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Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios within Carbonate Concretions: a Clue to Place and Time of Formation

Nature volume 235, pages 98–100 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

NATURALLY occurring carbon shows considerable variability with respect to its stable isotope composition. The 13C/12C ratio in plant material (and in ancient residues) is generally roughly 2.5% lower than in the carbonate of marine limestones as a result of fractionation during photosynthesis. A summary of carbon isotope distribution and fractionation is given by Degens1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90024

    CHARLES D. CURTIS, CHARI PETROWSKI & GERHARD OERTEL

  2. Department of Geology, The University, Sheffield, S1 3JD

    CHARLES D. CURTIS

Authors
  1. CHARLES D. CURTIS
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  2. CHARI PETROWSKI
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  3. GERHARD OERTEL
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CURTIS, C., PETROWSKI, C. & OERTEL, G. Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios within Carbonate Concretions: a Clue to Place and Time of Formation. Nature 235, 98–100 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/235098a0

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