T223 Influence of Volcanism on the Evolution of Cretaceous and Paleogene Marine Ecosystems and Climate

Tuesday, 27 September 2016
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 505

CLIMATIC IMPACTS OF DECCAN TRAPS VOLCANISM RECORDED IN MOLLUSK SHELLS FROM SEYMOUR ISLAND, ANTARCTICA

Paper number: T223-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:40 PM – 3:55 PM

Authors

Abstract

The Deccan Traps volcanic event lasted approximately three-quarters of a million years during the late Maastrichtian and early Paleogene, during which time significant amounts of CO2 were emitted into the atmosphere. We study climate before and across the K-Pg boundary using stable and clumped isotope measurements of well-preserved bivalve shells from Seymour Island, Antarctica, a site with expanded, continuous sedimentation across the K-Pg boundary. Clumped isotope temperatures record a large (~8°C) warming spike at the onset of Deccan volcanism, potentially amplified over average global warming due to the coincident removal of local ice cover. Comparison of early- and late-life shell material within individual shells shows differences in temperature between positions prior to volcanism that disappear at the same time as the warming spike. This potentially indicates a reduction in temperature seasonality or a reduction in allowable growth season due to environmental stress. We examine the cause of the position-specific differences and look to high-resolution stable isotope measurements that may record seasonality.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 48, No. 7

doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-281455

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