Stable isotope (delta O-18,delta C-13) records across the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary at Geulhemmerberg, southern Netherlands

摘要

The stable isotopic (delta(18)O, delta(13)C) records for bulk samples and well-preserved, monospecific, benthic foraminiferal samples show no or only small variations across the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary at Geulhemmerberg, southern Netherlands. The site represents an inner shelf environment, where calcarenites and clay layers formed. Comparisons with previously established isotopic records from Danish K/T boundary sections, where significant isotopic changes (2-3 degrees C cooling and 1.5 parts per thousand negative delta(13)C shift) occur in the basalmost PO Zone, indicate a small hiatus at the base of the Danian at Geulhemmerberg. This is consistent with other data, such as absence of a strong Ir anomaly and shocked quartz.