Age, chemo- and biostratigraphy of Haiti spherule-rich deposits: A multi-event K-T scenario

G. Keller, T. Adatte, W. Stinnesbeck, D. Stüben, Z. Berner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Examination of two new expanded K-T transitions and reexamination of road outcrops near Beloc, Haiti, reveals that deposition of the glass spherule-rich deposit (SRD) occurred within the early Danian Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina (Pla(1)) Zone, followed by an Ir anomaly, and 50 cm above it, a second Pd-dominated platinum group element (PGE) anomaly. The K-T boundary is at an erosional unconformity between the base of the SRD and underlying Maastrichtian limestone, where an interval representing about 100-250 thousand years appears to be missing (juxtaposition of planktic foraminiferal zones (Pla(1)) and Plummerita hantkeninoides (CF1)). It is possible that the spherule layers are reworked from original deposits at or below the K-T boundary. The Ir anomaly is of roughly chondritic-type and compatible with an impact event, whereas the Pd-dominated PGE anomaly is a more basalt-type and compatible with a magmatic origin. This suggests a multi-event scenario consistent with one impact followed by a major volcanic event in the Caribbean or elsewhere.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)197-227
Number of pages31
JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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