Abstract
The Early Cambrian represents a critical time period characterized by extraordinary biological innovations and dynamic redox conditions in seawaters. Nitrogen isotopic signatures of ancient sediments have the potential to elucidate the evolutionary path of marine redox states and the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle within the water column of the Early Cambrian ocean. While existing research on this topic has predominantly focused on South China, the exploration of other continental margins has been limited, leaving contradictory hypotheses untested. In this study, paired δ15N and δ13Corg analyses were performed on the Lower Cambrian successions from the Shiairike section (inner ramp) and Well Tadong 2 (deep shelf/basin) in the northwestern and eastern Tarim Basin, respectively. Our data from the Shiairike section reveal a discernible shift in the operation of different nitrogen cycles for the black chert-shale unit, also referred to as the black rock series in Chinese literature, of the Yurtus Formation (Fortunian stage to lower Stage 3). Oscillating δ15N values for its lower part are suggestive of alternating anaerobic assimilation of NH4+ and denitrification/anammox. This is likely attributed to a shallow, unstable chemocline consistent with the upwelling and incursion of deep, anoxic waters during a major transgression. In contrast, aerobic nitrogen cycling, indicated by positive δ15N values of >2‰, dominated the upper part alongside a reduction in upwelling intensity. On the other hand, the δ15N signatures of **shanbulake and **dashan Formations of Well Tadong 2, which encompass a time interval from the Cambrian Fortunian Age to Age 4, are indicative of N2 fixation by diazotrophs as the major nitrogen source. The two studied intervals, although not time-equivalent, exhibit separated states of nitrogen cycling at least during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series. The spatially different nitrogen cycling of the studied sections is compatible with a redox-stratified ocean during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series. The build-up of a NO3− reservoir and aerobic nitrogen cycling in seawater was largely restricted to near-shore settings whereas anaerobic nitrogen cycling dominated by N2 fixation served as the main nitrogen uptake pathway in off-shore settings.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ader M, Sansjofre P, Halverson GP et al (2014) Ocean redox structure across the Late Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event: A nitrogen isotope perspective. Earth Planet Sci Lett. 396:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2014.03.042
Ader M, Thomazo C, Sansjofre P et al (2016) Interpretation of the nitrogen isotopic composition of Precambrian sedimentary rocks: Assumptions and perspectives. Chem Geol. 429:93–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.02.010
Algeo TJ, Meyers PA, Robinson RS et al (2014) Icehouse–greenhouse variations in marine denitrification. Biogeosciences. 11:1273–1295. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1273-2014
Anbar AD, Knoll AH (2002) Proterozoic ocean chemistry and evolution: A bioinorganic bridge? Science. 297:1137–1142. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1069651
Bebout GE, Fogel ML (1992) Nitrogen-isotope compositions of metasedimentary rocks in the Catalina Schist, California: Implications for metamorphic devolatilization history. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 56:2839–2849. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(92)90363-N
Boyle RA, Clark JR, Poulton SW et al (2013) Nitrogen cycle feedbacks as a control on euxinia in the mid-Proterozoic ocean. Nat Commun. 4:1533. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms2511
Brasier MD (1992) Nutrient-enriched waters and the early skeletal fossil record. J Geol Soc. 149:621–629. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsjgs.149.4.0621
Butterfield NJ (2018) Oxygen, animals and aquatic bioturbation: An updated account. Geobiology. 16:3–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12267
Cai Z, Xu Z, Tang Z et al (2011) The crustal deformation during the early Paleozoic period and the timing of orogeny in Kuruktag area on the northeast margin of Tarim Basin. China Geol 38:855–867 (CNKI:SUN:DIZI.0.2011–04–007 in Chinese with English abstract).
Cai XY, Dou LW, Jiang HS (2014) Classification and correlation of Cambrian in eastern Tarim Basin. Pet Geol Exp. 5:539–545. https://doi.org/10.11781/sysydz201405539. (in Chinese with English abstract)
Chang C, Hu W, Fu Q et al (2016) Characterization of trace elements and carbon isotopes across the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary in Anhui Province, South China: Implications for stratigraphy and paleoenvironment reconstruction. J Asian Earth Sci. 125:58–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2016.05.014
Chang C, Hu W, Wang X et al (2019) Nitrogen isotope evidence for an oligotrophic shallow ocean during the Cambrian Stage 4. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 257:49–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.04.021
Chang C, Wang Z, Huang KJ et al (2022) Nitrogen cycling during the peak Cambrian explosion. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 336:50–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2022.09.013
Chen X, Ling HF, Vance D et al (2015) Rise to modern levels of ocean oxygenation coincided with the Cambrian radiation of animals. Nat Commun. 6:7142. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms8142
Chen Y, Diamond CW, Stüeken EE et al (2019) Coupled evolution of nitrogen cycling and redoxcline dynamics on the Yangtze Block across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 257:243–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.05.017
Cook PJ, Shergold JH (1984) Phosphorus, phosphorites and skeletal evolution at the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary. Nature. 308:231–236. https://doi.org/10.1038/308231a0
Cremonese L, Shields-Zhou GA, Struck U et al (2014) Nitrogen and organic carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Yangtze Platform during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition in South China. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol. 398:165–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.016
Dong L, **ao S, Shen B et al (2009) Basal Cambrian Microfossils from the Yangtze Gorges Area (South China) and the Aksu Area (Tarim Block, Northwestern China). J Paleontol. 83:30–44. https://doi.org/10.1666/07-147R.1
Erwin DH, Laflamme M, Tweedt SM et al (2011) The Cambrian Conundrum: Early divergence and Later Ecological success in the early History of Animals. Science. 334:1091–1097. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1206375
Freudenthal T, Wagner T, Wenzhöfer F et al (2001) Early diagenesis of organic matter from sediments of the eastern subtropical Atlantic: evidence from stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 65:1795–1808. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(01)00554-3
Gao JF, Lu JJ, Lai MY et al (2003) Analysis of trace elements in rock samples using HR-ICPMS. J Nan**g Univ Nat Sci. 36:844–850 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Godfrey LV, Poulton SW, Bebout GE et al (2013) Stability of the nitrogen cycle during development of sulfidic water in the redox-stratified Late Paleoproterozoic Ocean. Geology. 41:655–658. https://doi.org/10.1130/G33930.1
Guo TT, Zhu B, Yang T et al (2023) Marine environmental evolution in the Early Cambrian, eastern Tarim Basin. Pet Geol Exp. 45:252–265.
Guo TT (2023) Paleodepositional environment and organic matter accumulation of the Lower Cambrian **shanbulake-**dashan Formations in eastern Tarim Basin. Dissertation, Hohai University, Nan**g, China
Hammarlund EU, Gaines RR, Prokopenko MG et al (2017) Early Cambrian oxygen minimum zone-like conditions at Chengjiang. Earth Planet Sci Lett. 475:160–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.06.054
Harris NB, McMillan JM, Knapp LJ et al (2018) Organic matter accumulation in the Upper Devonian Duvernay Formation, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, from sequence stratigraphic analysis and geochemical proxies. Sediment Geol. 376:185–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2018.09.004
He T, Zhu M, Mills BJW et al (2019) Possible links between extreme oxygen perturbations and the Cambrian radiation of animals. Nat Geosci. 12:468–474. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-019-0357-z
Higgins MB, Robinson RS, Husson JM et al (2012) Dominant eukaryotic export production during ocean anoxic events reflects the importance of recycled NH4+. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 109:2269–2274. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1104313109
** C, Li C, Algeo TJ et al (2016) A highly redox-heterogeneous ocean in South China during the Early Cambrian (∼529–514 Ma): Implications for biota-environment co-evolution. Earth Planet Sci Lett. 441:38–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.02.019
Karl D, Michaels A, Bergman B et al (2002) Dinitrogen fixation in the world’s oceans. Biogeochemistry. 57:47–98. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015798105851
Kipp MA, Stüeken EE, Yun M et al (2018) Pervasive aerobic nitrogen cycling in the surface ocean across the Paleoproterozoic Era. Earth Planet Sci Lett. 500:117–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.08.007
Knoll AH (2017) Food for early animal evolution. Nature. 548:528–530. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature23539
Knoll AH, Follows MJ (2016) A bottom-up perspective on ecosystem change in Mesozoic oceans. Proc R Soc B. 283:20161755. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.1755
Koehler MC, Stüeken EE, Kipp MA et al (2017) Spatial and temporal trends in Precambrian nitrogen cycling: A Mesoproterozoic offshore nitrate minimum. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 198:315–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2016.10.050
Lehmann MF, Bernasconi SM, Barbieri A, McKenzie JA (2002) Preservation of organic matter and alteration of its carbon and nitrogen isotope composition during simulated and in situ early sedimentary diagenesis. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 66:3573–3584. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(02)00968-7
Li ZX, Powell CM (2001) An outline of the palaeogeographic evolution of the Australasian region since the beginning of the Neoproterozoic. Earth-Sci Rev. 53:237–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-8252(00)00021-0
Li ZX, Bogdanova SV, Collins AS et al (2008) Assembly, configuration, and break-up history of Rodinia: A synthesis. Precambrian Res. 160:179–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2007.04.021
Li C, Cheng M, Zhu M et al (2018) Heterogeneous and dynamic marine shelf oxygenation and coupled early animal evolution. Emerging Top Life Sci. 2:279–288. https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20170157
Li C, Shi W, Cheng M et al (2020) The redox structure of Ediacaran and Early Cambrian oceans and its controls. Sci Bull. 65:2141–2149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2020.09.023
Mills DB, Canfield DE (2014) Oxygen and animal evolution: Did a rise of atmospheric oxygen “trigger” the origin of animals? BioEssays. 36:1145–1155. https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.201400101
Papineau D, Purohit R, Goldberg T et al (2009) High primary productivity and nitrogen cycling after the Paleoproterozoic phosphogenic event in the Aravalli Supergroup. India Precambrian Res. 171:37–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2009.03.005
Peng S, Babcock LE, Cooper RA (2012) The Cambrian Period. In: The geologic time scale. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 437–488
Qian Y, Feng WM, Li GX et al (2009) Taxonomy and biostratigraphy of the Early Cambrian univalved mollusc fossils from **njiang. Acta Micropalaeontol Sin. 26(3):193–210 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Redfield AC, Ketchum BH, Richards FA (1963) The influence of organisms on the composition of sea-water. Sea 2:26–77
Robinson RS, Kienast M, Luiza Albuquerque A et al (2012) A review of nitrogen isotopic alteration in marine sediments. Paleoceanography. 27:2012PA002321. https://doi.org/10.1029/2012PA002321
Sohm JA, Webb EA, Capone DG (2011) Emerging patterns of marine nitrogen fixation. Nat Rev Microbiol 9:499–508. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2594
Sperling EA, Stockey RG (2018) The temporal and environmental context of early animal evolution: Considering all the ingredients of an “Explosion.” Integr Comp Biol. 58:605–622. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icy088
Sperling EA, Frieder CA, Raman AV et al (2013) Oxygen, ecology, and the Cambrian radiation of animals. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 110:13446–13451. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1312778110
Stüeken EE (2013) A test of the nitrogen-limitation hypothesis for retarded eukaryote radiation: Nitrogen isotopes across a Mesoproterozoic basinal profile. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 120:121–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.06.002
Stüeken EE, Kipp MA, Koehler MC et al (2016) The evolution of Earth’s biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. Earth-Sci Rev. 160:220–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.07.007
Stüeken EE, Zaloumis J, Meixnerová J, Buick R (2017) Differential metamorphic effects on nitrogen isotopes in kerogen extracts and bulk rocks. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.08.019
Sweere T, Van Den Boorn S, Dickson AJ, Reichart G-J (2016) Definition of new trace-metal proxies for the controls on organic matter enrichment in marine sediments based on Mn, Co, Mo and Cd Concentrations Chem Geol. 441:235–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.08.028
Tian L, Cui HF, Liu J et al (2018) Early-Middle Cambrian paleogeography and depositional evolution of Tarim Basin. Oil Gas Geol. 39(5):1011–1021. https://doi.org/10.11743/ogg20180515 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Wang D, Struck U, Ling HF et al (2015) Marine redox variations and nitrogen cycle of the Early Cambrian southern margin of the Yangtze Platform, South China: Evidence from nitrogen and organic carbon isotopes. Precambrian Res. 267:209–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2015.06.009
Wang D, Ling HF, Struck U et al (2018a) Coupling of ocean redox and animal evolution during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Nat Commun. 9:2575. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-04980-5
Wang X, Jiang G, Shi X et al (2018b) Nitrogen isotope constraints on the Early Ediacaran ocean redox structure. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 240:220–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2018.08.034
Wang Z, Chang C, Zhang X et al (2021) Possible response of N2O emission to marine redox fluctuation during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition in Nanhua Basin. South China Precambrian Res. 365:106409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106409
Wang H, Su J, Wang X et al (2022) Carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Cambrian System in the Eastern Tarim Basin. China Acta Geol Sin (Engl Ed). 96:1277–1293. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.14972
Wang HK (2021) Source rocks sedimentary environment and hydrocarbon generating potential of the Lower Cambrian in Kalpin thrust belt. Dissertation, China University of Petroleum, Bei**g
Wei GY, Planavsky NJ, Tarhan LG et al (2018) Marine redox fluctuation as a potential trigger for the Cambrian explosion. Geology. 46:587–590. https://doi.org/10.1130/G40150.1
Wille M, Nägler TF, Lehmann B et al (2008) Hydrogen sulphide release to surface waters at the Precambrian/Cambrian boundary. Nature. 453:767–769. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07072
**ang L, Schoepfer SD, Zhang H et al (2018) Evolution of primary producers and productivity across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Precambrian Res. 313:68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2018.05.023
Xu D, Wang X, Shi X et al (2020) Nitrogen cycle perturbations linked to metazoan diversification during the Early Cambrian. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol. 538:109392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2019.109392
Yang ZY, Luo P, Liu B et al (2017) The difference and sedimentation of two black rock series fromYurtus Formation during the Earliest Cambrian in the Aksu area of Tarim Basin. Northwest China Acta Petrol Sin. 33(6):1893–1918 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Yao J, **ao S, Yin L et al (2005) Basal Cambrian microfossils from the Yurtus and **shanblaq formations (Tarim, north-west china): Systematic revision and biostratigraphic correlation of micrhystridium-like acritarchs: Basal cambrian microfossils. Palaeontology. 48:687–708. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4983.2005.00484.x
Yu B, Yu L, Chen J et al (2003) The suboxic depositional setting of black shales in Lower Cambrian from northern Tarim Basin. Earth Sci Front. 10:545–550. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1005-2321.2003.04.020 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Yu B, Dong H, Widom E et al (2009) Geochemistry of basal Cambrian black shales and cherts from the Northern Tarim Basin, Northwest China: Implications for depositional setting and tectonic history. J Asian Earth Sci. 34:418–436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2008.07.003
Zerkle AL, Junium CK, Canfield DE et al (2008) Production of 15 N-depleted biomass during cyanobacterial N2-fixation at high Fe concentrations. J Geophys Res. 113:2007JG000651. https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JG000651
Zhang SG (1983) Early Cambrian Archaeocyathids from Kuruktag. **njiang. Acta Palaeont Sin. 22:9. https://doi.org/10.19800/j.cnki.aps.1983.01.002. (in Chinese with English abstract)
Zhang X, Shu D (2014) Causes and consequences of the Cambrian explosion. Sci China Earth Sci. 57:930–942. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-013-4751-x
Zhang SC, Wang ZM, Wang FY et al (2004) oil accumulation history in Tadong 2 oil reservoir in Tarim Basin, NW China-A case study of oil stability and cracking. Petr Pet Explor Dev. 31(6):25–31 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Zhang CL, Zou HB, Li HK et al (2013) Tectonic framework and evolution of the Tarim Block in NW China. Gondwana Res. 23:1306–1315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2012.05.009
Zhang X, Sigman DM, Morel FMM et al (2014) Nitrogen isotope fractionation by alternative nitrogenases and past ocean anoxia. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 111:4782–4787. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402976111
Zhang G, Liu W, Zhang L et al (2015) Cambrian-Ordovician prototypic basin, paleogeography and petroleum of the Tarim craton. Earth Sci Front. 22:269–276. https://doi.org/10.13745/j.esf.2015.03.023. (in Chinese with English abstract)
Zhang J, Fan T, Zhang Y et al (2017) Heterogenous oceanic redox conditions through the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary limited the metazoan zonation. Sci Rep. 7:8550. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07904-3
Zhang C, Guan S, Wu L et al (2020a) Depositional environments of Early Cambrian marine shale, northwestern Tarim Basin, China: Implications for organic matter accumulation. J Pet Sci Eng. 194:107497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107497
Zhang X, Zhou X, Hu D (2020b) High-resolution paired carbon isotopic records from the Meishucun section in South China: Implications for carbon cycling and environmental changes during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Precambrian Res. 337:105561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2019.105561
Zhong D, Hao Y (1990) Sinian to Permian Stratigraphy and Palaeontology of the Tarim Basin, **njiang, (I) Kuruktag Region (in Chinese). Nan**g University Press, Nan**g
Zhou ZY (2001) Stratigraphy of the Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Science Press, Bei**g.
Zhou Z, Chen P (1990) Biostratigraphy and Geological Evolution of Tarim (in Chinese). Science Press, Bei**g
Zhu ZL, Lin HL (1983) Some Early Cambrian trilobites from the **dashan Formation of Kuruktag, **njiang. Acta Palaeontol Sin. 22:22–30. https://doi.org/10.19800/j.cnki.aps.1983.01.003. (in Chinese with English abstract).
Zhu MY, Yang AH, Yuan J et al (2019) Cambrian integrative stratigraphy and timescale of China. Sci China Earth Sci. 62:25–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-017-9291-0
Zhu MY, Sun ZX, Yang AH et al (2021) Lithostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Cambrian in China. J Stratigr. 45(3):223–249. https://doi.org/10.19839/j.cnki.dcxzz.2021.0022
Zhu B, Yang T, Wang J et al (2022a) Multiple controls on the paleoenvironment of the Early Cambrian black shale-chert in the northwest Tarim Basin, NW China: Trace element, iron speciation and Mo isotopic evidence. Mar Pet Geol. 136:105434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.105434
Zhu G, Li T, Zhao K et al (2022b) Mo isotope records from Lower Cambrian black shales, northwestern Tarim Basin (China): Implications for the Early Cambrian ocean. Geol Soc Am Bull. 134:3–14. https://doi.org/10.1130/B35726.1
Acknowledgements
We thank Miss Liu Yang for her help in the lab. This project was financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. B200202009).
Funding
Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities of the Central South University, B200202009, Bi Zhu
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Z.B. and Chen. Y-Q. designed the study. Z.B. and G.L. performed the research and wrote the paper. L.X-F conducted the chemical analyses and analyzed most of the data. All the authors contributed to refining the ideas and finalizing the paper.
Corresponding authors
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Zhu, B., Li, X., Ge, L. et al. Nitrogen isotope stratigraphy of the Early Cambrian successions in the Tarim Basin: Spatial variability of nitrogen cycling and its implication for paleo-oceanic redox conditions. Acta Geochim (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-024-00681-7
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-024-00681-7