A multiaxial growth analysis of stable isotopes in the modern shell of Saxidomus gigantea: Implications for sclerochronology studies

Kingston, A.W.; Gröcke, D.R.; Burchell, M.

Abstract

Stable-isotope ratios of two modern Saxidomus gigantea specimens from Namu, British Columbia, are presented to show intraspecimen and interspecimen isotopic variation. Isotopic profiles (δ 13Cshell, δ 18Oshell) were generated along the axis of maximum growth. The profiles show that analogous seasonal variation is recorded in δ 18Oshell; however, significant variability is recorded in δ 13Cshell. We suggest this is caused by differences in metabolic activity between individuals. Intrashell variability along a growth horizon shows good reproducibility in δ 13Cshell but significant variability in δ 18Oshell, especially at the sinistral margin. A multiaxial growth analysis generated several profiles from a single valve. Similar seasonal variations are recorded in δ 18Oshell along all axes. δ 13Cshell show significantly less covariation, possibly related to internal metabolic activity. This study highlights that δ 18Oshell profiles generated from any portion of the shell can be used to evaluate seasonal fluctuations and may be excellent to evaluate types and rates of shell growth.

Citation

Kingston, A., Gröcke, D., & Burchell, M. (2008). A multiaxial growth analysis of stable isotopes in the modern shell of Saxidomus gigantea: Implications for sclerochronology studies. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 9(1), Article Q01007. https://doi.org/10.1029/2007gc001807

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 27, 2007
• Online Publication Date: Jan 29, 2008
• Publication Date: Jan 29, 2008
• Deposit Date: Jun 4, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 8, 2010
• Journal: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
• Electronic ISSN: 1525-2027
• Publisher: American Geophysical Union
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: Q01007
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2007gc001807
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1554459