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Early Cambrian origin of the shelf sediment mixed layer

Author

Listed:
  • Romain C. Gougeon

    (University of Saskatchewan)

  • M. Gabriela Mángano

    (University of Saskatchewan)

  • Luis A. Buatois

    (University of Saskatchewan)

  • Guy M. Narbonne

    (University of Saskatchewan
    Queen’s University)

  • Brittany A. Laing

    (University of Saskatchewan)

Abstract

The mixed layer of modern oceans is a zone of fully homogenized sediment resulting from bioturbation. The mixed layer is host to complex biogeochemical cycles that directly impact ecosystem functioning, affecting ocean productivity and marine biodiversity. The timing of origin of the mixed layer has been controversial, with estimates ranging from Cambrian to Silurian, hindering our understanding of biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem dynamics in deep time. Here we report evidence from the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the basal Cambrian in the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada, showing that a well-developed mixed layer of similar structure to that of modern marine sediments was established in shallow marine settings by the early Cambrian (approximately 529 million years ago). These findings imply that the benthos significantly contributed to establishing new biogeochemical cycles during the Cambrian explosion.

Suggested Citation

  • Romain C. Gougeon & M. Gabriela Mángano & Luis A. Buatois & Guy M. Narbonne & Brittany A. Laing, 2018. "Early Cambrian origin of the shelf sediment mixed layer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04311-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04311-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Farid Saleh & Changshi Qi & Luis A. Buatois & M. Gabriela Mángano & Maximiliano Paz & Romain Vaucher & Quanfeng Zheng & Xian-Guang Hou & Sarah E. Gabbott & Xiaoya Ma, 2022. "The Chengjiang Biota inhabited a deltaic environment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.

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