The Wunstorf drilling project: Coring a global stratigraphic reference section of OAE 2 for the correlation with ODP Leg 207 records

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jochen Erbacher
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2005 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 18386515

The Cenomanian / Turanian (C / T) boundary interval, which is globally characterised by the deposition of black shales (OAE 2), has been studied for more than 20 years. Currently we compile a high-resolution 5l3Corg dataset for the OAE 2 of OOP Leg 207 in order to correlate these black shales to records elsewhere. The high resolution palaeotemperature and carbon isotope records suffer, however, from a poor stratigraphic control. We therefore look for a site which allows us to establish a stratigraphic reference section of the OAE 2, including data from micropalaeontology, macropalaeontology and stable isotopes. This will be achieved by coring a unique and expanded succession of the OAE 2 at Wunstorf, Germany. The Wunstorf section comprises one of the world s most expanded, accessible middle Cenomanian to early Turanian successions with thick black shales. Abundant and welt preserved macro- and microfossils, known from the near by quarry, will enable us to develop a high resolution chemo- and biostratigraphy for the C / T boundary interval which will serve as an international standard. A high-resolution isotope-stratigraphic correlation of Leg 207 holes and the Wunstorf section will also enable us to understand the precise timing of the observed paleoceanographic changes at Leg 207.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Jörg Mutterlose