Geochemistry of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (Fish Clay) at Stevns Klint (Denmark): Ir, Ni and Zn in kerogen

Abstract

Geochemical analyses of trace metals (Ir, Ni and Zn) in the kerogen of the black marl of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary succession (Fish Clay) at Stevns Klint (Hjerup Church) were undertaken. The data for this kerogen were in accordance with a previous hypothesis that this (insoluble) geoorganic polymer was derived from humic substances (mainly humic acids) of a nearshore soil. Substantial proportions of Ir, Ni and Zn within the kerogen structure were probably contained in these substances arriving at the sedimentary site. It is proposed that these humics were probably transported by acid surface waters (induced by the KT asteroid impact) into the shallow marine basin of Stevns Klint. It is also suggested that local leaching/weathering of the asteroidal impact fallout on the land near these waters played an important role in providing Ir, Ni and Zn for these substances. Apparently, Ir, Ni and Zn of the kerogen were created by the chondritic component of the impact ejecta fallout.

Keywords

• geochemistry
• Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary
• iridium
• nickel
• zinc
• kerogen
• trace metals