Boron concentrations and isotopic compositions in methane-derived authigenic carbonates: Constraints and limitations in reconstructing formation conditions

The boron content and isotopic composition (delta B-11), of marine carbonates have the potential to constrain CO2 chemistry during carbonate growth conditions. However, obtaining and interpreting boron compositions from authigenic carbonates in geological archives present several challenges that may substantially limit their application. In particular, contamination from non-carbonate phases during sample preparation must be carefully avoided, and a variety of controls on boron composition during authigenic growth conditions must be evaluated. To advance understanding of the use and limitations of boron in authigenic carbonates, we present data and modelling results on methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC), a by-product of microbially mediated anaerobic oxidation of methane, taken from three cold seep sites along the Norwegian margin. We present a novel sequential leaching method to isolate the boron signals from the micritic (Mg-calcite) and cavity-filling (aragonitic) MDAC cements in these complex multi-phase samples. This method successfully minimizes contamination from non carbonate phases. To investigate the factors that could potentially contribute to the observed boron signals, we construct a numerical model to simulate the evolution of MDAC delta B-11 and B/Ca ratios over its growth history. We show that diagenetic fluid composition, depths of precipitation, the physical properties of sediments (such as porosity), and mineral surface kinetics all contribute to the observed boron compositions in the different carbonate cements. While broad constraints may be placed on fluid composition, the multiple competing controls on boron in these diagenetic settings limit the ability to place unique solutions on fluid CO2 chemistry using boron in these authigenic carbonates. (C)& nbsp;2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.& nbsp;

Automated summary

The boron content and isotopic composition of marine carbonates can provide information on CO2 chemistry during carbonate growth conditions. However, there are challenges in obtaining and interpreting boron compositions from authigenic carbonates. This study presents data and modeling results on methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) from three sites along the Norwegian margin. A novel sequential leaching method is used to isolate boron signals from different carbonates in these complex samples, and a numerical model is constructed to simulate the evolution of boron isotopic composition. The results show that various factors contribute to the observed boron compositions in the carbonates. However, the multiple controls on boron in these diagenetic settings limit the ability to uniquely determine fluid CO2 chemistry using boron in authigenic carbonates.