Neodymium isotopes of central Mediterranean phosphatic hardgrounds reveal Miocene paleoceanography

Cornacchia I, Brandano M, Agostini S, Munnecke A (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Geology Geological Society of America

DOI: 10.1130/G50118.1

Abstract

Understanding the causes of the formation of hardgrounds provides insights on the oceanographic evolution of a basin. Phosphate-rich hardground formation interrupted carbonate ramp deposition in the Mediterranean during the Miocene. We analyzed the epsilon(Nd) record of three central Mediterranean hardgrounds to identify the origin of the phosphate-rich waters that formed them within the frame of Mediterranean Miocene paleoceanographic evolution. The Nd isotopes suggest that eastern Mediterranean deep waters were controlled by runoff, in contrast to Atlantic and Indian Ocean waters. This Nd isotope record attests to the weakening of Mediterranean circulation during the Miocene due to closure of the Indian Gateway. Limited exchange with Atlantic shallow seawater led to long residence times for deep waters in the basin. This record indicates the role of upwelling in formation of phosphate hardgrounds and shows the influence of global climate change and local paleoceanographic conditions.

Authors with CRIS profile

Axel Munnecke Professur für Paläontologie (Schwerpunkt Faziesanalyse)

Involved external institutions

Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse (IGG-CNR) IT Italy (IT) Università degli studi "La Sapienza" IT Italy (IT)

How to cite

APA:

Cornacchia, I., Brandano, M., Agostini, S., & Munnecke, A. (2022). Neodymium isotopes of central Mediterranean phosphatic hardgrounds reveal Miocene paleoceanography. Geology. https://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G50118.1

MLA:

Cornacchia, Irene, et al. "Neodymium isotopes of central Mediterranean phosphatic hardgrounds reveal Miocene paleoceanography." Geology (2022).

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