Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Laboratory Simulation of an IronII-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria
Published on: July 24, 2016
Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 triggered by Kerguelen volcanism
C A Walker-Trivett1,2, S Kender3,4, K A Bogus5
1Camborne School of Mines, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK. cw725@exeter.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are associated with global warming and carbon cycle perturbations during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2, ~94 Ma) and the Mid-Cenomanian Event (MCE, ~96.5 Ma). However, there is still no consensus on the role volcanism played as a trigger, or its source - previously ascribed to the Caribbean LIP or High Arctic LIP. Here, we use Mentelle Basin sedimentary mercury (Hg) concentrations to determine the timing of volcanism, and neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr) isotopes for sedimentary provenance. High Hg concentrations compared to Northern Hemisphere records, and a shift to radiogenic Nd isotopes, indicates Kerguelen LIP volcanic activity and plateau uplift occurred in the lead up to and within OAE2. Whilst we find limited evidence that a volcanic event caused the MCE, pulsed Hg spikes before and during OAE2 imply volcanic emissions were key in driving climate and carbon cycle changes and triggering OAE2.
Related Concept Videos
The Sulfur Cycle
Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes: Ozonolysis
Ozone is a symmetrical bent molecule stabilized by a resonance structure.
E2 Reaction: Kinetics and Mechanism
Speciation Rates
Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Ecological Disturbance

