Paleoceanographic significance of high-resolution carbon isotope records across the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in the Western Interior and New Jersey coastal plain, USA

Carbon isotope measurements have been made on bulk carbonate and organic matter in three sections across the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. The stratigraphy records the positive carbon isotopic excursion that is associated with the major oceanic anoxic event (OAE2). Comparison of TOC and isotopic data in sections from a range of different environments suggests that the positive excursion is a response to increased burial of organic matter in the deep ocean. The lack of coupled negative shifts in δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb records at the onset of OAE2 does not support a causal role for volcanism or methane hydrate dissociation.