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Geochemical Markers of Impacts and of Their Effects on Environments

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Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution

Part of the book series: Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports ((DAHLEM PHYSICAL,volume 5))

Abstract

Geochemical markers include anomalies in trace element abundances, in stable-isotope ratios, and abrupt changes in mineralogic and chemical composition. Enrichment of siderophile and depletion of rare-earth elements indicate extraterrestrial impact. Certain changes in oxygen and carbon isotope ratios signify environmental changes consequent upon an impact. The worldwide geochemical records across Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary sections all point to mass mortality caused by a large body impact which also triggered environmental catastrophes and mass extinction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland

    K. J. Hsü

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  1. K. J. Hsü
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H. D. Holland A. F. Trendall

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© 1984 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen

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Hsü, K.J. (1984). Geochemical Markers of Impacts and of Their Effects on Environments. In: Holland, H.D., Trendall, A.F. (eds) Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution. Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports, vol 5. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69319-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69317-5

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