Alkenones in Pleistocene Upper Bed I (1.803–1.900 Ma) sediments from Paleolake Olduvai, Tanzania

Brassell, Simon C.; Colcord, Devon E.; Shilling, Andrea M.; Stanistreet, Ian G.; Stollhofen, Harald; Toth, Nicholas; Schick, Kathy; Njau, Jackson K.; Freeman, Katherine H.

doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2022.104437

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…These compounds have proven to be highly source-specific, biosynthesized by a few species of haptophytes within the order Isochrysidales (32), yet occur widely in marine sediments (Brassell 1993) as old as the early Aptian (120 Ma) (Brassell et al 2004) and in many lacustrine settings (e.g. Brassell et al 2022). The observed discrepancy in their extent of unsaturation for sediments from the Middle America Trench and Japan Trench was pivotal, prompting Simon Brassell to postulate that it reflected the growth temperatures of their haptophyte producers and therefore sea surface temperatures.…”

Section: Climate Proxies and Molecular Stratigraphymentioning

confidence: 99%

Geoffrey Eglinton. 1 November 1927—11 March 2016

Brassell,

Eglinton FRS

2024

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.

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Where have all life's molecules gone? Recycled to carbon dioxide every one! Ah! But look—a hardy few remain As biomarkers imprisoned in the fossil domain (G. Eglinton & R. Pancost, Immortal molecules ( 47 )) Geoffrey Eglinton trained as an organic chemist at the University of Manchester working on acetylene synthesis, and the Eglinton reaction signifies his discovery of an effective method for their oxidative coupling. At the University of Glasgow, he recognized the potential of analytical advances to open new frontiers for characterization of molecular constituents of complex mixtures and continued to adopt and adapt instrumental techniques throughout his career. Eglinton's exploration of plant leaf waxes, and their taxonomic profiles, prompted forays in organic geochemistry, seeking molecular evidence for ancient life. Thus, his focus shifted to studying ‘chemical fossils’ preserved in the rock record and pioneering identification and interpretation of their compositions. At the University of Bristol, he established the Organic Geochemistry Unit and steered its rise to international prominence as a leading centre for research, a legacy that continues today. He served in planning the Apollo sampling programme and led research that explicated the carbon chemistry of the Moon. Major advances in using molecules as witnesses of the origins and fate of sedimentary organic matter bear the hallmarks of his insightful contributions and commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative ventures. They include deciphering how environmental controls and thermal transformations govern the composition of petroleum hydrocarbons, and validating the ability for molecules to afford invaluable evidence of past climates. Eglinton's research accomplishments were recognized by many prestigious awards, including a Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Society, the V. M. Goldschmidt Medal of the Geochemical Society, the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society, and the Dan David Prize.

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Section: Climate Proxies and Molecular Stratigraphymentioning

confidence: 99%

Geoffrey Eglinton. 1 November 1927—11 March 2016

Brassell,

Eglinton FRS

2024

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.

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“…C 40 alkenones have only once been reported in marine species from phylogenic Group III [8] but are common constituents of species in phylogenic Group II [9,10]. The high relative abundance of C 40:2 alken-3-one [4][5][6] and other aspects of alkenone compositions in pre-Eocene (>56 Ma) sediments appear typical of lacustrine rather than marine Quaternary settings [11]. Thus, Cretaceous through Paleocene marine sediments may reflect alkenone contributions from both Isochrysidaceae and Noelaerhabdaceae following their Early Cretaceous divergence [12], recording a broader suite of alkenone biosynthetic pathways than marine haptophytes now express.…”

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confidence: 99%