Evidence for oxic conditions during oceanic anoxic event 2 in the northern Tethyan pelagic realm

Abstract

Upper Cenomanian pelagic sediments from the northern Alpine Helvetic fold-and-thrust belt (northern Tethyan margin) coeval with Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 2 are characterized by the temporal persistence of micrite sedimentation and lack of organic carbon-rich layers. We studied an expanded section in the Chrummflueschlucht (east of Euthal, Switzerland), which encompasses the OAE 2 time interval. In order to identify the paleoceanographic and paleoenvironmental conditions during OAE 2 in this part of the northern Tethyan margin, and more specifically to trace eventual changes in nutrient levels and oxic conditions, we investigated the biostratigraphy (planktonic foraminifera), the bulk-rock mineralogy, and measured stable carbon-and oxygen-isotopes, total phosphorus (P) and redox-sensitive trace-element (RSTE) contents.We were able to determine e with some remaining uncertainties e the different planktonic foraminiferal biozones characteristic of the CenomanianeTuronian boundary interval (Rotalipora cushmani, Whiteinella archaeocretacea and Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica zones). In the lower part of the section (R.cushmani total range zone), the bulk-rock d 13 C record shows a long-term increase. Within sediments attributed to the W. archaeocretacea partial range zone, d13 C values reach a maximum of 3.3& (peak "a").In the following the values decrease and increase again to arrive at a plateau with high d13 C values of around 3.1&, which ends with a peak of 3.3& (peak "c"). At the top of the section, in sediments belonging to the H. helvetica total range zone, d13 C values decrease to post-OAE values of around 2.2&.The last occurrence of R. cushmani is observed just above the positive d 13 C shift characterizing OAE 2. P contents display small variations along the section with a long-term decreasing trend towards the top. Before the OAE 2 interval, P values show higher values and relatively good covariation with detrital input, indicating higher nutrient input before OAE 2. In sediments corresponding to the onset of the d 13 C positive excursion, P content is marked by a sharp peak probably linked to a slowdown in sedimentation rates and/or the presence of a small hiatus, as is shown by the presence of glauconite and phosphatic grains. In the interval corresponding to OAE 2, P values remain low and increase slightly at the end of the positive shift in the d 13 C record (in the H. helvetica total range zone). The average contents of RSTE (U, V, As, Co, Mo and Mn) remain low throughout the section and appreciable RSTE enrichments have not been observed for the sedimentary interval corresponding to OAE 2. No correlation is observed with stratigraphic trends in RSTE contents in organic-rich deeper-water sections. The presence of double-keeled planktonic foraminifera species during most of the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event is another evidence of relatively well-oxygenated conditions in this part of the northern Tethyan outer shelf.Our results show that the Chrummflueschlucht section corresponds to one of the most...

Imbalanced nutrients as triggers for black shale formation in a shallow shelf setting during the OAE 2 (Wunstorf, Germany)

“…Thus, the depositional area should have been characterized by a persisting highly N-limited biosedimentary system like the Brochterbeck Formation with very high internal recycling rates as observed in today's open oceanic settings (e.g., Duarte and Agustí, 2011). However, the OAE 2 is associated with a sedimentary phosphorus peak (Hetzel et al, 2011;Mort et al, 2007), also in settings without BS development (e.g., the Helvetic Shelf; Westermann et al, 2010). Parts of the P excursion in BS settings can be explained by a decreasing retention potential of P in organic rich deposits (Mort et al, 2007).…”

Ocean current intensification during the Cretaceous oceanic anoxic event 2 – evidence from the northern Tethys

“…The Chrummflueschlucht profile and planktonic microzonation (right side, base of the H. helvetica zone is shifted downward based on the new investigation) are from Westermann et al . (). Sections are anchored by the onset of the CTBE (increase into the peak ‘a’).…”

“…for location), Westermann et al . () concluded that the Helvetic realm was not affected by anoxia, but, at least, by oxygen‐depleted conditions.…”

“…(C) Detailed map of Eastern Switzerland showing the locations of 1: Chäserrugg (47°09′21″N 09°19′03″E); 2: Strichboden (47°10′08″N 09°15′18″E); 3: Zwinglipass (47°14′19″N 09°22′42″E); 4: Ober Kamor (47°17′55″N 9°29′53″E) and 5: Götzis (47°20′36″N 09°40′01″E); 6: Chrummflueschlucht after Westermann et al . ().…”

Effect of Euxinic Conditions on Planktic Foraminifers: Culture Experiments and Implications for Past and Future Environments

“…Such dysoxic conditions (~0.7 mg O 2 /L or ~22 μmol O 2 /L) allow growth of foraminifers (Kuroyanagi et al, ), and indeed high planktic foraminiferal diversity (both k‐ and r‐species) but low abundances across OAE2 were reported along the northern Tethys margin (Gebhardt et al, ). Planktic foraminifers also occur in OAE2 sediments in the northern Tethys (Westermann et al, ) and Central South Pacific (Ando et al, ). These field and modeling results are consistent with our suggestion that planktic foraminifers could survive dysoxic conditions even during an anoxic event, as supported by the lack of overall severe extinctions.…”