Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Carbon isotope gradient of the Ediacaran cap carbonate in the Shennongjia area and its implications for ocean stratification and palaeogeography

  • Paleontology and Paleoecology
  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The geochemistry and paleogeography of the Doushantuo succession in the Shennongjia area have been insufficiently studied. Here, we report on the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of Ediacaran Doushantuo cap carbonates from four sections (Longxi, Muyu, Yazikou and Songluo) in the Shennongjia area. A large C-isotopic gradient (~5‰) between the Longxi and Songluo sections, here identified for the first time, is inferred to have been dynamically maintained by photosynthesis in surface waters and anaerobic oxidation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in deep waters. Spatial variation in C-isotope chemostratigraphy among the four sections was related to Marinoan post-glacial sea-level elevation changes. At Longxi, a positive δ 13Ccarb shift below the horizon containing tepee-like structure resulted from intense photosynthesis during early regression. A negative δ 13Ccarb shift within the tepee-horizon was triggered by sulfate reduction and freshwater mixing with 13C-depleted dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) during late regression. A positive δ 13Ccarb excursion in the uppermost part of the cap carbonate was related to enhance primary productivity and organic matter burial during early transgression. At Muyu, the carbon isotopic variation tendency, which is similar to that at Longxi, may have been mildly influenced by the surface water environment. At Songluo, the positive δ 13Ccarb excursion, up to -4‰ in the lower part of the cap carbonate, was probably associated with methanogenesis in deep waters during late transgression to early regression and subsequently disappeared due to decomposition of methane hydrate during late regression. At Yazikou, the consistently stable δ 13Ccarb values around -4‰ indicate that the cap carbonate may have deposited at intermediate water depths. As evidenced by diagnostic sedimentary characteristics of the study sections, the palaeogeographic framework of the Shennongjia area exhibited deepening from SE to NW during the Early Ediacaran Period in the aftermath of Snowball Earth.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Ader, M., Macouin, M., Trindade, R. I. F., 2009. A Multilayered Water Column in the Ediacaran Yangtze Platform? Insights from Carbonate and Organic Matter Paired δ 13C. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 288(1): 213–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Broecker, W. S., Peng, T. H., 1982. Tracers in the Sea. Eldigio Press, Palisades, New York. 690

    Google Scholar 

  • Calver, C. R., 2000. Isotope Stratigraphy of the Ediacarian (Neoproterozoic III) of the Adelaide Rift Complex, Australia, and the Overprint of Water Column Stratification. Precambrian Research, 100(1–3): 121–150. doi: 10.1016/s0301-9268(99)00072-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deuser, W. G., 1970. 13C in Black Sea Waters and Implications for the Origin of Hydrogen Sulfide. Science, 168(3939): 1575–1577. doi: 10.1126/science.168.3939.1575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., Ling, W., Qiu, Y., et al., 1999. Contrasting Geochemical and Sm-Nd Isotopic Compositions of Archean Metasediments from the Kongling High-Grade Terrain of the Yangtze Craton: Evidence for Cratonic Evolution and Redistribution of REE during Crustal Anatexis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 63(13–14): 2071–2088. doi: 10.1016/s0016-7037(99)00153-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, J., Gao, S., Wu, Y., et al., 2014. 3.45 Ga Granitic Gneisses from the Yangtze Craton, South China: Implications for Early Archean Crustal Growth. Precambrian Research, 242(3): 82–95. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2013.12.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halverson, G. P., Hoffman, P. F., Schrag, D. P., et al., 2005. Toward a Neoproterozoic Composite Carbon-Isotope Record. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 117(9): 1181–1207. doi: 10.1130/b25630.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, P. F., Halverson, G. P., Domack, E. W., et al., 2007. Are Basal Ediacaran (635 Ma) Post-Glacial “Cap Dolostones” Diachronous? Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 258(1–2): 114–131. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2007.03.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, P. F., Kaufman, A. J., Halverson, G. P., et al., 1998. A Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth. Science, 281(5381): 1342–1346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, P. F., Schrag, D. P., 2002. The Snowball Earth Hypothesis: Testing the Limits of Global Change. Terra Nova, 14(3): 129–155. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3121.2002.00408.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, N., 1997a. Petrological Characters and Sedimentary Environment in Middle Proterozoic Shicaohe Formation of Shennongjia, Hubei Province. Geology and Mineral Resources of South China, 2: 54–61 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, N., 1997b. Lithofacies Palaeogeography of Luanshigou Formation of the Middle Proterozoic in Shennongjia Region of West Hubei, China. Journal of Mineralogy & Petrology, 17(1): 58–62 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, J., Chu, X., Lyons, T. W., et al., 2013. The Sulfur Isotope Signatures of Marinoan Deglaciation Captured in Neoproterozoic Shallow-to-Deep Cap Carbonate from South China. Precambrian Research, 238: 42–51. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2013.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen, S. B., Kaufman, A. J., 1999. The Sr, C and O Isotopic Evolution of Neoproterozoic Seawater. Chemical Geology, 161(1–3): 37–57. doi: 10.1016/s0009-2541(99)00080-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • James, N. P., Narbonne, G. M., Kyser, T. K., 2001. Late Neoproterozoic Cap Carbonates: Mackenzie Mountains, Northwestern Canada: Precipitation and Global Glacial Meltdown. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 38(8): 1229–1262. doi: 10.1139/cjes-38-8-1229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G. Q., Kennedy, M. J., Christie-Blick, N., 2003. Stable Isotopic Evidence for Methane Seeps in Neoproterozoic Postglacial Cap Carbonates. Nature, 426(6968): 822–826. doi: 10.1038/nature02201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G., Kaufman, A. J., Christie-Blick, N., et al., 2007. Carbon Isotope Variability across the Ediacaran Yangtze Platform in South China: Implications for a Large Surface-to-Deep Ocean δ 13C Gradient. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 261(1–2): 303–320

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G., Kennedy, M. J., Christie-Blick, N., et al., 2006. Stratigraphy, Sedimentary Structures, and Textures of the Late Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Cap Carbonate in South China. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 76(7): 978–995. doi: 10.2110/jsr.2006.086

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G., Shi, X., Zhang, S., et al., 2011. Stratigraphy and Paleogeography of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation (ca. 635–551Ma) in South China. Gondwana Research, 19(4): 831–849. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2011.01.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G., Wang, X., Shi, X., et al., 2010. Organic Carbon Isotope Constraints on the Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Reservoir at the Cryogenian–Ediacaran Transition. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 299(1–2): 159–168. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2010.08.031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, G., Zhang, S., Shi, X., et al., 2008. Chemocline Instability and Isotope Variations of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Basin in South China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 51(11): 1560–1569

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, N. Z., Herndl, G. J., Hansell, D. A., et al., 2010. Microbial Production of Recalcitrant DOC Long Term Carbon Storage. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 8(8): 593–599. doi: 10.1007/s11430-008-0116-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, A. J., Knoll, A. H., 1995. Neoproterozoic Variations in the C-Isotopic Composition of Seawater: Stratigraphic and Biogeochemical Implications. Precambrian Research, 73(1–4): 27–49. doi: 10.1016/0301-9268(94)00070-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, M. J., 1996. Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Isotopic Geochemistry of Australian Neoproterozoic Postglacial Cap Dolostones: Deglaciation, δ 13C Excursions, and Carbonate Precipitation. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 66: 1050–1064

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Killingsworth, B. A., Hayles, J. A., Zhou, C., et al., 2013. Sedimentary Constraints on the Duration of the Marinoan Oxygen-17 Depletion (MOSD) Event. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(44): 17686–17690. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1213154110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knauth, L. P., Kennedy, M. J., 2009. The Late Precambrian Greening of the Earth. Nature, 460: 728–732. doi: 10.1038/nature08213

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, H. K., Zhang, C. L., Xiang, Z. Q., et al., 2013. Zircon and Baddeleyite U-Pb Geochronology of the Shennongjia Group in the Yangtze Craton and Its Tectonic Significance. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 29(2): 673–697 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Q., Leng, J., 1991. The Upper Precambrian in the Shennongjia Region. Tianjin Science and Technology Press, Tianjin. 354 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, S. S., Qiu, X. T., Tang, J. J., et al., 2016. The Pb-Pb Isochron Age of the Kuangshishan Formation in Shennongjia Area on the Northern Margin of theYangtze Craton and Its Geological Implications. Earth Science, 41(2): 317–324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohno, T., Komiya, T., Ueno, Y., et al., 2008. Determination of 88Sr/86Sr Mass-Dependent Isotopic Fractionation and Radiogenic Isotope Variation of 87Sr/86Sr in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation. Gondwana Research, 14(1–2): 126–133. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2007.10.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng Y., Peng Y. B., Lang, X. G., et al., 2016. Marine Carbon-Sulfur Biogeochemical Cycles during the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) in the Jiangnan Basin, South China. Journal of Earth Science, 26(2): 242–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Plummer, P. S., 1978. Note on the Palaeoenvironmental Significance of the Nuccaleena Formation (Upper Precambrian), Central Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Journal of the Geological Society of Australia, 25(7–8): 395–402. doi: 10.1080/00167617808729049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu, X., Ling, W., Liu, X., et al., 2011. Recognition of Grenvillian Volcanic Suite in the Shennongjia Region and Its Tectonic Significance for the South China Craton. Precambrian Research, 191(3–4): 101–119. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2011.09.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose, C. V., Maloof, A. C., 2010. Testing Models for Post-Glacial ‘Cap Dolostone’ Deposition: Nuccaleena Formation, South Australia. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 296(3–4): 165–180. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2010.03.031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sawaki, Y., Ohno, T., Tahata, M., et al., 2010. The Ediacaran Radiogenic Sr Isotope Excursion in the Doushantuo Formation in the Three Gorges Area, South China. Precambrian Research, 176(1–4): 46–64. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2009.10.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, B., Dong, L., Xiao, S., et al., 2016. Molar Tooth Carbonates and Benthic Methane Fluxes in Proterozoic Oceans. Nature Communications, 7: 1–6. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10317

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen, B., Xiao, S., Kaufman, A. J., et al., 2008. Stratification and Mixing of a Post-Glacial Neoproterozoic Ocean: Evidence from Carbon and Sulfur Isotopes in a Cap Dolostone from Northwest China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 265(1–2): 209–228. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2007.10.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, Y., Zhang, T., Chu, X., 2005. C-Isotopic Stratification in a Neoproterozoic Postglacial Ocean. Precambrian Research, 137(3–4): 243–251. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2005.03.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shields, G. A., Deynoux, M., Strauss, H., et al., 2007. Barite-Bearing Cap Dolostones of the Taoudéni Basin, Northwest Africa: Sedimentary and Isotopic Evidence for Methane Seepage after a Neoproterozoic Glaciation. Precambrian Research, 153(3–4): 209–235. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2006.11.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shimura, T., Kon, Y., Sawaki, Y., et al., 2014. In-Situ Analyses of Phosphorus Contents of Carbonate Minerals: Reconstruction of Phosphorus Contents of Seawater from the Ediacaran to Early Cambrian. Gondwana Research, 25(3): 1090–1107. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2013.08.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volkov, I. I., 2000. Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Its Isotopic Composition in the Waters of Anoxic Marine Basin. Oceanology, 40: 499–502

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., Li, C., Hu, C., et al., 2015. Spurious Thermoluminescence Characteristics of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation (ca. 635–551 Ma) and Its Implications for Marine Dissolved Organic Carbon Reservoir. Journal of Earth Science, 26(6): 883–892. doi: 10.1007/s12583-015-0650-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J., Deng, Q., Wang, Z., et al., 2013. New Evidences for Sedimentary Attributes and Timing of the “Macaoyuan Conglomerates” on the Northern Margin of the Yangtze Block in Southern China. Precambrian Research, 235: 58–70. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2013.06.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J., Jiang, G., Xiao, S., et al., 2008. Carbon Isotope Evidence for Widespread Methane Seeps in the ca. 635 Ma Doushantuo Cap Carbonate in South China. Geology, 36(5): 347–350. doi: 10.1130/g24513a.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, S., Bao, H., Wang, H., et al., 2004. The Neoproterozoic Quruqtagh Group in Eastern Chinese Tianshan: Evidence for a Post-Marinoan Glaciation. Precambrian Research, 130(1–4): 1–26. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2003.10.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ye, Q., Tong, J., Xiao, S., et al., 2015. The Survival of Benthic Macroscopic Phototrophs on a Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth. Geology, 43(6): 507–510. doi: 10.1130/g36640.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, S., Zheng, Y., Wu, Y., et al., 2006a. Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf-O Isotope Evidence for Paleoproterozoic Metamorphic Event in South China. Precambrian Research, 151(3–4): 265–288. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2006.08.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, S., Zheng, Y., Wu, Y., et al., 2006b. Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotope Evidence for 3.8 Ga Crustal Remnant and Episodic Reworking of Archean Crust in South China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 252(1–2): 56–71. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2006.09.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, G., Cawood, P. A., 2012. Precambrian Geology of China. Precambrian Research, 222–223: 13–54. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2012.09.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, C. M., Tucker, R., Xiao, S. H., et al., 2004. New Constraints on the Ages of Neoproterozoic Glaciations in South China. Geology, 32(5): 437–440. doi: 10.1130/g20286.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, C., Bao, H., Peng, Y., et al., 2010. Timing the Deposition of 17O-Depleted Barite at the Aftermath of Nantuo Glacial Meltdown in South China. Geology, 38(10): 903–906. doi: 10.1130/g31224.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, M., Zhang, J., Michael, S., et al., 2003. Sinian–Cambrian Stratigraphic Framework for Shallow-to Deep-Water Environments of the Yangtze Platform: An Integrated Approach. Progress in Natural Science, 13(12): 951–960. doi: 10.1080/10020070312331344710

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research is supported by State Key R&D project of China (No. 2016YFA0601100) & the international IMBER project, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41472085, 41172102) and China Scholarship Council. We would like to thank Xinjun Wang for carbon and oxygen isotope analysis. We are also grateful to three anonymous reviewers and the editor for their constructive comments and the Prof. Thomas J. Algeo for his valuable reviews. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0923-x.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environment Geology, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Guangzhe Wang, Jiasheng Wang, Zhou Wang, Can Chen & Junxia Yang

  2. Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS, Key Laboratory of Karst Ecosystem and Treatment of Rocky Desertification, MLR, Guilin, 541004, China

    Guangzhe Wang

Authors
  1. Guangzhe Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jiasheng Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhou Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Can Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Junxia Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jiasheng Wang.

Additional information

Guangzhe Wang: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8831-3751

Jiasheng Wang: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4202-0344

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, G., Wang, J., Wang, Z. et al. Carbon isotope gradient of the Ediacaran cap carbonate in the Shennongjia area and its implications for ocean stratification and palaeogeography. J. Earth Sci. 28, 187–195 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0923-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0923-x

Key Words

Search

Navigation