Vertical and Lateral Variation of Carbonate Isotope Ratios within Paleosol Profiles of the Willwood Formation, Wyoming

Abstract

This project aims to identify and understand spatial variability of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes preserved in fossil soil profiles (paleosols). Isotope values preserved in paleosols can record paleo-climate and paleoenvironmental information that helps us understand Earth’s history. Models predict that isotope ratios should vary vertically and perhaps laterally within paleosol beds due to chemical and physical processes. Many studies have reconstructed carbon and oxygen isotope ratios by measuring carbonate mineral formed in ancient soils; however, most only obtain a small sample set per bed and assume isotope ratios are constant across the profile. Few studies have actually documented isotopic variability or its effect on paleo reconstructions.