The proposed research involves a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Aptian-Albian black shales: 1) Refinement of Aptian-Albian stratigraphy with development of an integrated higher resolution foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy is proposed, and 2) detailed sedimentologic and geochemical (organic; stable isotopic) studies of Aptian-Albian "black shale" sequences in order to document the stratigraphic sequence of anoxic vs. oxic conditions and resulting changes in type and/or preservation of organic matter. Our study will involve intensive investigation of selected land and DSDP/ODP sequences of Aptian-Albian age from a broad spread of paleolatitudes and paleoenvironments. The objectives are: 1) to improve the understanding of and better constrain models for the origin of organic carbon-rich strata of mid-Cretaceous age, which are a major portion of the hydrocarbon source best of the world; 2) to investigate the forcing of black shale deposition by tectonic, paleoceanographic, eustatic and climatic events; and 3) to understand the relationships between biotic evolution and formation of sedimentary (e.g. Mn) ore deposits to OAEs and OASEs.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
8721351
Program Officer
Jonathan H. Fink
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-01-15
Budget End
1990-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$55,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Evanston
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60201