Abstract
Brachiopod fossils from the sedimentary sequences of the Téremba Terrane (New Caledonia) provide a unique opportunity to study the environmental parameters of the Late Triassic. 87Sr/86Sr ratios, δ13C and δ18O values, and Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios were measured on brachiopods from Oretian to Otapirian (Norian to Rhaetian) fossil localities of the Baie de St.-Vincent area. Post-depositional impacts on the geochemical proxies were investigated by analysing calcite cements and partly recrystallized shell material. Diagenetic fluids carried strontium with a low 87Sr/86Sr ratio of c. 0.7065, and light δ13C values of c.-20‰, suggesting major contributions by oxidized organic matter. Diagenetic equilibrium was reached at δ18O values of c.-12‰, very low Sr/Ca ratios of < 0.05 mmol/mol and locally variable Mn/Ca ratios of up to 5.9 mmol/mol. Results from the best-preserved samples suggest that calcification temperatures of Warepan and Otapirian brachiopods from New Caledonia were consistently ≥ 15 °C.
Original language | English |
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Journal | New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics |
Volume | 57 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 420-431 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISSN | 0028-8306 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2014 |
Keywords
- Sr/Sr
- Brachiopod
- Diagenesis
- New Caledonia
- Stable isotopes
- Trace elements