Jens O. Herrle

The Heartbeat of the Oligocene Climate System

A 13-million-year continuous record of Oligocene climate from the equatorial Pacific reveals a pronounced “heartbeat” in the global carbon cycle and periodicity of glaciations. This heartbeat consists of 405,000-, 127,000-, and 96,000-year eccentricity cycles and 1.2-million-year obliquity cycles in periodically recurring glacial and carbon cycle events. That climate system response to intricate orbital variations suggests a fundamental interaction of the carbon cycle, solar forcing, and glacial events. Box modeling shows that the interaction of the carbon cycle and solar forcing modulates deep ocean acidity as well as the production and burial of global biomass. The pronounced 405,000-year eccentricity cycle is amplified by the long residence time of carbon in the oceans.

A Cenozoic record of the equatorial Pacific carbonate compensation depth

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and climate are regulated on geological timescales by the balance between carbon input from volcanic and metamorphic outgassing and its removal by weathering feedbacks; these feedbacks involve the erosion of silicate rocks and organic-carbon-bearing rocks. The integrated effect of these processes is reflected in the calcium carbonate compensation depth, which is the oceanic depth at which calcium carbonate is dissolved. Here we present a carbonate accumulation record that covers the past 53 million years from a depth transect in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The carbonate compensation depth tracks long-term ocean cooling, deepening from 3.0–3.5 kilometres during the early Cenozoic (approximately 55 million years ago) to 4.6 kilometres at present, consistent with an overall Cenozoic increase in weathering. We find large superimposed fluctuations in carbonate compensation depth during the middle and late Eocene. Using Earth system models, we identify changes in weathering and the mode of organic-carbon delivery as two key processes to explain these large-scale Eocene fluctuations of the carbonate compensation depth.

Forcing mechanisms for mid-Cretaceous black shale formation: evidence from the Upper Aptian and Lower Albian of the Vocontian Basin (SE France)

Calcareous nannoplankton, palynomorph, benthic foraminifera, and oxygen isotope records from the supraregionally distributed Niveau Paquier (Early Albian age, Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b) and regionally distributed Niveau Kilian (Late Aptian age) black shales in the Vocontian Basin (SE France) exhibit variations that reflect paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic changes in the mid-Cretaceous low latitudes. To quantify surface water productivity and temperature changes, nutrient and temperature indices based on calcareous nannofossils were developed. The nutrient index strongly varies in the precessional band, whereas variations of the temperature index reflect eccentricity. Since polar ice caps were not present during the mid-Cretaceous, these variations probably result from feedback mechanisms within a monsoonal climate system of the mid-Cretaceous low latitudes involving warm/humid and cool/dry cycles. A model is proposed that explains the formation of mid-Cretaceous black shales through monsoonally driven changes in temperature and evaporation/precipitation patterns. The Lower Albian Niveau Paquier, which has a supraregional distribution, formed under extremely warm and humid conditions when monsoonal intensity was strongest. Bottom water ventilation in the Vocontian Basin was diminished, probably due to increased precipitation and reduced evaporation in regions of deep water formation at low latitudes. Surface water productivity in the Vocontian Basin was controlled by the strength of monsoonal winds. The Upper Aptian Niveau Kilian, which has a regional distribution only, formed under a less warm and humid climate than the Niveau Paquier. Low-latitude deep water formation was reduced to a lesser extent and/or on regional scale only. The threshold for the formation of a supraregional black shale was not reached. The intensity of increases in temperature and humidity controlled whether black shales developed on a regional or supraregional scale. At least in the Vocontian Basin, the increased preservation of organic matter at the sea floor was more significant in black shale formation than the role of enhanced productivity.

High-resolution carbon isotope records of the Aptian to Lower Albian from SE France and the Mazagan Plateau (DSDP Site 545): a stratigraphic tool for paleoceanographic and paleobiologic reconstruction

High-resolution carbon isotope stratigraphy is established for the Aptian to Lower Albian of the Vocontian Basin (SE France), and correlated to the carbon isotope record of the Mazagan Plateau (DSDP Site 545). The carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Vocontian Basin is proposed as a standard reference curve for the Aptian to Lower Albian, due to the completeness and high temporal resolution of the stratigraphic succession, the good biostratigraphical time control, and the frequent occurrence of regional to global black shale horizons including Oceanic Anoxic Events 1a (OAE 1a) of the Lower Aptian and OAE 1b of the Lower Albian. The carbon isotope record appears better suited for long-distance short-term correlation of different marine and terrestrial environments than biostratigraphy because of the synchroneity of carbon isotope signals in a range of sediment types. However, the combination of both biostratigraphy and carbon isotope stratigraphy provides an effective tool to reconstruct biotic change and paleoceanography, and to correlate regional to global black shale horizons in different marine environments. This combined approach allows us to ascertain the synchroneities or diachroneities of first and last appearances of biostratigraphic marker species. Based on the demonstrated diachroneity of important biostratigraphic markers of the Aptian/Albian boundary, the globally observed break point between the end of the uppermost Aptian positive carbon isotope excursion and the onset of the pronounced negative shift of δ13C values, is an alternative criterion. The distinctive structure and amplitudes of the carbon isotope record are observed in both the inorganic and organic carbon and can therefore be recognized in all marine and terrestrial environments of the Aptian to Lower Albian.

Calibration of the random settling technique for calculation of absolute abundances of calcareous nannoplankton

We describe a device for random settling preparation of calcareous nannoplankton (coccolith) samples. The device allows easy draining and cleaning, as well as sedimentation at different heights of the water column through the use of different slide carriers. Reproducibility and accuracy of the device has been tested with standardised microbeads as spiking material. In applying counting techniques with different equations for determining absolute abundances, we discovered major anomalies in the calculated results that we interpreted as being due to the effect of convection currents within the device and the usage of elevated cover slides. A modified formula that corrects for the influence of elevated cover slides in random settling experiments is therefore proposed. Although the settling method is more time-consuming than standard smear-slide techniques, additional information is gained about the spatial and temporal distribution of coccoliths. These are important for palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographical interpretations.

Calcareous nannofossils from the Aptian–Lower Albian of southeast France: palaeoecological and biostratigraphic implications

Abstract The Aptian–lower Albian succession of the Vocontian Basin (SE France) consists of marine hemipelagic sediments including several black shale horizons. The latter are partly of regional and partly of global distribution. This sedimentary succession records the nannoplankton evolution of the Aptian–early Albian interval and thus provides an excellent opportunity to calibrate the calcareous nannofossil record with Tethyan ammonite and planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy. The calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy presented in this paper supports previous zonations, but it also provides a much higher resolution and thus improves the correlation of different black shale horizons on a supraregional scale. Up to 23 major (supraregionally significant) and minor (regionally significant) first and last occurrences of calcareous nannofossil taxa are recognized. Nannoconid abundances decrease rapidly in the upper Lower Aptian (nannoconid crisis I, NCI) and in the middle Upper Aptian (nannoconid crisis II, NCII). Both decreases correlate with carbonate–platform drowning events. The upper Lower Aptian interval above the NCI is characterized by high abundances of large specimens of Assipetra infracretacea and Rucinolithus terebrodentarius probably of supraregional significance. The uppermost Aptian–Lower Albian is characterized by high abundances of the calcareous nannoplankton taxon Repagulum parvidentatum, reflecting boreal influence on the Tethyan Realm. This suggests a temporary decrease in surface-water temperatures in the Vocontian Basin.

Reconstruction of short-term palaeoceanographic changes during the formation of the Late Albian ‘Niveau Breistroffer’ black shales (Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d, SE France)

The Niveau Breistroffer black shale succession in the Vocontian Basin (SE France) is the regional equivalent of the widely distributed Late Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d. The studied black shale-rich interval at the Col de Palluel section is 6.28 m thick and comprises four black shale units with up to 2.5 wt% total organic carbon (TOC) intercalated with marlstones. Calcareous nannofossil, palynomorph, planktic Foraminifera and stable isotopic data from the Niveau Breistroffer succession suggest that short-term climate changes influenced its deposition, with relatively warm and humid climate during black shale formation in comparison with relatively cool and dry climatic conditions during marlstone deposition. An increase in the terrigenous/marine ratio of palynomorphs indicates enhanced humidity and higher runoff during black shale formation. A nutrient index based on calcareous nannofossils and the abundance pattern of small (63–125 μm) hedbergellid Foraminifera show short-term changes in the productivity of the surface water. Surface-water productivity was reduced during black shale formation and increased during marlstone deposition. A calcareous nannofossil temperature index and bulk-rock oxygen isotope data indicate relative temperature changes, with warmer surface waters for black shale samples. At these times, warm–humid climate and reduced surface-water productivity were accompanied by greater abundances of ‘subsurface’-dwelling calcareous nannofossils (nannoconids) and planktic Foraminifera (rotaliporids). These taxa presumably indicate more stratified surface-water conditions. We suggest that the formation of the Niveau Breistroffer black shales occurred during orbitally induced increase in monsoonal activity that led to increasing humidity during periods of black shale formation. This, in turn, caused a decrease in low-latitude deep-water formation and probably an increase in surface-water stratification. The combination of these two mechanisms caused depleted O2 concentrations in the bottom water that increased the preservation potential of organic matter.

Reconstructing nutricline dynamics of mid-Cretaceous oceans: evidence from calcareous nannofossils from the Niveau Paquier black shale (SE France)

A high-resolution calcareous nannofossil record is presented from the Lower Albian Niveau Paquier black shale from the Vocontian Basin (SE France). The Niveau Paquier black shale represents the regional equivalent of the supraregionally distributed Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b (OAE 1b). To reconstruct surface water fertility, a nutrient index based on Zeugrhabdotus erectus, Discorhabdus rotatorius (high fertility indicators), and Watznaueria barnesae (low fertility indicator)was established using principal component analysis. In addition, the distribution of Nannoconus spp. and absolute abundances of coccoliths (coccoliths per gram)were used for reconstructing nutricline dynamics of the surface waters. High surface water fertility coincides with low percentages of nannoconids and vice versa. Moreover, high percentages of nannoconids correlate with low absolute abundances of all other coccoliths. Based on the observed nannoplankton distribution pattern and a suggested similarity in ecological requirements between nannoconids and the modern taxon Florisphaera profunda, a model is proposed that couples nannoconid abundances with dynamics of the nutricline. Time series analyses of the nutrient index show fluctuations within the precessional band. The precession-controlled fluctuations of the surface water fertility may represent a monsoonal signal, with the nutrient supply in the surface waters depending on the strength of monsoonal activity. During periods of enhanced monsoonal activity, which were characterized by humid conditions and stronger winds, mixing of the upper water column was enhanced. During that time, the abundance of nannoconids decreased as a consequence of enhanced wind stress that improved vertical mixing and led to an entrainment of nutrients into the surface waters. This resulted in an increase of primary production. During periods of reduced monsoonal activity, marked by drier conditions and reduced wind stress, the surface waters were depleted in nutrients. As a result of a deep nutricline and a reduced nutrient supply to the upper photic zone in a stratified water column, percentages of nannoconids increased. According to the mechanisms outlined above, fluctuations of the nutrient index and nannoconid percentages have been used as a proxy for reconstructing the physical structure of mid-Cretaceous oceans steered by precession-forced monsoonal activity. The results of the study show that the formation of the Lower Albian OAE 1b from the Vocontian Basin occurred under strongly fluctuating surface waters fertility. 7 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Mesozoic calcareous nannofossils state of the art.

Calcareous nannofossils originated in the Triassic, radiated in the Jurassic and became a dominant component of the marine biosphere from the earliest Jurassic onward. They can be considered as one of the most important “innovations” of the Mesozoic oceans. Their basic morphology allows the differentiation of three different groups: coccoliths, nannoliths and calcispheres (= calcareous dinocysts). Only coccoliths and nannoliths are discussed in this article in some detail. Coccoliths and nannoliths have contributed greatly in the Interpretation of Mesozoic marine Systems through biostratigraphy and palaeoecology/palaeoceanography. Ever since the late 1960s both coccoliths and nannoliths have proven to be useful and reliable zonal markers for biostratigraphic schemes, allowing detailed zonations for the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Though affected by palaeobiogeographic provincialism, coccoliths and nannoliths have supplied many cosmopolitan biostratigraphic markers. These allow a global correlation of marine sedimentary units both from onshore sections in the classical European and North American areas and pelagic sequences recovered in the course of the DSDP/ODP drilling from the world’s oceans. Thus research on calcareous nannofossils Covers both, regional and global aspects. Research in the last 15 years concentrated on palaeoecological aspects. Apart from dinoflagellates, coccolithophores were the most important primary producers in Mesozoic oceans. As such they heavily relied on autecological factors such as light, nutrients and temperature. Variations in the assemblage composition of these groups may thus be viewed as a key for understanding palaeoecological, palaeoceanographic and palaeoclimatic changes of the past.KurzfassungKalkige Nannofossilien sind in der Trias entstanden, erlebten eine Radiation im Jura und sind seit dem Ober-Jura eine dominante Organismengruppe der marinen Biosphäre. Bei dieser Phytoplanktongruppe handelt es sich um eine der wichtigsten biologischen Neuerungen in den mesozoischen Ozeanen. Die Grundmorphologie erlaubt eine Unterscheidung von drei Gruppen: Coccolithen, Nannolithen und Calcisphären (= kalkige Dinoflagellatenzysten). Im vorliegenden Artikel werden nur die Coccolithen und die Nannolithen eingehender behandelt. Für zwei Bereiche haben Coccolithen und Nannolithen wichtige Informationen geliefert, die zu einer Neudeutung mesozoischer mariner Systeme geführt haben: 1. Biostratigraphie, 2. Paläoökologie/Paläoozeanographie. Seit der zweiten Hälfte der 60-er Jahre des 20. Jahrhunderts haben sich sowohl Coccolithen als auch Nannolithen als wichtige und nützliche Zonenleitfossilien für biostratigraphische Gliederungen erwiesen. Diese ermöglichen eine detaillierte Zonengliederung des Jura und der Kreide. Obwohl für Coccolithen und Nannolithen biogeographischer Provinzialismus bekannt ist, haben beide Gruppen viele kosmopolitische Leitformen geliefert. Mit Hilfe dieser Leitformen ist eine globale Korrelation mariner Sedimentabfolgen der klassischen On-shore Profile Europas und Nord Amerikas mit den pelagischen Abfolgen möglich, die im Rahmen des DSDP/ODP Programmes erbohrt wurden. Forschungsaktivitäten im Bereich des kalkigen Nannoplankton decken somit sowohl regionale als auch globale Aspekte ab. Die Forschung der letzten 15 Jahren fokussiert sich auf die Rolle dieser Gruppe als wichtige Primärproduzenten in den mesozoischen Ozeanen; neben Dinoflagellaten waren die Coccolithen die wichtigsten Primärproduzenten. Damit ist eine klare Abhängigkeit von autökologischen Faktoren wie Licht, Nährstoffen und Temperatur gegeben. Variationen in den Florenvergesellschaftungen sind somit ein wesentlicher Schlüssel zum Verständnis von paläoökologischen, paläoozeanographischen und paläoklimatischen Veränderungen der Vergangenheit.

Early Maastrichtian carbon cycle perturbation and cooling event: Implications from the South Atlantic Ocean

Published stable isotope records in marine carbonate are characterized by a positive ?18O excursion associated with a negative ?13C shift during the early Maastrichtian. However, the cause and even the precise timing of these excursions remain uncertain. We have generated high-resolution foraminiferal stable isotope and grey scale records for the latest Campanian to early Maastrichtian (~73-68 Ma) at two Ocean Drilling Program sites, 525 (Walvis Ridge) and 690 (Weddell Sea). We demonstrate that the negative ?13C excursion is decoupled from the ?18O increase with a lag of about 600 kyr. Our ?13C records (both planktic and benthic) show an amplitude for the negative excursion of 0.7 ‰ that falls between about 72.1 and 70.7 Ma. Our planktic ?18O records indicate an overall increase of 1.2 ‰ from 73 to 68 Ma at Site 690, whereas at Site 525 they record a slightly smaller increase (~1 ‰) that peaks around 70.1 Ma with decreasing values thereafter. Our benthic ?18O data indicate an increase of ~1.5 ‰ at Site 525 and ~0.7 ‰ at Site 690 between about 71.4 and 69.9 Ma. Benthic ?18O values show different baseline values at the two sites before and after the excursion but the larger increase at Site 525 means that the values attained at the peak of the excursion are similar at the two sites. We interpret this observation in terms of water mass changes. The excursion is interpreted to reflect a cooling of bottom waters in response to the strengthening contribution of intermediate- to deep-water production in the high southern latitudes rather than increased ice volume. The associated carbon-cycle perturbations that we observe are interpreted to reflect a weakening of surface-water stratification and increased productivity, as supported by our grey value data.