Abstract
A detailed stable isotopic study based on benthic foraminifera from 1165 samples of ODP Site 1148 (18°50.17.3′N, 116°33.93′E, water depth 3308.3 m), northern South China Sea, provides an excellent oxygen isotopic record with an average resolution of 30 ka. It contains the most continuous δ 18 O data with highest resolution for the whole Neogene sequence in the world. The δ 18 O curve shows a step-like increasing upwards and records 5 increases, 3 decreases and 2 stable stages during the Neogene, reflecting the general trend of global cooling. Among these events the δ 18 O decrease at 17.2—14.5 Ma, and two δ 18 O increases at 14.5—13.6 and 3.0—2.4 Ma are most marked and globally comparable. The intervals at 13.6—10.2 and 6.0—3.0 Ma with the lowest-amplitude and least fluctuation in δ 18 O represent the most stable bottom water periods for the South China Sea.
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