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Neodymium isotopic composition of Cambrian–Ordovician biogenic apatite in the Baltoscandian Basin: implications for palaeogeographical evolution and patterns of biodiversity

ULF STURESSON^*, LEONID E. POPOV, LARS E. HOLMER^*, MICHAEL G. BASSETT^,, SERGEI FELITSYN and BORIS BELYATSKY

^* Institute of Earth Sciences/Historical Geology and Paleontology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 22, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
Department of Geology, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff CF10 3NP, Wales, UK
Institute of Precambrian Geology and Geochronology, Russian Academy of Science, 199034 St Petersburg, Russia

Author for correspondence: Mike.Bassett{at}nmgw.ac.uk

Biogenic apatite preserved in 148 samples of conodonts and organophosphatic-shelled brachiopods from Cambrian through Ordovician successions of the Baltoscandian Basin (Baltica Plate) preserves a sensitive record of early Palaeozoic sea-water chemistry interpreted via neodymium isotope ratios. Consistent _Nd(t) values of –9.6 to –8.3 for Lower to Middle Cambrian samples suggest no significant lateral or temporal variation across the region. Average Upper Cambrian values are –7.2 to –7.7. Sedimentary analysis suggests that the influence of continental weathering from Baltica as a major source of radiogenic Nd was negligible. Ordovician samples show a rise to –5 to –6 in the early Arenig, early–mid Llanvirn and late Caradoc. Sea-water mixing from the southeast Iapetus Ocean was a constant factor throughout Cambrian–Ordovician times. The rise reflects erosion of obducted volcanic arc complexes along the Caledonian margin, and probably also relates to pollution of the Baltica sector of Iapetus from the approaching Avalonia Plate. Patterns of evolutionary biodiversity and palaeobiogeographical linkages support the geochemical signatures in interpreting the tectonic history of the region. Extinction of lingulate brachiopod faunas in the Tremadoc, followed by subsequent recovery and emergence of benthic assemblages typical of the Ordovician Evolutionary Fauna in the Billingen–early Volkhov regional stages coincide with significant changes in geochemical characteristics of water masses across the Baltoscandian basin. The early and mid Ordovician (Arenig to Llandeilo) brachiopod faunas of the North Estonian Confacies Belt are characterized by high endemism and low turnover rates, whereas increased immigration resulted in the extinction of a number of local lineages in the late Llanvirn. From the mid Caradoc to mid Ashgill, when Baltica was drifting on a course to collide eventually with Avalonia and gradually approach Laurentia, brachiopod assemblages were characterized by higher turnover rates. At the same time they gradually became more cosmopolitan and less influenced by the invasion of new faunas.

Key Words: Cambrian • Ordovician • Baltica • biogenic apatite • neodymium isotopes • palaeogeography • biodiversity • tectonic evolution

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