First record of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O) and element ratios (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca) of Middle to Late Jurassic belemnites from the Indian Himalayas and their potential for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions

Abstract Middle to Late Jurassic belemnites from the Spiti and Zanskar valleys in Indian Himalayas were used for stable isotope (δ 13 C, δ 18 O) element (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca) analyses. Although Himalayan orogeny deformed altered a large portion of collected fossils, cathodoluminescence scanning electron microscopy combination with analyses iron manganese contents allowed identification believed still retain their original chemical composition. Results indicate long-term temperature decrease Callovian–Oxfordian Tithonian, which is proposed have been caused by concomitant drift eastern Gondwana into higher palaeolatitudes. Reconstructed absolute temperatures depend on equation assumed O value seawater, but most likely varied between 17.6 °C 27.6 Kimmeridgian Tithonian average values 22 24 °C. This way, similar slightly warmer than today at comparable latitudes. The reconstruction was hindered larger number poorly preserved representing this time interval.