Sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and facies analysis of Cambrian Series 2 – Series 3 boundary strata in northwestern Scotland

Faggetter LE, Wignall PB, Pruss SB, Sun Y, RAINE RJ, Newton RJ, Widdowson M, SMITH PM, Sun Y, Joachimski M (2018)

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Geological Magazine Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Book Volume: 155

Pages Range: 865-877

DOI: 10.1017/S0016756816000947

Abstract

Globally, the Series 2 – Series 3 boundary of the Cambrian System coincides with a major carbon isotope excursion, sea-level changes and trilobite extinctions. Here we examine the sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy and carbon isotope record of this interval in the Cambrian strata (Durness Group) of NW Scotland. Carbonate carbon isotope data from the lower part of the Durness Group (Ghrudaidh Formation) show that the shallow-marine, Laurentian margin carbonates record two linked sea-level and carbon isotopic events. Whilst the carbon isotope excursions are not as pronounced as those expressed elsewhere, correlation with global records (Sauk I – Sauk II boundary and Olenellus biostratigraphic constraint) identifies them as representing the local expression of the ROECE and DICE. The upper part of the ROECE is recorded in the basal Ghrudaidh Formation whilst the DICE is seen around 30m above the base of this unit. Both carbon isotope excursions co-occur with surfaces interpreted to record regressive–transgressive events that produced amalgamated sequence boundaries and ravinement/flooding surfaces overlain by conglomerates of reworked intraclasts. The ROECE has been linked with redlichiid and olenellid trilobite extinctions, but in NW Scotland, Olenellus is found after the negative peak of the carbon isotope excursion but before sequence boundary formation.

Authors with CRIS profile

Yadong Sun Lehrstuhl für Geologie (Exogene Dynamik) Michael Joachimski Lehrstuhl für Geologie (Exogene Dynamik)

Involved external institutions

University of Leeds GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Oxford GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Hull GB United Kingdom (GB) Geological Survey Of Northern Ireland GB United Kingdom (GB) Smith College US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Faggetter, L.E., Wignall, P.B., Pruss, S.B., Sun, Y., RAINE, R.J., Newton, R.J.,... Joachimski, M. (2018). Sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and facies analysis of Cambrian Series 2 – Series 3 boundary strata in northwestern Scotland. Geological Magazine, 155, 865-877. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0016756816000947

MLA:

Faggetter, Luke E., et al. "Sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and facies analysis of Cambrian Series 2 – Series 3 boundary strata in northwestern Scotland." Geological Magazine 155 (2018): 865-877.

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