Evaluation of the Salinic I tectonic, Cancañiri glacial and Ireviken biotic events: Biochemostratigraphy of the Lower Siluriansuccession in the Niagara Gorge area, Canada and U.S.A.

Abstract

Well-preserved brachiopods from the Niagara Gorge area, Anticosti Island, Britain, Gotland and Estonia were utilised to delineate a complex isotopic evolution for Llandovery–Wenlock seawater. The Sr-isotope record reflects the Salinic I tectophase of the Late Llandovery in the continuous increase in 87Sr/ 86Sr values from 0.708070 to 0.708346. The Salinic II tectophase is marked by relative constancy of Sr isotope values until the Late Wenlock when it rises from 0.708345 to 0.708430. The second tectonic phase was therefore likely only of a regional nature. The carbon isotopes during the Llandovery fall within a band of about − 1‰ to + 3‰, a range comparable to modern low-latitude brachiopods. A large positive δ 13C excursion of about 3‰, identifies the Ireviken event/excursion, characterizes the Early Wenlock. The biotic crisis and the isotope excursion itself may be ultimately related to the onset and duration of the Cancañiri glaciation, although a direct causative scenario is as yet unknown. The oxygen isotopic trends of well-preserved brachiopods clearly reflect a warm climate interval during the latest Llandovery associated with the Silurian sea level highstand. Subsequently, in the Early Wenlock, the sea level fell with the onset of the Cancañiri glaciation in the southern hemisphere. This is reflected in a significant positive δ 18O excursion, particularly in brachiopods from the Niagara Gorge area. Brachiopods from lower latitudes were awash in warm tropical currents and therefore exhibit somewhat more negative δ 18O values, indicating a lesser cooling gradient.