Co-variation of Mg and C isotopes in late Precambrian carbonates of the Siberian Platform: A new tool for tracing the change in weathering regime?

This study reports significant Mg isotopic variations in 32 samples of late Precambrian dolomites from various parts of the Siberian Platform exhibiting a range of δ13C from − 10‰ to + 6‰ (V-PDB). In the Ediacaran dolomites from the N and NE part of the Patom Paleobasin, a systematic increase of δ26Mg from − 2.3 ± 0.2‰ to − 0.8 ± 0.3‰ (DSM3) along with a δ13C decrease from + 6‰ to − 10‰ (δ26Mg = − 0.072 × δ13C − 1.83) with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.73 (n = 20) are observed. Within the stratigraphic sequence of Ediacaran and Ediacaran–Lower Cambrian transition successions, all positive C-isotope excursions co-vary with negative Mg-isotope shifts and vice versa. Other samples from the Siberian Platform lay on this regression with R2 = 0.66 (n = 28) except for 4 samples, probably diagenetic dolostones, that exhibit a positive δ26Mg–δ13C correlation. The enrichment of sedimentary dolomite in heavy carbon and light Mg isotopes may be interpreted as a result of a complex interplay of contrasting sedimentation conditions (sea regression versus sea transgression regime) yielding different weathering regimes and relative contributions of carbonate versus silicate rocks. The enrichment of both oceanic water and carbonate sediments by 26Mg could occur during transgression and would coincide with sedimentation of low-13C carbonates, whereas sedimentation of the depleted in 26Mg, and enriched in 13C carbonates could happen under regression regime when exposed carbonate platforms and coastal planes are subjected to intense weathering.

► In this study we investigate coupled C and Mg isotopes in Precambrian dolomites.
► All samples originated from various parts of the Siberian Platform.
► We observe a systematic increase of δ26Mg along with a δ13C decrease.
► The C and Mg isotope signature may be the result of different sedimentation conditions.
► Isotopic composition may be explained by formation under different weathering regimes.