Abstract
Black shales of the late Neoproterozoic Gwna Group (570-580 Ma), UK, contain enrichments of tellurium (Te), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co) relative to average shale compositions. The Te and Co enrichments bear comparison with those of ferromanganese crusts in the modern deep ocean. Gwna Group deposition coincides with the Second Great Oxidation Event, which had a significant effect on trace element fixation globally. Selenium and Te concentrations within these black shales indicate increased continental weathering rates, high biological productivity and corresponding increases in atmospheric O2 concentrations. Cobalt, nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As) enrichments in this succession are secondary mineralisation phases. Demand for many of the trace elements found enriched in the Gwna Group black shales make their mechanisms of accumulation, and variations through the geological record important to understand, and suggests that new resources may be sought based on black shale protoliths from this period.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 244-253 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Terra Nova |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 24 Mar 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- black shales
- geochemistry
- Neoproterozoic
- atmospheric oxygentation
- selenium