Carbon isotopes and biomarkers in the Opalinus Clay of northern Switzerland
In a first part of this study, outcrops of Opalinus Clay and the overlying Passwang-Formation and underlying Staffelegg-Formation will be visited, described in detail and classified. In a second part, the carbon isotope composition of organic matter (δ13CCorg), will be measured on at least two profiles of Opalinus Clay and its directly surrounding sediments to evaluate the applicability of C-isotope stratigraphy for correlation. The results will be combined with previous geological, geochemical and biomarker studies of Opalinus Clay and similar sedimentary units to assess potential new state-of-the art biomarker tools for a better characterisation of the depositional environment and burial history of the Opalinus Clay. The 8 months project is funded by NAGRA.
