We present new, detailed carbon-isotope records for bulk carbonate, total organic carbon (TOC) and phytane from three key sections spanning the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary interval (Eastbourne, England; Gubbio, Italy; Tarfaya, Morocco), with the purpose of establishing a common chemostratigraphic framework for Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 2. Isotope curves from all localities are characterized by a positive carbon-isotope excursion of c. 4‰ for TOC and phytane and c. 2.5‰ for carbonate, although diagenetic overprinting appears to have obliterated the primary carbonate carbon-isotope signal in at least part of the Tarfaya section. Stratigraphically, peak ä 13 C values for all components are followed by intervals of high, near-constant ä 13 C in the form of an isotopic plateau. Recognition of an unambiguous return to background ä 13 C values above the plateau is, however, contentious in all sections, hence no firm chemostratigraphic marker for the end-point of the positive isotopic excursion can be established. The stratigraphically consistent first appearance of the calcareous nannofossil Quadrum gartneri at or near the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary as established by ammonite stratigraphy, in conjunction with the end of the ä 13 C maximum characteristic of the isotopic plateau, provides a potentially powerful tool for delimiting the stratigraphic extent and duration of OAE 2. This Oceanic Anoxic Event is demonstrated to be largely, if not wholly, confined to the latest part of the Cenomanian stage.

No abstract

[1] High-resolution geochemical records from a depth transect through the Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) Tarfaya Basin (northwest African Shelf) reveal high-amplitude fluctuations in accumulation rates of organic carbon (OC), redox-sensitive and sulphide-forming trace metals, and biomarkers indicative of photic zone euxinia. These fluctuations are in general coeval and thus imply a strong relationship of OC burial and water column redox conditions. The pacing and regularity of the records and the absence of a prominent continental signature suggest a dynamic depositional setting linked to orbital and higher-frequency forcing. Determining the dominant frequency depends on the definition of the most pronounced oceanic anoxic event (OAE2) and its duration. We propose that eccentricity is the main forcing factor at Tarfaya and controlled fluctuations in wind-driven upwelling of nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted intermediate waters from the adjacent Atlantic and the periodic development of photic zone and bottom water euxinia on the midCretaceous northwest African shelf. Accumulation records clearly identify the basin center as the primary site of sediment deposition with highest temporal variability and an up to six-fold increase in OC burial from $2 g/m 2 Á yr prior to the OAE2 to $12 g/m 2 Á yr during the OAE2. Photic zone and bottom water euxinia alternated with periods of greater oxygenation of the water column in response to climate forcing. Mass balance calculations imply that $2% of the overall global excess OC burial associated with the OAE2 was deposited in the Tarfaya Basin, an area that represented only $0.05% of the total global C/T ocean floor. In fact, the lateral extent of similar black shales along the African continental margin indicates that this part of the ocean contributed significantly to the global increase in organic carbon burial during the OAE2.Citation: Kolonic, S., et al. (2005), Black shale deposition on the northwest African Shelf during the Cenomanian/Turonian oceanic anoxic event: Climate coupling and global organic carbon burial, Paleoceanography, 20, PA1006,

No abstract

[1] Organic carbon-rich shales from localities in England, Italy, and Morocco, which formed during the Cenomanian-Turonian oceanic anoxic event (OAE), have been examined for their total organic carbon (TOC) values together with their carbon, nitrogen, and iron isotope ratios. Carbon isotope stratigraphy (d 13 C org and d 13 C carb ) allows accurate recognition of the strata that record the oceanic anoxic event, in some cases allowing characterization of isotopic species before, during, and after the OAE. Within the black shales formed during the OAE, relatively heavy nitrogen isotope ratios, which correlate positively with TOC, suggest nitrate reduction (leading ultimately to denitrification and/or anaerobic ammonium oxidation). Black shales deposited before the onset of the OAE in Italy have unusually low bulk d57 Fe values, unlike those found in the black shale (Livello Bonarelli) deposited during the oceanic anoxic event itself: These latter conform to the Phanerozoic norm for organic-rich sediments. Pyrite formation in the pre-OAE black shales has apparently taken place via dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR), within the sediment, a suboxic process that causes an approximately À2% fractionation between a lithogenic Fe(III)oxide source and Fe(II) aq . In contrast, bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR), at least partly in the water column, characterized the OAE itself and was accompanied by only minor iron isotope fractionation. This change in the manner of pyrite formation is reflected in a decrease in the average pyrite framboid diameter from $10 to $7 mm. The gradual, albeit irregular increase in Fe isotope values during the OAE, as recorded in the Italian section, is taken to demonstrate limited isotopic evolution of the dissolved iron pool, consequent upon ongoing water column precipitation of pyrite under euxinic conditions. Given that evidence exists for both nitrate and sulfate reduction during the OAE, it is evident that redox conditions in the water column were highly variable, in both time and space.

We present new stable (C, O) isotopic, biostratigraphic and organic geochemical data for the Vigla Shale Member of the Ionian Zone in NW Greece, in order to characterize organic carbon-rich strata that potentially record the impact of Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs). In a section exposed near Gotzikas (NW Epirus), we sampled a number of decimetre-thick, organic carbon-rich units enclosed within marly, locally silicified, Vigla Limestone (Berriasian-Turonian). All these units are characterized by largely comparable bulk geochemical characteristics, indicating a common marine origin and low thermal maturity. However, the stratigraphically highest of these black shales is further distinguished by its much higher total organic-carbon (TOC) content (28.9 wt %) and Hydrogen Index (HI) (529), and much enriched δ 13 C org value (−22.1 ‰). Planktonic foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy indicate a lower to middle Albian age for the strata immediately above, and a lower Aptian age for the strata below, the uppermost black shale. In terms of molecular organic geochemistry, the latter black shale is also relatively enriched in specific isoprenoidal compounds (especially monocyclic isoprenoids), whose isotopic values are as high as −15 ‰, indicating a substantial archaeal contribution to the organic matter. The striking similarities between the molecular signatures of the uppermost Vigla black shale and coeval organic-rich strata from SE France and the North Atlantic (ODP Site 1049C) indicate that this level constitutes a record of the Paquier Event (OAE 1b).

A common feature of records of the early Aptian oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1a is the sharp negative δ13C excursion displayed in both carbonate and organic matter at the onset of this event. A synchronous negative δ13C excursion has also been noted for terrestrial organic matter. This negative excursion has been attributed to either an injection of 13C‐depleted light carbon into the atmosphere or, in case of marine sediments, recycling of 13C‐depleted CO2. However, most studies were done on separate cores, and no information on the relative timing of the negative spikes in terrestrial versus marine records has been obtained. Here we examine early Aptian core sections from two geographically distal sites (Italy and the mid‐Pacific) to elucidate the causes and relative timing of this negative “spike.” At both sites, increased organic carbon (Corg) and decreased bulk carbonate contents characterize the interval recording OAE 1a (variously referred to as the “Selli event”). The organic material within the “Selli level” is immature and of autochthonous origin. Measured δ13C values of marine and terrestrial biomarkers largely covary with those of bulk organic carbon, with lowest values recorded at the base of the organic‐rich section. By contrast, sediments enveloping the “Selli level” exhibit very low Corg contents, and their extractable Corg is predominantly of allochthonous origin. Hydrous pyrolysis techniques used to obtain an autochthonous, pre‐Selli δ13C value for algal‐derived pristane from corresponding sample material yielded a negative δ13C shift of up to 4‰. A negative δ13C shift of similar magnitude was also measured for the terrigenous n‐alkanes. The results are collectively best explained by means of a massive, syndepositional, rapid input of 13C‐depleted carbon into the atmosphere and surface oceans, likely delivered either via methane produced from the dissociation of sedimentary clathrates or perhaps by widespread thermal metamorphism of Corg‐rich sedimentary rocks.

No abstract