Application of carbon and oxygen isotope data from bulk samples to stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental studie

Abstract

The usefulness of oxygen and carbon stable (d18O and d13C) isotopes from bulk samples has been evaluated in a Quaternary section of the Campos Basin. Comparisons were made with values found in benthic and planktonic foraminifers. There are limits inherent to bulk samples but, results suggest that isotopic studies are applicable in such samples. This method has the advantage of being less expensive and time-consuming. The isotopic curves for the Campos Basin section were compared with a Quaternary section data of the Ocean Drilling Program, which were drilled in the equatorial Pacific. The curves are equivalent and prove the stratigraphic meaning of isotopic results, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the paleoceangraphic conditions during the last 40,000 years.