Isotopic evidence for massive oxidation of organic matter following the great oxidation event

Kump, L.R., Junium, C., Arthur, M.A., Brasier, A., Fallick, A.E., Melezhik, V., Lepland, A., CCrne, A.E. and Luo, G. (2011) Isotopic evidence for massive oxidation of organic matter following the great oxidation event. Science, 334(6063), pp. 1694-1696. (doi: 10.1126/science.1213999)

Abstract

The stable isotope record of marine carbon indicates that the Proterozoic Eon began and ended with extreme fluctuations in the carbon cycle. In both the Paleoproterozoic [2500 to 1600 million years ago (Ma)] and Neoproterozoic (1000 to 542 Ma), extended intervals of anomalously high carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) indicate high rates of organic matter burial and release of oxygen to the atmosphere; in the Neoproterozoic, the high δ¹³C interval was punctuated by abrupt swings to low δ¹³C, indicating massive oxidation of organic matter. We report a Paleoproterozoic negative δ¹³C excursion that is similar in magnitude and apparent duration to the Neoproterozoic anomaly. This Shunga-Francevillian anomaly may reflect intense oxidative weathering of rocks as the result of the initial establishment of an oxygen-rich atmosphere.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brasier, Dr Alexander and Fallick, Professor Anthony
• Authors: Kump, L.R., Junium, C., Arthur, M.A., Brasier, A., Fallick, A.E., Melezhik, V., Lepland, A., CCrne, A.E., and Luo, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Science
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• ISSN (Online): 1095-9203
• Published Online: 01 December 2011