Gulf of Nuna: Astrochronologic correlation of a Mesoproterozoic oceanic euxinic event

The ca. 1.4 Ga Velkerri and Xiamaling Formations, in Australia and the north China craton, respectively, are both carbonaceous shale deposits that record a prominent euxinic interval and were intruded by ca. 1.3 Ga dolerite sills. These similarities raise the possibility that these two units correlate, which would suggest the occurrence of widespread euxinia, organic carbon burial, and source rock deposition. Paleomagnetic data are consistent with Australia and the north China craton being neighbors in the supercontinent Nuna and thus permit deposition in a single large basin, and the putative stratigraphic correlation. However, lack of geochronological data has precluded definitive testing. The Xiamaling Formation has been shown to exhibit depositional control by orbital cycles. Here, we tested the putative correlation with the Velkerri Formation by cyclostratigraphic analysis. The Velkerri Formation exhibits sedimentological cycles that can be interpreted to represent the entire hierarchy of orbital cycles, according to a sedimentation rate that is consistent with Re-Os ages. Comparison of the inferred durations of the euxinic intervals preserved in both the Xiamaling and Velkerri Formations reveals a nearly identical similar to 10-m.y.-long oceanic euxinic event. This permits the interpretation that the two hydrocarbon-rich units were deposited and matured in the same basin of Nuna, similar to the Gulf of Mexico during the breakup of Pangea.

Automated summary

The Velkerri and Xiamaling Formations in Australia and the north China craton, respectively, exhibit similarities that suggest they were deposited and matured in the same basin of the supercontinent Nuna. They both record a similar oceanic euxinic event and share geological characteristics pointing towards a common depositional history.