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High-resolution correlation of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) across the interior of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2019

David C. Ray Open the ORCID record for David C. Ray [Opens in a new window] ,
Emilia Jarochowska ,
Philipp Röstel ,
Graham Worton ,
Axel Munnecke ,
James R. Wheeley  and
Ian Boomer
David C. Ray*
Affiliation:
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
Emilia Jarochowska
Affiliation:
GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Fachgruppe Paläoumwelt, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loewenichstr. 28, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
Philipp Röstel
Affiliation:
GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Fachgruppe Paläoumwelt, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loewenichstr. 28, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
Graham Worton
Affiliation:
Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, The Archives and Local History Centre, Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ, United Kingdom
Axel Munnecke
Affiliation:
GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Fachgruppe Paläoumwelt, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loewenichstr. 28, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
James R. Wheeley
Affiliation:
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
Ian Boomer
Affiliation:
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
*
Author for correspondence: David C. Ray, Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

New δ13Ccarb and microfacies data from Hereford–Worcestershire and the West Midlands allow for a detailed examination of variations in the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) and depositional environment within the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK. These comparisons have been aided by a detailed sequence-stratigraphic and bentonite correlation framework. Microfacies analysis has identified regional differences in relative sea-level change and indicates an overall shallowing of the carbonate platform interior from Hereford–Worcestershire to the West Midlands. Based upon the maximum δ13Ccarb values for the lower and upper peaks of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the shallower depositional setting of the West Midlands is associated with values that are 0.7 ‰ and 0.8 ‰ higher than in Hereford–Worcestershire. At the scale of parasequences the effect of depositional environment upon δ13Ccarb values can also be observed, with a conspicuous offset in the position of the trough in δ13Ccarb values between the peaks of the Homerian CIE. This offset can be accounted for by differences in relative sea-level change and carbonate production rates. While such differences complicate the use of CIEs as a means of high-resolution correlation, and caution against correlations based purely upon the isotopic signature, it is clear that a careful analysis of the depositional environment can account for such differences and thereby improve the use of carbon isotopic curves as a means of correlation.

Keywords

carbon isotope stratigraphymicrofaciesMuch Wenlock Limestone Formationhigh-resolution correlation
Type
Original Article
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 157 , Issue 4 , April 2020 , pp. 603 - 620
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2019

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