See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Paleozoic Oceanographic and Climatic Changes: Evidence from Seawater Geochemistry and Sedimentology Records I
Abstract:
It is instructive to compare the patterns of variation during large δ13C excursions for their commonalities and differences. Global correlation based on δ13C suggests a recurring series of events within each group, and identifies similarities between the two groups. In both the Late Cambrian SPICE and Late Ordovician HICE (positive) δ13C excursions, maximum δ13C are reached quickly and second-order δ13C features are absent on the rising limb, despite differences in the long-term δ13C trends upon which the events are superimposed. Furthermore, the SPICE excursion reaches its maximum during an episode of trilobite diversification, while the HICE event occurs during a major mass extinction event. Interestingly, neither event imposes a change in the longer term evolution of marine δ13C carbon values. The Late Cambrian HERB and Early Ordovician Jose (negative) excursions also have strong similarities, including distinctive sedimentological antecedents and staggered δ13C codas. Both events occur immediately prior to a significant change in the long-term pattern of δ13C variation.
These similarities and differences suggest that change in the vertical exchange of carbon between the surface and deep ocean, had a general, primary, and anticipatory role in large marine carbon cycle perturbations during the Early Paleozoic.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Paleozoic Oceanographic and Climatic Changes: Evidence from Seawater Geochemistry and Sedimentology Records I