Geochemistry of Sinian tillites from Hunan Province, South China - A test of the Snowball Earth hypothesis
Date
2003
Authors
Dobrzinski, N.
Bahlburg, H.
Strauss, H.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Progress in Natural Science: communication of state key laboratories of China, 2003; 13(11):867-874
Statement of Responsibility
Nicole Dobrzinski, Heinrich Bahlburg, Harald Strauss
Conference Name
Abstract
A glaciomarine succession of Neoproterozoic age (between 748–584 Ma) is widespread on the Yangtze Platform, South China. The deposition took place during an intermediate to low paleolatitude position of the Yangtze Platform. The Snowball Earth hypothesis offers an explanation for the occurrence of low-latitude tillites in general. It is basedon records obtained of deposits underlying and overlying the tillites. In contrast, we focused on the tillites themselves by using geochemistry to obtain detailed information about the conditions during the glaciation. Of particular interest are environmental conditions, which are closely related to the climate development. Additionally, stable isotope geochemistry was used for a paleoclimate interpretation. The geochemical results of the Sinian glacial succession on the Yangtze Platform are compared to the predictions made by the Snowball Earth hypothesis.