Chemostratigraphy of Neoproterozoic carbonates: implications for ‘blind dating’

Abstract

The δ13Ccarb and 87Sr/86Sr secular variations in Neoproteozoic seawater have been used for the purpose of ‘isotope stratigraphy’ but there are a number of problems that can preclude its routine use. In particular, it cannot be used with confidence for ‘blind dating’. The compilation of isotopic data on carbonate rocks reveals a high level of inconsistency between various carbon isotope age curves constructed for Neoproteozoic seawater, caused by a relatively high frequency of both global and local δ13Ccarb fluctuations combined with few reliable age determinations. Further complication is caused by the unresolved problem as to whether two or four glaciations, and associated negative δ13Ccarb excursions, can be reliably documented. Carbon isotope stratigraphy cannot be used alone for geological correlation and ‘blind dating’. Strontium isotope stratigraphy is a more reliable and precise tool for stratigraphic correlations and indirect age determinations. Combining strontium and carbon isotope stratigraphy, several discrete ages within the 590–544 Myr interval, and two age‐groups at 660–610 and 740–690 Myr can be resolved.