A carbon isotope reference scale for the Lower Cambrian succession in Siberia: report of IGCP Project 303

• Published in: Geological Magazine
• Main Authors: Brasier, M. D., Rozanov, A. Yu., Zhuravlev, A. Yu., Corfield, R. M., Derry, L. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1994
• Subjects: lena river; Siberia
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0016756800012851; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0016756800012851

Abstract Four sections from the mid-Atdabanian to lowest Toyonian (middle Cambrian) along the Lena River of Siberia were sampled for carbon isotope stratigraphy. These show a mainly heavy but highly oscillatory δ 13 C signature for the Atdabanian to mid-Botomian interval, coincident with the major phase of invertebrate innovation. A prolonged interval of negative δ 13 C followed until late Toyonian times, coincident with Botomian-Toyonian mass extinctions. Eleven carbon isotope cycles are identified through the lower Cambrian, which should now be tested for their utility in global correlation and relationship to bioevents in the Cambrian explosion.