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Anomalous 13C depletion in early Precambrian graphites from Superior Province, Canada

Nature volume 290, pages 696–699 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

The carbon isotope composition of organic carbon is potentially, at least, a guide to the conditions in which and to the organisms by which it was formed. The isotopic composition of most Phanerozoic kerogens, measured as δ 13C values, lies within the range −20‰ to −30‰. Most (∼65%) samples of Precambrian organic carbon, now represented by graphite and other forms of reduced carbon, have isotopic ratios within the same range, but in others the concentration of 13C is significantly depleted by as much as 10‰. The causes of this depletion have an obvious bearing on the conditions of life in the Precambrian. Here we report the results of our measurements of samples of graphite from the Archean of the Superior Province of Canada, one of which being the most depleted in 13C ever found in the Precambrian. We explain this 13C depletion by organisms in some areas living on CO2 oxidized from CH4 that has been formed by methane-producing bacteria in Precambrian stratified seas.

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Author notes

  1. F.-W. Wellmer

    Present address: Bundesminister für Wirtschaft Villemombler Straße, 5300, Bonn, 1, FRG

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, Stilleweg 2, 3000, Hannover, 51, FRG

    M. Schoell

  2. Metallgesellschaft AG Reuterweg 14, 6000, Frankfurt a.M., FRG

    F.-W. Wellmer

Authors
  1. M. Schoell
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  2. F.-W. Wellmer
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Schoell, M., Wellmer, FW. Anomalous 13C depletion in early Precambrian graphites from Superior Province, Canada. Nature 290, 696–699 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/290696a0

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