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Fingerprinting the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact with Zn isotopes

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan Mathur

    (Juniata College)

  • Brandon Mahan

    (James Cook University)

  • Marissa Spencer

    (Department of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology)

  • Linda Godfrey

    (Rutgers University)

  • Neil Landman

    (American Museum of Natural History)

  • Matthew Garb

    (City University of New York, Brooklyn College)

  • D. Graham Pearson

    (University of Alberta)

  • Sheng-Ao Liu

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Francisca E. Oboh-Ikuenobe

    (Department of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Numerous geochemical anomalies exist at the K-Pg boundary that indicate the addition of extraterrestrial materials; however, none fingerprint volatilization, a key process that occurs during large bolide impacts. Stable Zn isotopes are an exceptional indicator of volatility-related processes, where partial vaporization of Zn leaves the residuum enriched in its heavy isotopes. Here, we present Zn isotope data for sedimentary rock layers of the K-Pg boundary, which display heavier Zn isotope compositions and lower Zn concentrations relative to surrounding sedimentary rocks, the carbonate platform at the impact site, and most carbonaceous chondrites. Neither volcanic events nor secondary alteration during weathering and diagenesis can explain the Zn concentration and isotope signatures present. The systematically higher Zn isotope values within the boundary layer sediments provide an isotopic fingerprint of partially evaporated material within the K-Pg boundary layer, thus earmarking Zn volatilization during impact and subsequent ejecta transport associated with an impact at the K-Pg.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan Mathur & Brandon Mahan & Marissa Spencer & Linda Godfrey & Neil Landman & Matthew Garb & D. Graham Pearson & Sheng-Ao Liu & Francisca E. Oboh-Ikuenobe, 2021. "Fingerprinting the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact with Zn isotopes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24419-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24419-8
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