Middle-Upper Jurassic (Upper Callovian-Lower Kimmeridgian) stable isotope and elemental records of the Russian Platform: Indices of oceanographic and climatic changes

New isotope (delta O-18, delta C-13) and elemental (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca) data of well-preserved belemnite rostra, ammonite and gastropod shells from the Middle Oxfordian-Lower Kimmerdgian (Densiplicatum-Kitchini zones) of the Russian Platform are presented. This record is supplemented with published data from the Upper Callovian-Lower Kimmeridgian interval (Athleta-Kitchini zones). Significant differences in average temperatures calculated from delta O-18 values of particular fossil groups (5-15 degrees C) show the thermal gradient and the presence of cold bottom waters in the Middle Russian Sea during the Late Callovian-Middle Oxfordian. An Upper Oxfordian-lowermost Kimmeridgian decrease in delta O-18 values and an increase in Sr/Ca ratios of cylindroteuthid belemnite rostra likely reflect a warming of the bottom waters of ca. 3.5 degrees C. The gradual Late Oxfordian-earliest Kimmeridgian warming is followed by an abrupt temperature rise of 3-6 degrees C that occurred at the transition of the Early Kimmeridgian Bauhini and Kitchini chrons. The occurrences of cold bottom waters and of (Sub)Mediterranean ammonites and belemnites in the Middle Russian Sea at the Middle-Late Jurassic transition are regarded as a result of the opening of seaways during a sea level highstand. The bottom waters are considered to have been formed in the cool Boreal Sea. The subsequent retreats of the cold bottom waters and of the (Sub)Mediterranean cephalopods from the Middle Russian Sea in the Late Oxfordian are explained by the restriction of water circulation during a sea-level fall. The Early Kimmeridgian rise of bottom temperatures of the sea is linked to a global climate warming. The data presented do not support a major cooling of the Arctic and a consequent glaciation in this region at the Middle-Late Jurassic transition. Since occurrences of cold water masses are diachronous in different European basins, the observed variations in sea water temperatures are interpreted as a result of changes in marine currents and water circulation. delta C-13 values of belemnite rostra from the Russian Platform are scattered but show the long-term Upper Callovian-Middle Oxfordian positive excursion consistent with the previously published isotope records of the Boreal Realm and terrestrial organic matter. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.