Paleoceanographic significance of high-resolution carbon isotope records across the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary in the Western Interior and New Jersey coastal plain, USA

Carbon isotope measurements have been made on bulk carbonate and organic matter in three sections across the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary. The stratigraphy records the positive carbon isotopic excursion that is associated with the major oceanic anoxic event (OAE2). Comparison of TOC and isotopic data in sections from a range of different environments suggests that the positive excursion is a response to increased burial of organic matter in the deep ocean. The lack of coupled negative shifts in δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb records at the onset of OAE2 does not support a causal role for volcanism or methane hydrate dissociation.