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Global geochemical cycles of carbon, sulfur and oxygenTime resolved data on the carbon isotopic composition of carbonate minerals and the sulfur isotopic composition or sulfate minerals show a strong negative correlation during the Cretaceous. Carbonate minerals are isotopically heavy during this period while sulfate minerals are isotopically light. The implication is that carbon is being transferred from the oxidized, carbonate reservoir to the reservoir of isotopically light reduced organic carbon in sedimentary rocks while sulfur is being transferred from the reservoir of isotopically light sedimentary sulfide to the oxidized, sulfate reservoir. These apparently oppositely directed changes in the oxidation state of average sedimentary carbon and sulfur are surprising because of a well-established and easy to understand correlation between the concentrations of reduced organic carbon and sulfide minerals in sedimentary rocks. Rocks rich in reduced carbon are also rich in reduced sulfur. The isotopic and concentration data can be reconciled by a model which invokes a significant flux of hydrothermal sulfide to the deep sea, at least during the Cretaceous.
Document ID
20040088881
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Walker, J. C.
(University of Michigan Ann Arbor 48109, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Marine geology
Volume: 70
ISSN: 0025-3227
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-176
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology

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