Chemostratigraphy of Neoproterozoic carbonates: implications for 'blind dating'

Melezhik, V.A., Gorokhov, I.M., Kuznetsov, A.B. and Fallick, A.E. (2001) Chemostratigraphy of Neoproterozoic carbonates: implications for 'blind dating'. Terra Nova, 13(1), pp. 1-11. (doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3121.2001.00318.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3121.2001.00318.x

Abstract

The delta C-13(carb) and Sr-87/Sr-86 secular variations in Neoproteozoic seawater have been used for the purpose of 'isotope stratigraphy' but there are a number of problems that can preclude its routine use. In particular, it cannot be used with confidence for 'blind dating'. The compilation of isotopic data on carbonate rocks reveals a high level of inconsistency between various carbon isotope age curves constructed for Neoproteozoic seawater, caused by a relatively high frequency of both global and local delta C-13(carb) fluctuations combined with few reliable age determinations. Further complication is caused by the unresolved problem as to whether two or four glaciations, and associated negative delta C-13(carb) excursions, can be reliably documented. Carbon isotope stratigraphy cannot be used alone for geological correlation and 'blind dating'. Strontium isotope stratigraphy is a more reliable and precise tool for stratigraphic correlations and indirect age determinations. Combining strontium and carbon isotope stratigraphy, several discrete ages within the 590-544 Myr interval, and two age-groups at 660-610 and 740-690 Myr can be resolved.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fallick, Professor Anthony
Authors: Melezhik, V.A., Gorokhov, I.M., Kuznetsov, A.B., and Fallick, A.E.
Subjects:Q Science > QE Geology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Terra Nova
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0954-4879
ISSN (Online):1365-3121
Copyright Holders:© Blackwell Publishing
First Published:First published in Terra Nova 13(1):1-11
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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