Jinchao Liu , Jian Cao , Simon W. Poulton , Wang Zheng , Jiubin Chen , Tianchen He , Guang Hu , Di Xiao
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The emplacement of the Ferrar large igneous province has been implicated as the ultimate driver of the Early Jurassic Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE). Mercury (Hg) systematics, alongside other lines of evidence, have been used to support this assumption, but controversy exists over the relative roles of volcanic versus terrestrial Hg inputs. Here, we investigate the Hg record in two cores that document a bathymetric transect across the lacustrine Sichuan Basin, China. Both cores are characterized by Hg accumulation during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. However, observed negative correlations between Hg concentrations and geochemical indicators of water column sulfide availability suggest modification of primary Hg enrichments via redox-driven loss of Hg from the sediments. In addition, Hg isotope systematics show differing signals between the shallow and deep cores, indicative of increased inputs from terrestrial and atmospheric sources, respectively. These results suggest that regional factors exert a major control on Hg enrichments in sediments, which must be considered when utilizing Hg systematics to evaluate volcanic activity. However, our approach highlights that lacustrine systems do document an important role for atmospheric Hg deposition during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, confirming that large-scale activity of the Ferrar large igneous province was a key driver of this major environmental perturbation.
期刊介绍:
Earth and Planetary Science Letters (EPSL) is a leading journal for researchers across the entire Earth and planetary sciences community. It publishes concise, exciting, high-impact articles ("Letters") of broad interest. Its focus is on physical and chemical processes, the evolution and general properties of the Earth and planets - from their deep interiors to their atmospheres. EPSL also includes a Frontiers section, featuring invited high-profile synthesis articles by leading experts on timely topics to bring cutting-edge research to the wider community.