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6051313 
Journal Article 
Stable carbon isotopes in paleoceanography: atmosphere, oceans, and sediments 
Mackensen, A; Schmiedl, G 
2019 
Yes 
Earth-Science Reviews
ISSN: 0012-8252 
Elsevier 
197 
Elsevier 
102893 
WOS:000497253500001 
Carbon is one of the key elements in organisms and non-living compounds on Earth. Carbon dioxide and methane are important greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, dissolved inorganic (DIC) and organic carbon (DOC) determine water biogeochemistry, and carbonates are major constituents of marine sediments. Stable carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C), expressed as δ13C values, are widely used in modern Earth sciences. δ13CCO2 values of atmospheric carbon dioxide reflect global climate evolution and change. Marine δ13CDIC is used as water-mass tracer and helps quantifying the anthropogenic CO2 uptake of the ocean. The δ13C values of fossil planktic and benthic carbonates indicate changes in circulation pattern and deep-water ventilation of ancient oceans, as well as paleoproductivity at the sea surface and methane release at the sea floor. The δ13COM values of sedimentary organic matter (OM) and compound-specific δ13C values of molecular organic biomarkers indicate whether the organic carbon is of marine or terrestrial provenience. Secular δ13C variations and excursions in carbonates are important stratigraphic marker and tie points. Here we review the application of stable carbon isotope ratios in ocean water and biogenic carbonates as proxies in paleoceanography, including the atmospheric and sedimentary reservoirs oceanic carbon is in exchange with. Due to the wide use of δ13C values in Earth sciences, this overview necessarily does not claim to be complete; rather we focus on field-based stable carbon isotope research and its significance in paleoceanography. This may assist in evaluating general circulation model results and foster development of new innovative proxies.