Calcium isotope ratios of malformed foraminifera reveal biocalcification stress preceded Oceanic Anoxic Event 2

Ocean acidification causes biocalcification stress. The calcium isotope composition of carbonate producers can archive such stress because calcium isotope fractionation is sensitive to precipitation rate. Here, we synthesize morphometric observations of planktic foraminifera with multi-archive calcium isotope records from Gubbio, Italy and the Western Interior Seaway spanning Cretaceous Ocean Anoxic Event 2 (similar to 94 million years ago). Calcium isotope ratios increase similar to 60 thousand years prior to the event. The increase coincides with foraminiferal abnormalities and correlates with existing proxy records for carbon dioxide release during large igneous province volcanism. The results highlight Ocean Anoxic Event 2 as a geologic ocean acidification analog. Moreover, decreasing calcium isotope ratios during the event provide evidence for ocean alkalinization, which could have shifted air-sea carbon dioxide partitioning. These data offer an explanation for the Plenus Cold Event and further have implications for refining ocean alkalinity enhancement, a leading anthropogenic carbon dioxide removal strategy.

Automated summary

Ocean acidification can cause biocalcification stress. In this study, the researchers synthesized morphometric observations of planktic foraminifera and multi-archive calcium isotope records to investigate the effects of ocean acidification during Ocean Anoxic Event 2. The results suggest that this event can serve as a geologic analog for ocean acidification, and provide evidence for ocean alkalinization and its potential impact on carbon dioxide partitioning.