himalaya can improve our understanding of the Tethys and global paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic changes during the mid-Cretaceous.     

Strontium and carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Late Jurassic shallow marine limestone in western Palaeo-Pacific,northwest Borneo

Strontium and carbon isotope stratigraphy was applied to a 202 m-thick shallow marine carbonate section within the Late Jurassic Bau Limestone at the SSF quarry in northwest Borneo, Malaysia, which was deposited in the western Palaeo-Pacific. Strontium isotopic ratios of rudist specimens suggest that the SSF section was formed between the latest Oxfordian (155.95 Ma) and the Late Kimmeridgian (152.70 Ma), which is consistent with previous biostratigraphy. The δ¹³C_carb values of bulk carbonate range from −0.10 to +2.28‰ and generally show an increasing upward trend in the lower part of the section and a decreasing upward trend in the upper part of the section. A comparable pattern is preserved in the δ¹³C_org isotope record. Limestone samples of the SSF section mainly preserve the initial δ¹³C_carb values, except for the interval 84–92 m, where an apparent negative anomaly likely developed as a result of meteoric diagenesis. Comparing with the Tethyan δ¹³C_carb profile, a negative anomaly in the lower SSF section can be correlated with the lowered δ¹³C values around the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary. In addition, δ¹³C_carb values of the Bau Limestone are generally ∼1‰ lower than the Tethyan values, but comparable with the values reported from Scotland and Russia, located in Boreal realm during the Late Jurassic. This suggests that either the Tethyan record or the other records have been affected by the δ¹³C values of regionally variable dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The Late Jurassic δ¹³C_DIC values are thought to have been regionally variable as a result of their palaeoceanographic settings. This study shows that δ¹³C chemostratigraphy of the Palaeo-Pacific region contributes to an improved understanding of global carbon cycling and oceanography during this time period.     

Cenomanian events in the deep western Basque Basin: the Leioa section

Analysis of the microfaunas (foraminifera, ostracods) and the stable isotope values (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O) of the Leioa section, as representative of the deep Basque Basin, has allowed us to propose a detailed palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of this region during the Cenomanian, as well as to register global chronostratigraphic reference levels to facilitate interregional correlations. During the Cenomanian, part of the basin, the Plentzia Trough, was occupied by intermediate water masses, as deduced by the relative percentages of planktonic (Rotalipora) and benthonic foraminifera. A noticeable change is observed at the middle-late Cenomanian transition: the replacement of the dominance of keeled (rota-liporids) by incipiently-keeled (dicarinellids, praeglobotruncanids) planktonic foraminifera, indicative of the new influence of the upper intermediate waters. The temporary effect of shallow waters is deduced in one interval of the latest early Cenomanian and two more of the middle Cenomanian, as indicated by the dominance of globular planktonic foraminifera (hedbergellids). These water masses were moderately to strongly hypoxic (<4 to <2 ml/l of disolved oxygen) after the ostracod platycopid signal and benthonic foraminiferal hypoxic indicators. The dysaerobia may have been particulary strong (almost anoxia?) during part of the middle Cenomanian. Micronutrient availability was also restricted during several intervals of the middle Cenomanian, as indicated by the sudden decrease in the species diversity of the calcitic benthonics during the period when increased trends of the δ¹³C isotopic signals are observed. The combination of both hypoxia and nutrient depletion produced drastic changes in the microfaunal assemblages, with emigrations and local extinctions, showing benthonic perturbations from the time indicated by the base of theRotalipora reicheliZone onwards. From the beginning until the end of the middle Cenomanian, eleven of these perturbations are recorded as regional bioevents, using as bioevent-markers, intervals where microfauna was absent (including benthic-free intervals, B-FI; benthonic calcitic-free intervals, BC-FI; and ostracod-free intervals, O-FI). These changes led to the renewal of the microfaunas; benthonic foraminifera renewed their specific stocks during the early to early middle Cenomanian, with planktonic foraminifera and ostracods undergoing renewal at the end of the middle Cenomanian. Isotope values of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C are consistent with the palaeoenvironmental changes detected by the microfaunas; their maximum and minimum shifts coincide with the bioevents. The double-peaked positive shift of δ¹³C for the mid-Cenomanian of northwest Europe (Jenkynset al., 1994; Paulet al., 1994a) has been recognized in this series of the Basque Basin. The palaeoenvironmental perturbations deduced in the Cenomanian of the Leioa section are attributed essentially to palaeoceanographic changes, where intermediate water masses profoundly influenced the planktonic and benthonic ecosystems. The influence of other local causes, such as volcanic activity at that time, or tectonics between the Iberian and European plates, are more difficult to prove. Several of the bioevents defined in the middle Cenomanian of this basin could probably be global in nature, and thus may be useful for establishing interregional correlations.     

浙江长兴二叠系和三叠系界限地层的碳同位素

研究海相碳酸盐岩的碳和氧同位素已有三十多年,积累了数千个数据,其目的在于研究古海洋碳和氧同位素的演变。在此期间,一部分研究者认为,海相碳酸盐岩的δ¹³C值在0±2范围内变化,未表现出与地质时代相关的变化趋势(Clayton和Degens,1959;Degens和Epstein,1962;Keith和Weber,1964;Galimov,1965;Becker和Clayton,1972;Schidlowski等,1975)。但是,另一些学者,如Jeffery等(1955),Baertschi(1975),Compston(1960),Weber(1967),Garrels和Parry(1974)却认为,海相碳酸盐岩的δ¹³C值随地质时代而有规律地变化。     

C and O stable isotope variability in recent freshwater carbonates (River Krka, Croatia)

Three types of recent carbonate precipitates from the River Krka, Croatia, were analysed: (1) bulk tufa from four main cascades in a 34 km long section of the river flow through the Krka National Park; (2) a laminar stromatolite‐like incrustation formed in the tunnel of a hydroelectric power plant close to the lowest cascade; and (3) recent precipitates collected on artificial substrates during winter, spring and summer periods. Stable isotope compositions of carbon (δ¹³C) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) in the carbonate and organic carbon (δ¹³C_org) were determined and compared with δ¹⁸O of water and δ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The source of DIC, which provides C for tufa precipitation, was determined from the slope of the line ([DIC]/[DIC₀]?1) vs. (δ¹³C‐DIC × ([DIC]/[DIC₀])) ( Sayles & Curry, 1988 ). The δ¹³C value of added DIC was ?13·6‰, corresponding to the dissolution of CO₂ with δ¹³C between ?19·5 and ?23·0‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB). The observed difference between the measured and calculated equilibrium temperature of precipitation of bulk tufa barriers indicates that the higher the water temperature, the larger the error in the estimated temperature of precipitation. This implies that the climatic signals may be valid only in tufas precipitated at lower and relatively stable temperatures. The laminar crust comprising a continuous record of the last 40 years of precipitation shows a consistent trend of increasing δ¹³C and decreasing δ¹⁸O. The lack of covariation between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O indicates that precipitation of calcite was not kinetically controlled for either of the elements. δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of precipitates collected on different artificial substrates show that surface characteristics both of substrates and colonizing biota play an important role in C and O isotope fractionation during carbonate precipitation.     

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.