Spatial heterogeneity in carbonate-platform environments and carbon isotope values across the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (Tethys Himalaya, South Tibet)

Abstract

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ~56 Ma) is a large negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) that testifies to a massive perturbation of the global carbon cycle and has been considered to be an ancient, deep-time analogue for present and future climate change. However, the environmental and carbon isotopic response to the PETM in shallow-water carbonate platforms has remained largely elusive. This study presents new sedimentological, biostratigraphic, and carbon isotopic data to evaluate the impact of the PETM on a shallow-water carbonate platform from more proximal southern parts of the northern Indian continental margin. Detailed biostratigraphy and carbon isotope data indicate that the PETM occurs 3 m below the boundary between nodular and thin-bedded limestones, is maintained up to the thin-bedded limestone and calcareous marl interval, and is followed by recovery at the base of thick-bedded limestone interval. Microfacies analysis testifies to a regression from open to restricted shallow-marine environments at the transition from PETM onset to PETM core, and shallowing continued through the PETM core. Restricted lagoonal deposition was renewed during PETM recovery. These environmental changes were associated with two major turnovers of shallow-water biota. We infer that the first sudden biotic change at the PETM onset may relate to intensified continental weathering, whereas the second biotic change at PETM recovery may have been caused by sea-level fall. The smaller magnitude of the CIE observed in proximal, shallower-water than in distal, deeper-water environments is ascribed to increased primary productivity due to increased nutrients' supply associated with intensified continental weathering. • A regression at the PETM onset from open to restricted shallow-marine environments, and restored to restricted lagoon at the recovery • The sudden environmental changes across PETM were associated with major changes of shallow-water biota • The smaller magnitude of the CIE observed in shallower-water than in deeper-water strata is ascribed to increased primary productivity