Records of upwelling, seasonality and growth in stable‐isotope profiles of Pliocene mollusk shells from Florida

Abstract

Oxygen and carbon isotopic profiles across the shells of well-preserved bivalves and gastropods from the Pliocene Pinecrest Beds near Sarasota, Florida, provide detailed records of the paleoen-vironmental and paleoclimatic conditions under which these high-density shell beds accumulated, as well as offer insight into shell-growth rates and longevity. Eight turritellid gastropods were analyzed from within and surrounding two Turritella-rich beds, an upper bed within unit 2(2.5-2.0 Ma) and a lower bed situated near the top of the main shell bed, unit 6/7(3.5-2.5 Ma). Three bivalves plus another turritellid specimen from a lower horizon (middle of unit 6/7), considered to represent offshore, normal-marine conditions, were also analyzed. The isotopic profiles of all shells reflect year-round shell growth in a seasonal, subtropical to warm-temperate paleoenvironment. Cyclical patterns in δ18O reflect annual variations in water temperature which on average ranged from 15 to 24d̀C; minimum paleoseasonality contrasts varied from 7 to 9d̀C. Summer paleo-temperatures compare favorably with those detemined from ostracodes, whereas winter temperatures appear slightly cooler. Except for one pectinid specimen, temperature differences between horizons and specimens are small. Annual δ18O cycles indicate: Turritella apicalis lived longer and grew slightly faster than Turritella gladeensis; and, shell growth rates and increment formation in Mercenaria campechiensis are comparable to modern Florida populations. Coincident episodes of heavy δ18O and light δ18C in both turritellids and bivalves suggest a pattern of seasonal upwelling. This cool, nutrient-rich, upwelled water may be partially responsible for the great abundance of Pinecrest fossils. □Stable isotopes, Pliocene, Pinecrest Beds, Florida, upwelling, paleotemperature, mollusk, Turritella.