Coeval Sections Research Articles

Shallow-water redox changes and nitrogen cycles in the early Cambrian Nanhua Basin, South China

Widespread oceanic anoxia has been frequently invoked for metazoan extinctions during the Cambrian. However, this hypothesis remains to be debated. In this study, we measured total organic carbon (TOC), total bulk nitrogen (TNbulk), iron speciation, major and trace elements, and isotopic compositions of sedimentary bulk nitrogen (δ15Nbulk) for the Shiyantou Formation in the Meishucun section. Our results suggest ferruginous conditions and high productivity in the lower member (LM: 0–16.0 m), dominantly suboxic conditions and low productivity in the middle member (MM: 16.0–23.7 m), and oxic conditions and low productivity in the upper member (UM: 23.7–28.0 m). Low δ15Nbulk values (average 1.0 ‰) in the LM suggest quantitative assimilation of NH4+ and strong nitrogen fixation as a consequence of high primary productivity and widespread water-column reducing conditions in the Nanhua Basin. δ15Nbulk values close to 0 ‰ in the MM suggest intense nitrogen fixation owing to quantitative denitrification and anammox in an oligotrophic environment. Low δ15Nbulk values (average 1.2 ‰) in the UM are indicative of marine nitrogen limitations in an oligotrophic environment. These findings suggest a similar range of low δ15Nbulk values might result from different environments. In comparison with marine redox conditions and δ15Nbulk data from the other coeval sections in the Nanhua Basin, we propose that widespread anoxic conditions might cause the extinction of small shelly faunas. More importantly, the oligotrophic environment and anoxic conditions might delay the recovery of small shelly faunas in the shallow and deep waters of the Nanhua Basin, respectively.

A high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the eastern Ellis Bay Formation, Canada: A record of Hirnantian sea-level change

Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada) contains one of the thickest Ordovician/Silurian boundary sections in the world, providing a fossiliferous and well-preserved record of the Late Ordovician mass extinction; however, the absence of a comprehensive correlation framework for the island prevents the full incorporation of data from across Anticosti into a global understanding of the extinction event. Here, we combine sedimentological, stratigraphic, and chemostratigraphic data to develop a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Ellis Bay and lowermost Becscie formations along the northeastern shore of Anticosti Island. These formations record six fourth-order (∼100−400 k.y.) depositional sequences bounded by regionally traceable unconformities. Evidence of subaerial weathering and exposure at many of these unconformities is subtle and has long gone unrecognized, which highlights the complexity of correlation in this and other stratigraphically thin icehouse records. Quartz pebble lags that mantle these surfaces punctuate the otherwise fine-grained, mixed carbonate−siliciclastic strata of the Ellis Bay Formation and provide the means to trace unconformities across localities; these surfaces are also marked by depleted carbon isotopic values, meteoric cement, microkarst, and incised valleys. This sequence stratigraphic framework provides the first correlation framework for exposures from the eastern end of this classic Ordovician/Silurian boundary section, and thus enables the integration of paleobiological, stratigraphic, and geochemical data into a basin-wide perspective of the Late Ordovician mass extinction. Critically, comparison to sequence stratigraphic frameworks from coeval sections suggests that other regions may be incomplete at the level of the fourth-order cycles recorded on Anticosti Island and may contain similarly cryptic unconformities.

Environmental and trilobite diversity changes during the middle-late Cambrian SPICE event

The Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) event at ca. 497−494 Ma was a major carbon-cycle perturbation of the late Cambrian that coincided with rapid diversity changes among trilobites. Several scenarios (e.g., climatic/oceanic cooling and seawater anoxia) have been proposed to account for an extinction of trilobites at the onset of SPICE, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present a chemostratigraphic study of carbonate carbon and carbonate-associated sulfate sulfur isotopes (δ13Ccarb and δ34SCAS) and elemental redox proxies (UEF, MoEF, and Corg/P), augmented by secular trilobite diversity data, from both upper slope (Wangcun) and lower slope (Duibian) successions from the Jiangnan Slope, South China, spanning the Drumian to lower Jiangshanian. Redox data indicate locally/regionally well-oxygenated conditions throughout the SPICE event in both study sections except for low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions within the rising limb of the SPICE (early-middle Paibian) at Duibian. As in coeval sections globally, the reported δ13Ccarb and δ34SCAS profiles exhibit first-order coupling throughout the SPICE event, reflecting co-burial of organic matter and pyrite controlled by globally integrated marine productivity, organic preservation rates, and shelf hypoxia. Increasing δ34SCAS in the “Early SPICE” interval (late Guzhangian) suggests that significant environmental change (e.g., global-oceanic hypoxia) was under way before the global carbon cycle was markedly affected. Assessment of trilobite range data within a high-resolution biostratigraphic framework for the middle-late Cambrian facilitated re-evaluation of the relationship of the SPICE to contemporaneous biodiversity changes. Trilobite diversity in South China declined during the Early SPICE (corresponding to the End-Marjuman Biomere Extinction, or EMBE, of Laurentia) and at the termination of the SPICE (corresponding to the End-Steptoean Biomere Extinction, or ESBE, of Laurentia), consistent with biotic patterns from other cratons. We infer that oxygen minimum zone and/or shelf hypoxia expanded as a result of locally enhanced productivity due to intensified upwelling following climatic cooling, and that expanded hypoxia played a major role in the EMBE at the onset of SPICE. During the SPICE event, global-ocean ventilation promoted marine biotic recovery, but termination of SPICE-related cooling in the late Paibian may have reduced global-ocean circulation, triggering further redox changes that precipitated the ESBE. Major changes in both marine environmental conditions and trilobite diversity during the late Guzhangian demonstrate that the SPICE event began earlier than the Guzhangian-Paibian boundary, as previously proposed.

New Data on Planktonic Foraminifera and Ostracods of the Barremian(?)–Aptian of Eastern Crimea: Stratigraphy and Paleoecology

Planktonic foraminifera and ostracods of the upper Barremian (?)–lower Aptian of the Kokluk section (Eastern Crimea) are studied. Three interval-zones are established based on foraminifera: Globigerinelloides blowi, Hedbergella ruka and H. excelsa. Beds with H. ruka are described as a zone. Based on ostracods, Robsoniella minima–Loxoella variealveolata Zone and Beds with Cytheropteron tesakovae are determined. An interval possibly corresponding to OAE 1a is ascertained. Species C. tesakovae is described as new. The Kokluk section is correlated with coeval sections Verkhorechie (South-Western Crimea) and Zavodskaya balka (Eastern Crimea). Paleoecological analyses of the Kokluk section is made.

Integrated stratigraphy and clay mineralogy of the Owadów–Brzezinki section (Lower–Upper Tithonian transition, central Poland): implications for correlations between the Boreal and the Tethyan domains and palaeoclimate

New microfossil and magnetostratigraphical data as well as geochemical and clay mineral weathering indices are documented from the uppermost Jurassic Owadów–Brzezinki palaeontological site in central Poland. The newly discovered chitinoidellid assemblage of the lowermost part of the section and the previously documented assemblage from the middle part of the section are assigned, respectively, to the uppermost Dobeni and Boneti Subzones of the Chitinoidellidae Zone. The same part of the succession is correlated to the magnetosubzone M20n.2n. The new data allow refinement of the Tithonian stratigraphical scheme including an assignment of the upper part of the Boreal Zarajskites Subzone of the Scythicus (Panderi) ammonite Zone to the Upper Tithonian and its correlation with the lowermost part of Tethyan Microcanthum ammonite Zone and the lower portion of the M20n.2n magnetosubzone. The data show that the Fittoni/Albani ammonite zone boundary should likely be placed within the Boneti Subzone. The geochemical data show decreasing chemical weathering intensity during the earliest Late Tithonian in central Poland, which is linked to aridification of the latest Jurassic climate. The same trend is observed in coeval sections of NW and NE Europe. Supplementary material: Additional rock magnetic results, correlation of magnetic proxies with Al. and X-ray diagrams for clay minerals are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6299266

Controls on marine primary productivity variation and organic matter accumulation during the Late Ordovician－Early Silurian transition

The Late Ordovician−Early Silurian is a convergence period of multiple events in geological history, including dramatic variations of biology, environment, and geology. Extensive research has demonstrated remarkable fluctuations in ocean chemistry, microbial ecosystems, and biogeochemical elemental cycles experienced. However, the spatial-temporal evaluation of marine primary productivity and its links to organic matter accumulation during this key period remain elusive. Here, we present high-resolution marine primary productivity proxy (organic carbon accumulation rates: OCAR) and geochemical data from the Fengtonggang and Qiliao sections deposited in South China and adopted numerous other coeval sections of geochemical data globally, to improve the understanding of these fundamental scientific questions. The results show that all statistical profiles presented broadly high marine primary productivity before and after the Hirnantian glaciation maximum and low values during the glaciation, and a maximum marine primary productivity typically recorded at the uppermost part of the P.pacificus Zone. The Corg/Ptotal ratios indicate that oceanic anoxia was ubiquitous during the Late Katian to Early Rhuddanian, but strong spatial heterogeneous during the Hirnantian glaciation maximum. The volcanism and nitrogen availability may have played an important role in regulating the variations of marine primary productivity globally. Besides, redox-controlled phosphorus cycling may have also exerted a remarkable influence on marine primary productivity. The high Corg/Ptotal ratios (exceed the Redfield ratio of 106/1) observed in the Wufeng and Longmaxi formations indicate that phosphorus was recycled effectively back to the water column, promoting a positive productivity feedback. By contrast, the low Corg/Ptotal ratios found in the Guanyinqiao Bed reflect phosphorus retention in the sediment, limiting phosphorus recycling back to the water column, consequently restricting the primary production. The enhanced marine primary productivity resulted from nutrient regeneration, ocean anoxia, and high sea level may have led to high organic carbon export and preservation. The consistency between the highest marine primary productivity and the first pulse of mass extinction suggests that eutrophication-induced marine anoxia may have played an essential killing mechanism during the first Late Ordovician mass extinction.

Orbital forcing of late Early Devonian storm events on a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic shelf, Longmenshan area, Sichuan Province, China

AbstractThe Yangmaba Formation of latest Early Devonian age in the Longmenshan area of Sichuan Province, China, is a shelfal facies that consists of four types of carbonate-siliciclastic deposits: clay-rich, siliciclastic sand-rich, carbonate-dominated, and hybrid mixed. Storm deposits vary in their thickness, composition, and abundance-per-meter within these mixed carbonate-siliciclastic deposits. Meter-scale statistics of the relative storm frequency (events-per-meter) and magnitude (bed thickness) were compiled in two coeval sections through each of the hybrid facies in the lower Yangmaba Formation, which spans approximately the entire conodont Polygnathus patulus Zone of the uppermost Emsian Stage. Low-pass filtering, spectral analysis, and Acycle software interpretation of these tempestite statistics yield 3.5 main oscillations in each section, with an average wavelength of ~23 m. These long-wavelength trends are semi-coincident with interpreted long-term variations in sea level, where shallower depths allowed a greater influence by storms. Superimposed on the long-wavelength cycles are medium-wavelength cycles of 5.5–6.3 m. The estimated ~1.5 m.y. time-span of this conodont zone of the lower Yangmaba Formation and the approximate 1:4 ratios of these wavelengths indicate that frequency and intensity of major storms and the recording of tempestites in the sedimentary record were modulated by ~100- and 95-k.y.-short-eccentricity orbital-climate oscillations superimposed on a main 405-k.y.-long-eccentricity cycle. These eccentricity climate cycles governed storm intensity and regional sea level on this margin of the tropical Yangtze Platform of South China.

Paleomagnetism of the Ordovician section of the Mishina Gora (Pskov oblast): a record of the ancient geomagnetic field and restrictions on the age of the Mishinogorsk explosive structure

Paleomagnetic studies of the Ordovician rocks of the Mishina Gora explosive structure (Gdovsky district, Pskov region) have been carried out. Based on the results of thermal magnetic cleaning, two stable magnetization components S and P have been identified. These components have similar unblocking temperature ranges (~200–600°C), but their mean directions are statistically different the difference of their mean directions are statistically significant. Refional fold–test indicates the postfolding age of the component S and prefolding age of the component P. Prefolding age of the latter is supported by the positive result of the local fold-test which has been carried out in the scale of the studied section. Comparison of the paleomagnetic pole calculated from the S component with the Apparent Polar Wander Path for the East European Platform definitely indicates the Late Permian-Early Triassic age of this component, which, in combination with the available geological observations, determines the time range of the formation of the Mishina Gora structure as ~370-250 million years ago. The ancient component of the magnetization P has the same direction as the components, which have been identified earlier in a number of coeval sections of the North-West of Russia, Estonia, and Scandinavia and which have been considered to be primary. The corresponding paleomagnetic poles are widely used in Paleozoic geodynamic and tectonic paleoreconstructions with the participation of the Baltic paleocontinent. A positive fold test result for the P component validates the use of these poles for paleoreconstructions. For the stratigraphic interval, which includes the upper Floian, Dapinian, and lower 2/3 of the Darrivilian stages, a magnetostratigraphic section has been constructed containing a single magnetozone corresponding to the reverse polarity of the geomagnetic field. Thus, the magnetostratigraphic data do not support the hypothesis of the existence of intervals of normal polarity within the Ordovician geomagnetic superchron of reverse polarity (Moyero superchron).

Spatial heterogeneity of redox-sensitive trace metal enrichments in upper Ediacaran anoxic black shales

The Ediacaran radiation of metazoans is widely thought to have been triggered by an increase in atmospheric and oceanic oxygen levels. Although supported by other proxies, rising oxygen levels were deduced to a significant degree from sedimentary enrichments of redox-sensitive trace elements (RSTEs). However, some organic-rich shales of this period show only minor enrichments in RSTEs, leaving the significance of RSTE data for palaeo-oxygenation interpretations in doubt. We measured and compiled proxies for marine redox conditions (Fe species, RSTEs), total organic carbon (TOC) and water mass restriction (Mo/TOC and Co × Mn v. Cd/Mo) in the intra-shelf Jiulongwan and basinal Sandu sections of the Nanhua Basin in South China. Compared with the same proxies from coeval sections in the Nanhua Basin and globally, our results document a strong spatial heterogeneity of RSTE enrichments in anoxic black shales during the late Ediacaran. We infer that RSTE enrichments were strongly influenced by local factors, such as basinal restriction, seawater RSTE concentrations, and differential elemental responses to redox conditions and other influences. The broader significance of our findings is that they highlight the difficulty of investigating global redox conditions based on an analysis of local RSTE proxies within a single depositional basin or a limited number of study sections. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Advances in the Cambrian Explosion collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/advances-cambrian-explosion Supplementary material : Tables S1–S3 are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5325047

Mo isotope records from Lower Cambrian black shales, northwestern Tarim Basin (China): Implications for the early Cambrian ocean

AbstractThe widely developed black shales deposited during the early Cambrian recorded paleoenvironmental information about coeval seawater. Numerous studies have been conducted on these shales to reconstruct the paleomarine environment during this time period. However, most research has been conducted on stratigraphic sections in South China, and equivalent studies of sections from other cratons are relatively rare. Here, we report Mo isotopic compositions as well as redox-sensitive trace-element and iron (Fe) speciation data for black shales of the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation from the Tarim block (i.e., a small craton). The Fe speciation data show high FeHR/FeT and Fepy/FeHR ratios, indicating roughly sustained euxinic bottom-water conditions during their deposition. Based on Mo isotopic compositions (δ98/95Mo), we further classified the euxinic black shales into two intervals: a lower interval (0–21.3 m) and an upper interval (21.3–32.3 m). The lower interval is characterized by variable Mo isotopic compositions (−2.12‰ to +0.57‰, mean = –0.52‰ ± 0.72‰), with an obvious negative excursion in its middle portion. The overlying upper interval has relatively heavy δ98/95Mo values up to +1.42‰ (mean = +0.62‰ ± 0.37‰). We ascribe δ98/95Mo differences in the lower and upper intervals to inadequate aqueous H2S concentrations for quantitative thiomolybdate formation under euxinic conditions. The most negative Mo isotope excursion may have been caused by upwelling hydrothermal inputs during a transgression, consistent with significantly elevated total organic carbon (TOC) contents, Mo and U enrichments, and Fe supply. Relatively positive δ98/95Mo values in the upper interval have roughly similar variations with other coeval sections, indicating such variations were common for early Cambrian euxinic deposits, and they were most likely caused by local differences in [H2S]aq. Compilation of Mo isotope data from the early Cambrian and earlier times further indicates relatively oxygenated seawater, especially the deep-marine areas during the early Cambrian before reaching a state like modern seawater.

Conodont Biostratigraphy of the Lower Carboniferous Deep-Water Facies in the Kokshaal and Djangdjir Ranges, South Tianshan, Kyrgyzstan

On the basis of a detailed study of 39 sections in the Djangdjir and Kokshaal ranges of the South Tianshan (Kyrgyzstan), the conodont zonation of deep-water facies of the Tournaisian, Visean, and Serpukhovian stages was specified. Nine conodont zones, including three new ones, and one unit in the rank of layers with conodonts were distinguished. The deep-water character of studied facies determines the predominant occurrence of cosmopolitan conodonts, which enable the reliable correlation with coeval sections in many regions worldwide. The comparison of conodont assemblages at the specific level indicates that conodont assemblages from the South Tianshan sections are the most similar to those from the Southern Urals and South China.

Age of the Post-rift Sequence I from the Araripe Basin, Lower Cretaceous, NE Brazil: implications for spatio-temporal correlation

A robust biostratigraphic zonation based on microfossils supports the stratigraphic framework and correlation of the interior basins of the Lower Cretaceous of NE Brazil. This zonation has also allowed correlations with coeval sections in the Brazilian marginal basins and in the Gabon and Congo basins (central-west Africa). These records, consisting mainly of non-marine sediments, were a great challenge with regard to the correlation with the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. Therefore, local stages were used, the most recent being the Alagoas local Brazilian Stage, with which the Post-rift Sequence I of the Araripe Basin is related. Regarding lithostratigraphy, this sequence includes the Rio da Batateira (Barbalha for some authors) and Santana formations, the last one with the famous Crato, Ipubi, and Romualdo members, from the base to the top. Although currently there is a consensus on the age of the Alagoas local Brazilian Stage in the Araripe Basin, recently a new age for at least part of the Post-rift Sequence I was proposed. This new proposal, based on isotopic analysis of Re-Os, arose as a panacea to correlate the Rio da Batateira Formation and the Crato and Ipubi members with the international stages. Surprisingly, their authors, although on the one hand, they seem to underestimate biostratigraphic results, on the other they seek to support their proposal from microfossils studied by previous authors, but they do so in an inappropriate way, leading readers to misinterpret their results. Therefore, this paper presents a critical review on the age of the Alagoas local Brazilian Stage in the Araripe Basin and nearby basins, refuting a Barremian age for part of the Post-rift Sequence I. Keywords: Alagoas local Brazilian Stage, biostratigraphy, ostracods, palynomorphs, radiometric ages.

Sulfate-controlled marine euxinia in the semi-restricted inner Yangtze Sea (South China) during the Ordovician-Silurian transition

Conflicting published interpretations of marine redox conditions during the Ordovician-Silurian transition (OST) may have been linked to spatial redox heterogeneity during this interval. However, details of the pattern of redox heterogeneity and its underlying causes remain unclear. Here, we present a high-resolution geochemical study of a drillcore section (Pengye #1) from Pengshui County (Chongqing municipality, southwestern China) that was located in the semi-restricted inner Yangtze Sea during the OST. We analyzed Fe-speciation, redox-sensitive trace elements, major elements, and pyrite δ34S compositions (δ34Spy) and then compared these data with published results from coeval sections at Datianba and Shuanghe in the same basin. The integrated dataset demonstrates pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity of redox conditions—especially the local development of euxinic conditions in the inner Yangtze Sea during the OST. Integrated data further suggest that high primary productivity and ample Fe fluxes in the inner Yangtze Sea may have depleted dissolved sulfate through microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) and subsequent pyrite formation, except in areas with enhanced sulfate supply from continental weathering or open-ocean exchange, which varied as a function of both tectonic (i.e., the regional Kwangsian Orogeny) and eustatic changes (i.e., the global Hirnantian glaciation). Limited sulfate availability thus likely prevented the development of euxinic conditions in some regions of the inner Yangtze Sea, as reflected in spatial variation of δ34Spy. Our study highlights the potential role of sulfate availability on the development of watermass euxinia in semi-restricted marginal-marine basins during the OST.

Coupled evolution of nitrogen cycling and redoxcline dynamics on the Yangtze Block across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition

The Ediacaran-Cambrian transition is characterized by the evolution of complex eukaryotes and rapid diversification of metazoans. However, linkages between environmental triggers and evolutionary patterns remain unclear. Here, we present high-resolution records of carbon and nitrogen isotopic data (δ13C, δ15N) for a drill core extending from the early Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation to the early Cambrian Jiumenchong Formation, located on the slope of the Yangtze Block. Our data show that sedimentary bulk nitrogen isotope values (δ15Nbulk) decrease progressively from the early Ediacaran to the early Cambrian, broadly concurrent with nitrogen isotope data from other sections throughout the Yangtze Block. During the early Ediacaran, however, δ15Nbulk values from our study are higher (maximum 11.2‰) compared to those from more restricted coeval sections, suggesting a higher degree of denitrification in our slope section. The early Ediacaran δ15Nbulk data from the Yangtze Block may thus provide indirect evidence for an upwelling system that led to a shallower redoxcline in slope environments of the Upper Yangtze region. Widespread light δ15Nbulk values from the early Cambrian (minimum −7.5‰) paired with excess silicate-bound nitrogen throughout much of the Yangtze Block are most parsimoniously interpreted as non-quantitative assimilation of ammonium (NH4+) with relatively high concentrations of NH4+ accumulating in the deep basin. Overall, the spatial and temporal trends in nitrogen cycling across the Yangtze Block suggest that fixed nitrogen was more bioavailable in the Ediacaran-Cambrian Yangtze Basin compared to previously studied Mesoproterozoic sections, although nitrogen speciation in the photic zone may have varied with time. Environmental factors such as oxygen levels and nitrogen bioavailability may have shaped the evolutionary trajectory of life on the Yangtze Block and potentially elsewhere across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition.

Silurian records of carbon and sulfur cycling from Estonia: The importance of depositional environment on isotopic trends

The Llandovery–Wenlock carbonate-marl succession of the Baltoscandian Basin has been analyzed in the Viki drill core, western Estonia, for carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb), organic carbon (δ13Corg), carbonate-associated sulfate (δ34SCAS) and pyrite (δ34Spyr) isotopes, along with trace element concentrations. Following the End-Ordovician glaciation and the Hirnantian carbon isotope excursion, δ13Ccarb values rise to an early Llandovery carbon isotope maximum (+2‰). Subsequently, δ13Ccarb and coeval δ13Corg record a large ∼+4.5‰ excursion in the early Wenlock, associated with a regression and biotic turnover known as the Ireviken bioevent (IBE). Overall, δ34SCAS values generally fall within a range (25‰ to 35‰) similar to that reported in other sections of comparable age. Two distinct trends are observed: low and stable δ34SCAS values are associated with deep-water facies, while δ34SCAS becomes higher and more variable in the shallow-water facies. Similarly, δ34Spyr values are low and invariant (∼−15‰) in deep-water facies but become higher and more variable (ranging between −35‰ and 16‰) in shallow-water deposits. Despite abundant recrystallization, no obvious evidence for large-scale alteration of proxies is apparent in concentrations of Fe, Sr, Mn and Mg, or in isotopic correlations, although increased variability and lower values of δ34SCAS are observed where CAS abundance is low. A large, well-resolved positive excursion in δ34SCAS observed during the IBE from a time-correlative section on Gotland (Sweden) is absent in the data presented here. This difference demonstrates that, counter to general understanding, local environmental variations can give rise to divergent δ34SCAS profiles in coeval sections. The S-isotope fluctuations in CAS and pyrite in the Viki drill core can be explained by local processes involving facies changes, early diagenetic processes and associated open vs. closed system behavior that can overprint and potentially mask basin or global signals.

SEDIMENTOLOGIA E STRATIGRAFIA DELLE SUCCESSIONI RETICHE AL CONFINE FRA LOMBARDIA E TRENTINO

This paper deals with Rhaetic facies at the Lombardy-Trentino border, in the Giudicarie Region. This area is characterized by important facies changes crossing strike slip faults. Two coeval sections, showing remarkable facies differences, are examined in detail, in order to describe the transition between the Rhaetic Lombardy Basin and the peritidal Trento Platform. The western section shows clear lombardian features and includes two marly formations: the Argillite di Riva di Solto and the Calcare di Zu. They are characterized by asymmetric marl-limestone cycles, developed on a metric scale, and show a shallowing upward evolution, from poorly oxygenated fairly deep environments to tidal flats. The upper portion of this section is referred as a new unit, the Tremalzo limestone, that is characterized commonly by a clear peritidal bathymetric cyclicity. The wholly carbonate eastern section is considered entirely Tremalzo limestone. It shows a similar evolution, but it was deposited in shallower environments on the western margin of the Trento Platform. Both sections are mud- dominated, but storm waves and tidal currents at times produced lenticular grainy beds. A detailed sedimentological analysis shows that these facies were deposited in a ramp system, the dynamics of which were mainly controlled by eustatic fluctuations and climatic cycles.

Occurrence of benthic foraminifers across the Jurassic/Cretaceous transition in Gyangze, southern Xizang (Tibet), China

A relatively low diversity, bathyal benthic foraminiferal assemblage was recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Rilang and Gyabula formations at Chuangde near Gyangze, southern Xizang (Tibet). The assemblage contains 16 taxa belonging to 14 genera, including epifaunal forms dominated by detritus feeders, such as Ammodiscus tenuissimus, Glomospira charoides and Glomospirella gaultina, and rare tubular forms considered to be suspension-feeders such as Rhizammina indivisa and Nothia excelsa. The infaunal component is dominated by Textulariopsis sp. and Pseudobolivina sp., with rare Psammosphaera sp., Haplophragmoides sp. and Reophax sp., previously assigned to a “Biofacies B” indicative of a mildly oxygen-deficient deep water environment and increased surface water productivity. However, the rare occurrence of robust calcareous forms indicates that taphonomic processes considerably altered the original assemblage. The occurrence of the age diagnostic small morphotype of Lenticulina ouachensis in the upper Rilang Formation indicates a late Valanginian–early Hauterivian age, allowing correlation with coeval sections from the Vocontian Trough, northern Tethys (Bavarian Alps) and eastern Indian Ocean (Ocean Drilling Program Site 766 off northwestern Australia).

Integrated stratigraphy of the Smirra Core (Umbria-Marche Basin, Apennines, Italy): A new early Paleogene reference section and implications for the geologic time scale

Pelagic sections of the Umbria-Marche Basin, in the Northern Apennines (Italy), have provided key geological archives for studying critical intervals of early Paleogene time. In addition to classical sections, the Smirra Coring project provides a new record of relatively undisturbed sediments (~120m from 4 overlapping holes) of the upper Scaglia Formation (Paleocene – middle Eocene). Here we present a new high-resolution integrated magneto-bio-stratigraphy of the ~93-m composite section drilled in Smirra Holes 1 and 2. The correlation of the magnetostratigraphy to published geomagnetic polarity timescales (GPTSs; CK95, GPTS2004, GPTS2012), as constrained by calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, reveals that the cores range from Chron C26r to C21n (Thanetian – Lutetian; ~60 to ~46Ma). Sedimentation rates range from ~0.6 to ~1cm/kyr and are comparable with those from coeval sections in the Umbria-Marche Basin. They point to significant discrepancies between existing time scales, which mainly involve the duration of Chron C23 and subchrons within C23n and C24n. Application of the average spectral misfit method on the magnetic susceptibility record reveals a strong signature of orbital forcing and allows an independent estimate of the sedimentation rates. This analysis offers additional insights into solving time scale issues, which mainly concern the duration of Chron C23n. Our results imply a significantly longer duration for C23n.2n, which would accommodate the presence of an extra third 405-kyr eccentricity related cycle in C23n. The Smirra record thus provides new constraints on the early Paleogene time scale, a key record for further cyclostratigraphic and astrochronological research, and a reference framework for paleo-climatic and -oceanographic studies.

Oxygen and carbon isotope and Sr/Ca signatures of high-latitude Permian to Jurassic calcite fossils from New Zealand and New Caledonia

Calcite fossils from New Zealand and New Caledonia provide insight into the Permian to Jurassic climatic history of Southern High Latitudes (southern HL) and Triassic Southern Intermediate Latitudes (southern IL). These results permit comparison with widely studied, coeval sections in Low Latitudes (LL) and IL. Oxygen isotope ratios of well-preserved shell materials indicate a partially pronounced Sea Surface Temperature (SST) gradient in the Permian, whereas for the Triassic no indication of cold climates in the southern HL is found. The Late Jurassic of New Zealand is characterized by a slight warming in the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian and a subsequent cooling trend in the Tithonian. Systematic variations in the δ13C values of southern HL samples are in concert with those from LL sections and confirm the global nature of the carbon isotope signature and changes in the long-term carbon cycle reported earlier.Systematic changes of Sr/Ca ratios in Late Triassic brachiopods, falling from 1.19mmol/mol in the Oretian (early Norian) to 0.67mmol/mol in the Warepan (late Norian) and subsequently increasing to 1.10mmol/mol in the Otapirian (~Rhaetian), are observed. Also Sr/Ca ratios of Late Jurassic belemnite genera Belemnopsis and Hibolithes show synchronous changes in composition that may be attributed to secular variations in the seawater Sr/Ca ratio. For the two belemnite genera an increase from 1.17mmol/mol in the Middle Heterian (~Oxfordian) to 1.78mmol/mol in the Mangaoran (~late Middle Tithonian) and a subsequent decrease to 1.51mmol/mol in the Waikatoan (~Late Tithonian) is documented.

Late Permian–earliest Triassic high-resolution organic carbon isotope and palynofacies records from Kap Stosch (East Greenland)

During and after the end Permian mass extinction terrestrial and marine biota underwent major changes and reorganizations. The latest Permian and earliest Triassic is also characterized by major negative carbon isotope shifts reflecting fundamental changes in the carbon cycle. The present study documents a high-resolution bulk organic carbon isotope record and palynofacies analysis spanning the latest Permian–earliest Triassic of East Greenland. An almost 700meter thick composite section from Kap Stosch allowed discriminating 6 chemostratigraphic intervals that provide the basis for the correlation with other coeval records across the world, and for the recognition of basin wide transgressive–regressive events documenting tectonic activity during the opening of the Greenland–Norway Basin. The identification of the main factors that influenced the organic carbon isotope signal during the earliest Triassic (Griesbachian to Dienerian) was possible due to the combination of bulk organic carbon isotope, palynofacies and Rock-Eval data. Two negative carbon isotopic shifts in the Kap Stosch record can be correlated with negative shifts recorded in coeval sections across the globe. A first negative shift precedes the base of the Triassic as defined by the first occurrence of the conodont Hindeodus parvus in the Meishan reference section, and the second one coincides with the suggested Griesbachian–Dienerian boundary. This new organic carbon isotope record from the extended Kap Stosch section from the Boreal Realm documents regional and global carbon cycle signals of the interval between the latest Palaeozoic and the onset of the Mesozoic.