Response of a continental fault basin to the global OAE1a during the Aptian: Hongmiaozi Basin, Northeast China

This paper presents new research on a lacustrine anoxic event (LAE). These data include stable carbon isotope (δ(13)C(org)), pyrite sulfur isotope (δ(34)S(py)), trace element and biomarker ratios from the Hongmiaozi Basin (North China) and unravel the response of continental lakes under the influence of early Aptian extreme climate conditions. According to the stratigraphic chronology (122–118 Ma) and carbon isotope correlations, terrestrial sediment was influenced by the early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE1a). The results show that the Xiahuapidianzi Group experienced a significant warming process under negative excursions in carbon isotopes due to the influence of increased carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO(2)). The climate varied from warm and humid to hot and arid (high Sr/Cu, low Rb/Sr, calcareous mudstone), the evaporation and salinity increased (high Sr/Ba and B/Ga), and land input sources decreased (low Zr, Ti and Th). Moreover, high total organic carbon (TOC) content was source from bacteria, algae (n-alkanes), and euxinic depositional environments (Pr/Ph, Cu/Zn and U V Mo). In the stage of continuous carbon isotopes positive excursion, organic matter accumulated rapidly. A paleolake environment model has provided a better understanding of current global climate issues under global warming caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations.