A perturbed hydrological cycle during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
van Helmond, N.A.G.M.; Sluijs, A.; Reichart, G.J; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.; Slomp, C.P.; Brinkhuis, H. (2014). A perturbed hydrological cycle during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. Geology (Boulder Colo.) 42(2): 123-126. dx.doi.org/10.1130/G34929.1 In: Geology. Geological Society of America: Boulder. ISSN 0091-7613; e-ISSN 1943-2682, more |  |
| Authors | | Top | - van Helmond, N.A.G.M.
- Sluijs, A.
- Reichart, G.J, more
| - Sinninghe Damsté, J.S., more
- Slomp, C.P.
- Brinkhuis, H., more
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| Abstract | The Late Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2; ca. 94 Ma) was one of the largest global carbon cycle perturbations during the Phanerozoic. OAE2 represents an important, although extreme, case study for modern trends because widespread anoxia and enhanced organic carbon burial during OAE2 were linked to exceptionally warm climates and high atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. However, the consequences of this warmth for the hydrological cycle remain poorly understood, hampering our understanding of its impact on biogeochemical cycles during this greenhouse episode. Here we show evidence for changes in the hydrological cycle during OAE2 based on combined geochemical and palynological data for the stratigraphically expanded coastal OAE2 succession at Bass River, located on the New Jersey shelf (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 174AX), eastern United States. Paleothermometry, based on TEX86, indicates sea-surface warming at the onset of OAE2 and a subsequent pronounced cooling event. Palynological data show that these changes in temperature were associated with strong variations in precipitation and runoff. We suggest that an acceleration of the hydrological cycle during OAE2 played a key role in supplying nutrients to coastal waters and enhancing stratification, thus contributing to the development of ocean anoxia. |
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