Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, pp. 527-537.

© 2004 International Association for Gondwana Research, Japan.

ISSN: 1342-937X GR Gondwana
Research

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Signatures in Albian-Danian

Limestones of Cauvery Basin, Southeastern India
J. Madhavaraju1*, I. Kolosov2, D. Buhlak2, J.S. Armstrong-Altrin3, S. Ramasamy1
and S.P. Mohan1
1
Department of Geology, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025,
India. *E-mail: jmadhavaraju@yahoo.com
2
Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevich Street 7, 220141 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
3
Centro de Investigación en Energía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Priv.Xochicalco s/n, Col.Centro,
Apartado Postal 34, Temixco, Morelos 62580, México

(Manuscript received October 25, 2002; accepted September 17, 2003)

Abstract
The Albian-Danian limestones of Cauvery Basin show a wide range of d13C and d18O values (–13.2 to +1.1‰ and –
9.0 to –2.5‰, respectively). The cement samples show negative carbon and oxygen isotope values (-18.9 to -3.9‰ and
-9.0 to -4.3‰, respectively). The petrographic study reveals the presence of algae, molluscs, bryozoans, foraminifers
and ostracods as major framework constituents. The limestones have microspar and equant sparry calcite cements. The
pore spaces and vugs are filled with sparry calcite cement. The bivariate plot of δ13C and δ18O suggests that most of the
samples fall in the freshwater limestone and meteoric field, while few samples fall in the marine limestone and soil
calcite fields. The presence of sparry calcite cement, together with negative carbon and oxygen isotope values, indicates
that these limestones have undergone meteoric diagenesis.
Key words: C- and O- isotopes, limestone, diagenesis, Cauvery Basin, Southeastern India.

Introduction
The carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of the
skeletal carbonate sediments reflect the physico-chemical
properties of the waters in which the organisms grow
(Keith et al., 1964; Morrison and Brand, 1986) and also
provide information regarding the diagenetic processes
and environments, which initiate the conversion of skeletal
carbonates into limestones (Jenkyns et al., 1994). It has
been proved by many studies, that the carbon and oxygen
isotopic composition of carbonate rocks provide useful
information regarding physico-chemical conditions of
precipitation, paleoclimate, paleo-oceanographic
conditions, paleoecology and diagenetic conditions (James
and Choquette, 1984; Wright, 1990). Because, the Carbon
isotopic composition in carbonate minerals are mainly
identified by the δ13C values of bi-carbonate/carbonate
ions in the water, whereas the δ18O values are largely
influenced by the isotopic composition of water and
temperature of precipitation.
Further more, carbon isotopic studies constitute an
important tool to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental
conditions. The carbonate rocks deposited in marine
environments tend to record the carbon isotopic
composition of the ocean water (Scholle and Arthur,
1980). Similarly, the oxygen isotope studies from
foraminifers and the paleobotanical record provide strong
evidence that the Cretaceous period was substantially
warmer than today (Crowley and North, 1991; Spicer and
Corfield, 1992). Paleoclimatic conditions for a given region
can be determined by studying temporal changes of
meteoric diagenesis within a single lithology, particularly
limestone, and the geochemical signature of the associated
diagenetic products (James and Choquette, 1984). Stable
isotope data from shallow-burial meteoric calcite cement
will be more useful to distinguish sequence-specific
“meteoric calcite line” (invariant δ18O and variable δ13C
values; Lohmann, 1988). The calcite cements, which are
useful for determining a meteoric calcite line, are mainly
precipitated in isotopic equilibrium with local meteoric
waters and these data can be used to estimate the oxygen
isotopic composition of local meteoric waters during
diagenesis (Smith and Dorobek, 1993). It appears that
the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of carbonate
rocks is useful for recognizing the diagenetic and sea level
528 J. MADHAVARAJU ET AL.
history of a sedimentary basin. A systematic study has
been undertaken in this work to describe the possible
reasons for the variations in carbon and oxygen isotopes
and to interpret the diagenetic history by using the
petrography of whole rock and calcite cement samples of
Albian-Danian age limestones of Cauvery Basin.
Geology and Stratigraphy
The Cauvery Basin has been classified as a pericratonic
rift basin formed along the eastern continental margin of
Peninsular India (Sastri et al., 1981; Biswas et al., 1993).
The block faulted architecture exhibited brittle
accommodation of the stress regime, particularly during
the initial phase of the Early Cretaceous period (Sastri et
al., 1981; Prabhakar and Zutshi, 1993). The exposures
of sedimentary rocks has been identified in five areas of
Cauvery Basin viz. i) Pondicherry, ii) Vridhachalam, iii)
Ariyalur, iv) Tanjore and v) Sivaganga. Among these, the
sedimentary rocks are well developed in the Ariyalur area.
Detailed and systematic work on these sedimentary rocks
were carried out by Blanford (1862), who divided the
various rock types into three distinct group i.e. i) Uttattur,
ii) Trichinopoly and iii) Ariyalur. Numbers of
lithostratigraphic classifications were proposed by many
workers (e.g., Srivastava and Tewari, 1967; Banerji, 1972;
Sastry et al. 1972; Sundaram and Rao, 1986; Ramasamy
and Banerji, 1991; Sundaram et al., 2001). In this study,
we have followed the lithostratigraphic classifications
proposed by Sastry et al. (1972) and Sundaram et al.
(2001). The distribution of rocks from different litho units
are shown in Fig.1. Detailed lithostratigraphic
classification and facies mosaic of the sedimentary rocks
are given in Fig. 2.
Uttattur Group
Uttatur Group has been divided into four distinct
formations viz. i) Terani Formation, ii) Arogyapuram
Formation, iii) Dalmiapuram Formation and iv) Karai
Formation (Sundaram et al., 2001). The Dalmiapuram
and Karai Formations comprise limestone deposits.
Based on the lithology, the Dalmiapuram Formation is
divided into two distinct members i.e. lower grey shale
member and upper limestone member. The limestones
are biohermal and biostromal in nature. The biohermal
limestone is around 20-25 m thick, massive, hard, pink to
buff red colour and has a stromatactis structure (Yadagiri
and Govindan, 2000). The biostromal limestone is soft
and friable and off-white to brownish yellow in colour.
The presence of calcareous algae, bryozoan and coral
fragments in the biohermal limestone suggests a shallow
marine environment (Banerji et al., 1996). The biostromal
limestone contains abundant benthic foraminifers clearly
indicating that the bedded limestone was deposited under
deeper shelf conditions with water column more than 50
m (Ramasamy and Banerji, 1991; Ramasamy et al., 1995).
Based on foraminifers and ammonites, an Early to Middle
Albian age has been assigned for the Dalmiapuram
Formation (Ramasamy and Banerji, 1991).
Karai Formation mainly consists of clastic-carbonate
units, which are exposed as a linear, north-south belt. It is
divided into two members i.e. Odium member and
Kunnam member (Sundaram and Rao, 1986). The
Kunnam member is characterised by grey sandy clay beds,
siltstone and fine grained sandstone, which is alternate
with thin band of argillaceous limestone (Sundaram and
Rao, 1986). The limestone bands are less than 1 m thick.
The Karai Formation is considered to represent an offshore,
highstand depositional environment continuing the
transgressive trend apparent for the underlying Dalmiapuram
Formation (Sundaram et al., 2001). Based on the index
fossils (foraminifers) a Late Albian-Early Turonian age has
been assigned (Ramasamy and Banerji, 1991).
Trichinopoly Group
This group is divided into Kulakkalnattam and Anaipadi
Formations (Sundaram and Rao, 1986). Kulakkalnattam
Formation mainly comprises of basal sandstone, pebbly
sandstone, coarse grained calcareous sandstone, shale and
shell limestone. The limestone is 1 to 2 m thick, compact,
grey, shell rich and is characterised by the presence of
molluscan shells. Based on the diagnostic ammonite fossils,
middle Turonian to Santonian age has been assigned for
the Trichinopoly Group.
Ariyalur Group
The Ariyalur Group has a conformable relationship with
the Trichinopoly Group but oversteps the basement along
its southern part, between Kilapaluvur and Vettriyur
villages. It is well exposed in the vicinity of the Ariyalur
area. This group has been divided into four formations
i.e. i) Sillakkudi, ii) Kallankurichchi, iii) Ottakkovil and
iv) Kallamedu (Sastry et al., 1972). The Kallankurichchi
Formation exhibits the considerable amount of limestone
deposits.
Kallankurichchi Formation is lithologically divided into
two units i.e. i) clastic unit and ii) carbonate unit (Sastry
et al., 1972). The fine to medium grained, calcareous,
fossiliferous and pale green to yellowish brown sandstone
was deposited in a near shore environment (Sundaram
and Rao, 1986; Madhavaraju, 1996; Madhavaraju and
Ramasamy, 1999a, b; Sundaram et al., 2001). The
limestones mainly consist of sandy fossiliferous limestone,
fossiliferous limestone and marl. The limestones are off-
white to orange yellow in colour, massive to thick bedded
and interbedded with marl. The occurrence of
Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004
 C- AND O-ISOTOPES IN LIMESTONES FROM CAUVERY BASIN
Goupillaudina daguini, Siderolites calcitrapoides and
Lepidorbitoides sp. cf. L.socialis in the Kallankurichchi
Formation suggests Late Campanian and Early
Maastrichtian age (Hart et al., 2001). The presence of
Orbitoids with other larger foraminifers suggests that these
limestones were deposited under shallow marine
depositional environment (Sastry et al., 1972; Sundaram
and Rao, 1986; Madhavaraju and Ramasamy, 1999a).
Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004
529
Fig. 1. Geological map of the Ariyalur
area showing the distribution of
Cretaceous and Paleocene rocks
(modified after Sundaram et al.
2001).
Niniyur Formation
Sundaram and Rao (1986) placed the Niniyur Formation
(Paleocene) under the Ariyalur Group whereas most of
the authors (Sastry et al. 1972; Madhavaraju, 1996;
Madhavaraju and Ramasamy, 1999a, b) proposed separate
status for Niniyur Formation and they placed
the Niniyur Formation above the Ariyalur Group. It is
mainly composed of sandstone, thick limestone beds
530 J. MADHAVARAJU ET AL.

interbedded with marl layers and sandy clay. The Table 1. Carbon and oxygen isotopes of Albian-Danian limestones of
Ariyalur area of Cauvery Basin.
limestones are hard, light grey to light brown in colour
and contain numerous fossils of molluscs, echinoderms, S. No. Sample No. δ13C δ18O Z
algae and foraminifers. 1. D1 +0.8 -2.48 128
2. D2 +0.3 -3.16 126
3. D3 -6.2 -6.56 111
Methodology 4. D4 -1.7 -8.98 120
5. U1 -13.1 -8.30 96
Over one hundred thin sections were stained in 6. U2 -5.5 -8.11 112
Alizarine-red S solution (Friedman, 1959), and also in 7. U3 -3.2 -7.14 117
combined organic and inorganic stains for iron-rich calcite 8. U4 -4.3 -7.50 115
9. G1 -10.8 -8.59 102
(Katz and Friedman, 1965) to find out the mineralogical
10. G2 -11.5 -8.30 100
variations. For this study, the samples were selected from 11. G3 -11.1 -5.59 108
different formations with respect to their lithology and 12. G4 -8.2 -8.69 106
they are listed in Table 1. Forty representative samples 13. G5 +0.6 -2.58 127
14. G6 -0.3 -4.62 124
were analyzed for carbon and oxygen isotopes, which
15. G7 +1.1 -3.01 128
include 29 whole rock samples and 11 calcite cement 16. K1 -1.9 -4.62 121
samples. The calcite cement was collected by using the 17. K2 -3.1 6.46 118
dentist drill bit. The carbon and oxygen isotope study was 18. K3 -3.7 -7.24 116
19. K4 -1.3 -6.27 122
carried out at the Lithohydrogeochemistry Laboratory,
20 K5 -0.5 -3.74 124
University of Belarus, Belarus. The limestone samples were 21. K6 -13.2 -5.98 97
treated with H3PO4 in vacuum at 25°C. The resulted CO2 22. K7 -10.6 -7.53 102
was analysed using Mass Spectrometer. Normal corrections 23. K8 -2.9 -8.86 117
24. K9 -2.2 -4.91 120
were applied and the results are reported in the standard
25. N1 -8.2 -5.49 108
per mil (‰) d-notation relative to the Pee Dee Belemnite 26. N2 -5.1 -6.17 114
(V-PDB) marine carbonate standard. Sample 27. N3 -5.1 -4.91 114
reproducibilities in the laboratory were better than 0.1‰ 28. N4 -4.8 -5.88 115
29. N5 -6.2 -7.82 111
for both carbon and oxygen isotope values.
30. D1 -7.6 -4.33 110
31. D2 -6.0 -7.04 112
32. D3 -8.2 -8.58 106
Petrography 33. G1 -12.1 -9.04 98
The petrographic study of carbonate rocks has been 34. G4 -6.4 -8.40 110
35. K4 -18.9 -8.30 84
carried out to support the isotopic study. The distribution 36. K5 -10.5 -8.89 101
of major petrographic types is described in detail. Totally 37. K6 -4.6 -8.96 113
five major petrographic types have been identified i.e. 38. K8 -3.9 -6.95 116
i) mudstone, ii) wackestone, iii) packstone, iv) grainstone 39. N4 -5.2 -7.43 113
40. N5 -7.4 -8.62 108
and v) boundstone.
Mudstone is a mud supported rock type which contains Lithology: 1-4 Algal limestone, 5-8 Argillaceous limestone, 9-15 Shell
limestone, 16-20 Sandy fossilferous limestone, 21-24 Fossilferous
numerous foraminiferal grains and glauconite pellets are limestone, 25 Nodular limestone, 26-29 Fossilferous limestone
observed to float in the micritic matrix. Small amount of Sample Type: 1-29 Whole rock, 30-40 Cement, Formation: 1-4
clay material is present within this mud. It also contain a Dalmiapuram, 5-8 Karai, 9-15 Kulakkalnattam, 16-24 Kallankurichchi,
considerable amount of fine grained quartz and feldspar 25-29 Niniyur, 30-32 Dalmiapuram, 33-34 Kulakkalnattam, 35-38
Kallankurichchi, 39-40 Niniyur.
grains. This petrographic type is commonly observed in
the Karai Formation.
Wackestone dominates the carbonate rich sequence certain leached out cavities. This petrographic type is
in the study area. All wackestones contain a very small recorded in Karai, Kulakkalnattam, Kallankurichchi and
amount of angular quartz and feldspar grains. Quartz Niniyur Formations.
grains are mostly monocrystalline exhibiting uniform Packstone has framework elements of molluscans,
extinction. The feldspars are of orthoclase, plagioclase algae, bryozoans, crinoids and foraminifera. The
and perthite. The wackestone has the bioclastic foraminifera includes uniserial and biserial forms,
framework of algae, corals, molluscs, bryozoans, orbitoids and siderolites. Some organic framework is
foraminifers, ostracodal carapaces and echinoid highly fragmented and broken into discrete particles. The
skeletal materials which are found in the micritic cement is microsparite and sparry calcite. A number of
matrix. The sparry calcite mosaic has developed in hematite filled aggregate fragments are seen in the sparry

Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004

 C- AND O-ISOTOPES IN LIMESTONES FROM CAUVERY BASIN
calcite cement. Some molluscan fragments with original
shell structure are also found in the sparry calcite mosaic.
The reworked organics are filled with hematite as well as
zooecia of bryozoans. Thin film of micritic coating is found
on the molluscan grains. At places, the algal induced
micritization is prevailed and this process has resulted in
cloudy appearances. Because of micritic envelop over the
bioclasts, the internal structure of shell fragments is not
completely dissolved in the diagenetic environment. Some
algal lumps enclosing certain organic fragments are also
seen. The inoceramus shell walls were bored by some
borers. The cavities formed by such organic borings have
rich accumulation of detritus, juvenile brachiopods,
foraminiferal materials, pellets, opaque, bryozoans in
micritic matrix whereas some cavities are completely filled
with sparry calcite cement. This petrographic type is found
in the Dalmiapuram, Kulakkalnattam, Kallankurichchi and
Niniyur Formations.
Grainstone has rich fragmented and micritic coated
molluscan bioclasts, algal lumps and crusts represented
by Girvanella, Lithothamnium, etc. The other organic
fragments in this rock type include foraminifers
represented by orbitoids, benthic rotaliid and uniserial and
biserial smaller foraminifera. The foraminiferal chambers
are filled with ferruginous carbonate mud. Echinoderm
plates showing pore structures. It also encloses number
of intraclasts and ferruginous clasts which are cemented
by sparrite. This petrographic type is identified in the
Kallankurichchi Formation.
Boundstone exhibits growth structure of bryozoa on
substratum and encrusted by Lithothamnium algae. Algal
Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004
531
micritisation is prevalent and micritisation has also been
observed even in the zooecial openings of the bryozoa.
Other bioclasts in the framework include miliolid and
other benthic rotaliid foraminifera, Girvanella alga,
inoceramus and echinoid spines. Sparry calcite mosaic is
seen in the cavities of leached organisms. Hematite fillings
and iron rich aggregates enclosing ferruginous grains are
also observed in the thin sections. This petrographic type
is found in the Kallankurichchi Formation.
Results
Whole rock samples
The analysed samples show large variations in carbon
isotope values (Table 1). The algal limestone of
Dalmiapuram Formation show negative to slight positive
values (-1.7 to +0.8‰). The argillaceous limestones
(Karai Formation) show large negative values, which vary
from -13.1 to -3.2‰. Likewise, the shell limestones of
Kulakkalnattam Formation exhibits more negative values
(-11.5 to -0.3‰), except two samples (G5 and G7), which
shows slight positive value (+0.6 and +1.1‰). In
Kallankurichchi Formation, least variations are observed
in the sandy fossiliferous limestones (-3.7 to -0.5‰),
whereas large variations are observed in the fossiliferous
limestone (-13.2 to -2.2‰). In nodular and fossiliferous
limestones (Niniyur Formation), the δ13C values vary from
-8.2 to -4.8‰.
The δ18O values for algal limestones of Dalmiapuram
Formation range from -9.0 to -2.5‰. The argillaceous
limestones of Karai Formation show little variation in
Fig. 2. Facies mosaic of the Albian-
Danian succession of Ariyalur
area of Cauvery Basin (modified
after Sundaram et al. 2001).
532 J. MADHAVARAJU ET AL.

oxygen isotope values (-8.3 to -7.1‰). The shell Kulakkalnattam (S. Nos. G5 and G7) Formations
limestones of Kulakkalnattam Formation show negative exhibit slight positive carbon isotope values (+0.8 and
values from -8.7 to -2.6‰. The limestones of +0.3, +0.6 and +1.1‰ respectively; Table 1). During
Kallankurichchi Formation mostly show lower values than transgression, more amount of organic matter is locked
other formations. It is less in sandy fossiliferous limestones in the marginal areas, resulting in the enrichment of 13C,
(-7.2 to -3.7‰) when compared with fossiliferous while at the regressive phase of the sea, the locked-up
limestones (-8.9 to -4.9‰). Likewise, the nodular and organic matter is eroded and oxidised, resulting in 12C
fossiliferous limestones of Niniyur Formation also exhibit enrichment in the deep ocean (Broecker, 1982). Positive
negative values (-7.8 to -4.9‰). carbon excursions have been encountered at several
stratigraphic horizons during Mesozoic time, which reflect
Calcite cement samples
the times of increased organic productivity and/or
The calcite cements separated from algal limestones enhanced organic deposition within the oceans (Jenkyns,
(Dalmiapuram Formation) typically display δ13C values 1980; Arthur et al., 1987). Most of the organic carbon in
which range from -8.2 to -6.0‰, similarly, the δ18O values the marine realms are synthesised and observed that they
of algal limestone vary from -8.6 to -4.3‰. The δ13C are deposited in the shelf and marginal marine environments,
isotope compositions of calcite cements from shell where upwelling and riverine input of nutrients are locally
limestone (Kulakkalnattam Formation) exhibit a broad important (Pelet, 1987).
range of values from -12.1 to -6.4‰, whereas the δ18O The limestones from different formations exhibit
values show small variations (-9.0 to -8.4‰). The calcite negative δ13C values with extreme variations (-13.2 to
cement from sandy fossiliferous and fossiliferous -0.3‰ for whole rock and -18.9 to -3.9‰ for cement
limestones (Kallankurichchi Formation) are highly samples; Table 1), except four samples. The observed large
depleted in both δ13C (-18.9 to -3.9‰) and δ18O (-9.0 to - variations in carbon isotopic values probably reflect the
7.0‰) values. The carbon and oxygen isotope values of contribution of variable amounts of soil-derived organic
fosiliferous limestones from the Niniyur Formation also carbon to meteoric pore waters (Allan and Matthews,
show small variations among them. Accordingly, the δ13C 1982). The negative values of δ13C are mainly due to
values range from -7.4 to -5.2‰, and δ18O values range biogenic production of CO2 in the soil (Cerling and Hay,
from -8.6 to -7.4‰. 1986) and indicate subaerial exposure, because of
incorporation of lighter carbon isotope from soil-borne
Discussion carbon dioxide and decay of terrestrial matter (Hudson,
1977). Soil carbonates form in soils with a net water
The pelagic and hemipelagic carbonates from different
deficit, generally in soils where precipitation is less than
periods and localities show significant variations in isotopic
about 100 cm per year (Jenny, 1980). Since most of the
compositions, which have been interpreted to reflect
samples for the present work are collected from exposed
primary variations in oceanic isotopic signals, as the
carbonate rocks contain significant amount of calcareous
planktic micro and nannofossils (Scholle and Arthur, 1980; Table 2. Stable isotope data for calcite cement samples for the Albian-
Danian limestones of Cauvery Basin.
Jenkyns et al., 1994; Price et al., 1998; Rosales et al.,
2001). The geologically old carbonate rocks that have Sample Sample d13Ccalcite d18Ocalcite d18Ocalcite d18Owater (SMOW)b
undergone post-depositional diagenesis play a significant No. type (‰ PDB) (‰ PDB) (SMOW)a 20°C 25° C
role in modifying the pristine isotopic ratio (Mitchell et D1 calcite -7.6 -4.3 26.4 -3.4 -2.3
al., 1997). Diagenetically stabilised sedimentary D2 calcite -6.0 -7.0 23.6 -6.1 -5.0
D3 calcite -8.2 -8.6 22.0 -7.7 -6.6
carbonates preserve the carbon isotopic composition of G1 calcite -12.1 -9.0 21.5 -8.1 -7.1
original carbonate muds within ±1‰ of the original G4 calcite -6.4 -8.4 22.2 -7.5 -6.4
values but show more scatter in the oxygen isotope values K4 calcite -18.9 -8.3 22.3 -7.4 -6.3
(Tucker and Wright, 1990). K5 calcite -10.5 -8.9 21.7 -8.0 -6.9
K6 calcite -4.6 -9.0 21.6 -8.0 -7.0
The Albian-Danian limestones exhibit wide variations K8 calcite -3.9 -7.0 23.7 -6.0 -5.0
in the carbon isotope values for whole rock (-13.2‰ to N4 calcite -5.2 -7.4 23.2 -6.5 -5.4
+1.1‰) and cement samples (-18.9 to -3.9‰). Such large N5 calcite -7.4 -8.6 22.0 -7.7 -6.6
variations suggest re-equilibration between rock average (n = 11) -8.3± 4.3 -7.9± 1.4 22.8±1.4 -6.9±1.4 -5.9±1.4
components with isotopically light waters (fresh waters), n=number of samples, aδ18Ocalcite (SMOW) =1.03086 δ18Ocalcite (‰ PDB)
+ 30.86 (Friedman and O’Neil, 1977) b these values are calculated
and also indicate the presence of original marine signatures by assuming a paleotemperature of precipitation of 20° C and 25° C
(unaltered or less altered) (Bellenca et al., 1995). Few (e.g., Wright, 1987) and using the calcite paleothermometer of Friedman
samples from Dalmiapuram (S. Nos. D1 and D2) and and O’Neil (1977).

Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004

 C- AND O-ISOTOPES IN LIMESTONES FROM CAUVERY BASIN
surfaces, the protracted pedogenic process could be
responsible for the shift towards low negative δ13C in some
samples. Among various factors contributing δ 13C
variation, the role of organic matter is well known (Craig,
1953). Since the organic matter production is related to
sea-level variation, attempts are being made to relate the
δ13C variation with sea-level change. The positive shifts
are seen to occur during transgression and the negative
shifts during regression. The rise in sea level leads to
decrease in the production of organic matter and slows
down the decay of organic matter, which returns the
isotopically depleted carbon to the dissolved inorganic
carbon reservoir. Thus, the amount of CO2 with light
isotopic ratio reduces in the seawater and consequently
the δ13C increases. The reverse is true when the sea level
falls (Renard, 1986). Similarly, the negative δ13C shifts in
the carbon-isotope signature for the Albian-Danian
limestones of this study seems to be linked with lowering
of eustatic sea level (Shackleton et al., 1983; Berger and
Vincent, 1986; Weissert, 1989; Follmi et al., 1994).
The role of plants is also indicated by the relatively
negative δ13C values, because the isotopic composition of
soil carbonates is controlled by CO2 in soil gases, whose
carbon isotopic composition is mainly controlled by the
proportion of C3 and C4 plants in the local ecosystem.
Recent studies have demonstrated that the oxygen and
carbon isotope compositions of carbonates can be used to
infer palaeoclimate and palaeoecology (Anderson and
Arthur, 1983; Quade et al., 1995; Rajagopalan et al.,
1999). C3 plants, which include trees, most shrubs and
herbs, and cool season grasses (montane) have δ13C values
between -25‰ and -32‰; C4 plants, which include
grasses favoured by warm growing seasons and a few
shrubs in the families Euphorbiaceae and Chenopodiaceae,
they have δ13C values between -10‰ and -14‰ (Quade
et al., 1989). Some whole rock and carbonate cement
samples of this study (Albian-Danian age) show very low
negative values of δ13C (e.g. -13.2 to -10.6‰ and -18.9 to
-10.5‰, respectively), mainly due to the effects of
pedogenic alteration on these limestones as we discussed
earlier. It is generally believed that the plants utilizing C4
or CAM photosynthetic path ways did not evolve until
the Miocene. Recently, however, the possible presence of
non C3 plants in the late Cretaceous was suggested by
Bocherens et al. (1994). But there is no evidence for C4
plants in world wide during Cretaceous. Latorre et al.
(1997) and Quade et al. (1989) suggested that the starting
of C4 plants at 7.3 – 6.7 Ma. The reason for the expansion
of C4 plants in the late Neogene is falling of pCO2 levels
and climate change. Believing, instead of the glacial sea
and upliftment of Himalayas. Thus the δ13C isotopic values
for the limestones (soil derived carbonates) of Cauvery
Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004
533
Basin indicate an ecosystem dominated by C3 plants. The
dominance of C3 plant in the Cretaceous system was
discussed by many workers (Lee, 1999; Cerling et al.,
1992; Latorre et al., 1997; Scott, 2002).
Like δ13C values, we observed large variations also in
δ O values, which range from –9.0 to -2.6‰ for whole
18
rock samples and -9.0 to -4.3‰ for cement samples. Wide
range and negative δ18O (Table 1) values in carbonate
rocks have been interpreted elsewhere as having resulted
from the mixing of marine and fresh waters related to
regressive sea-level cycles (Carpenter et al., 1988;
Longstaffe et al., 1992; Ludvigson et al., 1994). Fluctuating
relative sea levels controlled the position of the coastal
aquifer, with sea-level rises resulting in more marine pore
fluids, and lowering of relative sea level resulted in
seaward shifts of the coastal mixing zone and consequent
freshening of pore fluids. Carbonate cements precipitated
during this active hydrological history recorded the
isotopic and trace element characteristics of the parent
fluids (Coniglio et al., 2000). Thus, the negative δ18O shifts
in oxygen isotopic signature of the Albian-Danian
limestones of Cauvery Basin also seems to be linked with
lowering of eustatic sea levels.
The δ13C and δ18O values were plotted in a bivariate
plot which show most of the samples fall below the zero
line whereas few samples fall just above the zero line
(Fig. 3). Ancient marine carbonates reveal δ13C values
close to zero (Faure, 1986) on the PDB scale, while slightly
negative values (-4.9‰) are observed in freshwater
carbonates (Hudson, 1977). Likewise, these data were also
plotted in the bivariate plot which was initially proposed
by Hudson (1977) and later modified by Nelson and Smith
(1996), they distinguished various isotopic fields for
carbonates of different origins, by using New Zealand
carbonate δ18O and δ13C data from a variety of published
and unpublished sources (Fig. 4). In this bivariate plot,
most of the whole rock samples fall in the fresh water
limestone and meteoric cement fields, whereas some
samples fall in the marine limestone as well as in the soil
calcite field. The Albian-Danian limestones of Cauvery
Basin were initially deposited in a marine environment,
later these limestones were subjected to meteoric
diagenesis. These limestones represent mudstone,
wackestone, packstone, grainstone and boundstone
combination. Most of the limestones enclosing algae, coral,
foraminifera, ostracod carapaces and bryozoans which
indicate that these limestones were deposited in the
shallow marine environment. The petrographic study
reveals that the microsparite and sparry calcite cements
are present in the pore spaces and bioclasts chambers
which strongly support the meteoric diagenesis. The
diagenetic pathway is not complete because some
534 J. MADHAVARAJU ET AL.

limestone samples still retain their original marine

signature (S. Nos. D1, D2, G5, and G7; Table 1). The
isotopic values of calcite cements also are plotted in the
same bivariate plot. Most of the samples fall in the
freshwater limestone and meteoric cement fields except
two samples, which fall in the soil calcite field, this further
support the possibility for the prevalence of diagenetic
transformation in these limestones. It is further confirmed
by following the equation proposed by Keith and Weber
(1964), which is used here to discriminate marine and
freshwater limestones; where Z = a(δ13C + 50) + b(δ18O
+ 50) in which ‘a’ and ‘b’ are 2.048 and 0.498 respectively.
The limestones with Z values above 120 are considered
as marine, whereas those with Z values below 120 would
be classified as freshwater type. In the present study
(whole rock samples), eight samples show Z values above
120, whereas nineteen samples exhibit Z values below
120; two samples have Z values close to 120 (Table 1).
Furthermore, the Z values are less than 120 for all the
cement samples and come under the fresh water type.
The wide range of δ18O compositions is thus interpreted
to reflect fluctuations, possibly related to climate, in local
marine baseline compositions. Pore waters in shallow
buried sediment communicated freely with overlying sea
water and precipitated early diagenetic calcite
characterized by a broad range of δ18O values. Assuming
the calcite samples formed during shallow diagenesis, the
δ18O values of pore waters that precipitated these calcites
are estimated to range from -8.1 to -3.4‰ (average value
of -6.9 ± 1.4‰, SMOW; Table 2) at 20°C and from -7.1 to
2.3‰ (average value of -5.9 ± 1.4‰, SMOW; Table 2).
The observed values are low which indicates that the Fig. 4. Reference δ18O - δ13C diagram showing isotope fields for a
selection of carbonate components, sediments, limestones,
diagenetic fluids contain mainly of meteoric waters. Lee cements, dolomites and concretions (after Nelson and Smith,
(1995) estimated the oxygen isotope compositions of the 1996)
Early Cretaceous meteoric water was about -6‰ SMOW.

So our pore water values are in good agreement with the

Early Cretaceous meteoric water. The whole rock and
cement isotopic composition suggest that the dominant
diagenetic signatures present in these limestones are
mainly due to meteoric diagenesis.

Fig. 3. Bivariate plot of δ18O - δ13C for limestones of Cauvery Basin.
Conclusion
The limestones of Cauvery Basin were deposited under
shallow marine environment and during the initial period,
the basin experienced calm environment which initiated
the development of micritic mud, and the pore spaces
and bioclasts were filled with micrite. Later, the deposited
limestones were subjected to freshwater phreatic
environment, which is favorable for the formation of
equant sparry calcite cement. The limestones enclose algal
remains, molluscs, bryozoans, foraminifers and ostracods.

Gondwana Research, V. 7, No. 2, 2004

 C- AND O-ISOTOPES IN LIMESTONES FROM CAUVERY BASIN
Thus, the petrographic study reveals the presence of sparry
calcite cement in the pore spaces and vugs, which strongly
support the evidence of meteoric input. The isotopically
negative δ13C and δ18O values may result when stabilisation
of marine limestones are largely influenced by meteoric
water as evidenced through the petrographic study. The
bivariate plot of δ13C and δ18O suggests that most of the
limestone samples are freshwater and meteoric cement
types. Finally the petrographic and isotopic studies on
Albian-Danian limestones of Cauvery Basin indicate that
they were deposited in a marine environment and
subsequently underwent diagenesis in a meteoric
environment.
Acknowledgments
The first author would like to thank the Department of
Science and Technology, Government of India, for
providing financial assistance under the Young Scientist
Scheme (No. SR/FTP/ES-110/2001). We are thankful to
Prof. M. Santhosh and Dr. M. Satish Kumar for their useful
suggestions during this study. We would like to thank an
anonymous reviewer who offered critical comments which
helped us to improve our presentation. This work was
partly supported by UGC SAP Phase II, UGC COSIST and
DST-FIST programs of the Department of Geology,
University of Madras, and PAPIIT grant IN-106199 to
JSA(UNAM, Mexico).
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