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Series:   Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science

Cerium Anomalies and Paleoredox

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2021

Rosalie Tostevin
Rosalie Tostevin
Affiliation:
University of Oxford

Summary

Ce anomalies track changes in oxygen availability due to the anomalous redox-sensitivity of Ce compared with the other rare earth elements. The proxy systematics have been calibrated experimentally as well as in modern anoxic water bodies. Ce anomalies are unique because they track intermediate manganous conditions, rather than fully anoxic conditions. In addition, they are sensitive to local–regional redox conditions, and can be analysed in chemical sediments such as carbonate rocks. This makes them especially useful as a tool to track local oxygen distribution in shallow shelf environments, where biodiversity is highest. This review focusses on the systematics of the Ce anomaly proxy, the preservation and extraction of the signal in sedimentary rocks, and the potential applications of the proxy.
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Keywords

ceriumoxygensedimentary rocksredox conditionsmanganousgeochemical proxies
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science
Online ISBN: 9781108847223
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 25 February 2021

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