Biostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic, and geochemical data from Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 21 Site 208 cores constrain stratigraphy around the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary. The dataset includes calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, carbonate carbon isotopic composition (δ13Ccarb), and osmium concentration and isotopic composition (187Os/188Os) measurements. Data were published by researchers in the GSA Bulletin in 2021 and are hosted by the Australian Ocean Data Network.
Use Cases
- Identifying the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary interval based on biostratigraphic data on calcareous nannofossils.
- Analyzing global carbon cycle perturbations across the boundary using carbonate carbon isotopic composition (δ13Ccarb) data.
- Correlating stratigraphic records using osmium concentration and isotopic composition (187Os/188Os) as impact event markers.
- Studying sediment deposition continuity from the Maastrichtian to the Danian and Selandian periods.
Strengths
- Data integrates multiple stratigraphic methods: biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and geochemistry.
- Cores cover a specific depth interval of 540-590 meters below seafloor at Site 208.
- Osmium isotopic data shows values of 0.12-0.16, consistent with the global K/Pg impact signal.
Limitations
- Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
- The description suggests the sedimentary record across the boundary may not be completely continuous.
- Osmium concentration in the key siliceous claystone sample is low (<80 pg g-1).
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Data collected from cores recovered during Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 21.
- Time Range
- Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) to Paleocene (Danian and Selandian).
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-04-16 16:28:42.069170; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Lord Howe Rise, Southwest Pacific (Site 208).