wAbstract
@In conjunction with increasing benthic foraminiferal ƒÂ18O
values at the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT; ca. 34 Ma), coarse-grained
ice-rafted debris (IRD; „425ƒÊm) appears abruptly alongside fossil
fish teeth with continentally derived neodymium (Nd) isotope ratios
(ƒÃNd) in Kerguelen Plateau (Southern Ocean)
sediments. Increased Antarctic weathering flux, as inferred from
two steps to less radiogenic ƒÃNd values,
coincides with two steps in benthic foraminiferal ƒÂ18O
values. These results indicate that two distinct surges of weathering
were generated by East antarctic ice growth during the EOT. Weathering
by ice sheets during a precursor glaciation at 33.9 Ma did not
produce significant IRD accumulation during the first ƒÃNd
shift. Glacial weathering was sustained during a terrace interval
between the two steps, probably by small high-elevation ice sheets.
A large increase in weathering signals the rapid coalescence of
small ice sheets into an ice sheet of continental proportions
ca. 33.7 Ma. Rapid ice sheet expansion resulted in a suppression
of weathering due to less exposed area and colder conditions.
Parallel changes in Antarctic weathering flux and deep-sea carbonate
accumulation suggest that ice-sheet expansion during the EOT had
a direct impact on the global carbon cycle; possible mechanisms
include associated changes in silicate weathering on the East
Antarctic craton and enhanced fertilization of Southern Ocean
waters, both of which warrant further investigation.x
Introduction
Material and methods
Results
Discussion
@Timing of IRD delivery to the Kerguelen Plateau
@Nature of the Nd isotope excursion
@Weathering and ice volume history across the EOT
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References cited