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Fingerprinting the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact with Zn isotopes

Earth Sciences

Fingerprinting the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact with Zn isotopes

R. Mathur, B. Mahan, et al.

This paper uncovers compelling zinc isotope data from the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, highlighting significant variations compared to neighboring rocks and carbonaceous chondrites. The findings suggest that Zn volatilization during the impact event left a unique isotopic signature, shedding light on this historic cataclysm. This research was conducted by Ryan Mathur, Brandon Mahan, Marissa Spencer, Linda Godfrey, Neil Landman, Matthew Garb, D. Graham Pearson, Sheng-Ao Liu, and Francisca E. Oboh-Ikuenobe.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This paper presents zinc isotope data from Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary sedimentary rock layers. The data show heavier Zn isotope compositions and lower Zn concentrations compared to surrounding rocks, the impact site carbonate platform, and most carbonaceous chondrites. The authors argue that these isotopic signatures are consistent with Zn volatilization during the K-Pg impact event, providing a novel isotopic fingerprint for this process.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jul 05, 2021
Authors
Ryan Mathur, Brandon Mahan, Marissa Spencer, Linda Godfrey, Neil Landman, Matthew Garb, D. Graham Pearson, Sheng-Ao Liu, Francisca E. Oboh-Ikuenobe
Tags
zinc isotopes
Cretaceous-Paleogene
impact event
volatilization
isotopic signatures
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