Journal Article

FZJ-2016-06177

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Miocene depositional environment and climate in western Europe: The lignite deposits of the Lower Rhine Basin, Germany

Stock, A. T. ; Littke, R. (Corresponding author) ; Lücke, A.FZJ* ; Zieger, L. ; Thielemann, T.

2016
Elsevier Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.coal.2015.06.009

Abstract: Miocene lignites representing a depositional history of about 7 million years (18–11 Ma before present) have been studied by organic petrological and organic geochemical methods including analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes. The three lignite seams investigated (Morken, Frimmersdorf, Garzweiler) developed from peats which grew in a nutrient depleted paralic environment situated close to the sea. All seams have low ash/mineral matter contents, but seam Frimmersdorf is richer in sulfur as compared to seams Morken and Garzweiler. Sulfur richness and distribution in seam Frimmersdorf might be due to the diagenetic effect of sulfate reduction and pyrite precipitation following flooding by the sea and deposition of the marine Neurath sands on top of seam Frimmersdorf.Geochemical palaeotemperature analysis (GDGT) revealed a warm climate during deposition of the peats representing lignite seams Morken and Frimmersdorf which shifted towards lower temperatures (2–3 °C) during deposition of the uppermost seam Garzweiler, i.e., at about 13–11 Ma before present. This trend is basically supported by cellulose oxygen isotope values which show a significant scatter, however. Carbon isotope values are less variable, indicating predominance of angiosperms in the peat vegetation and rather stable environmental conditions as well as floral assemblage. Organic petrological studies reveal predominance of small plants and a nutrient depleted environment. A modified Groundwater Index (GWIac) was applied, suggesting deposition above the general groundwater level.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Agrosphäre (IBG-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 255 - Terrestrial Systems: From Observation to Prediction (POF3-255) (POF3-255)

Appears in the scientific report 2016

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Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; No Authors Fulltext ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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