Sulfur isotope (IMAGE)

Science China Press

Sulfur isotope

Caption

A compilation of pyrite sulfur isotope data showing global occurrences of superheavy pyrite in the Cryogenian interglacial period. After the Sturtian glaciation, mid-depth seawater column was sulfidic which was sustained by intense microbial sulfate reduction fueled by high primary productivity in the surface ocean. Abundant volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSC) was generated in the sulfidic seawater via methylation of dissolved sulfides. Emissions of 34S-depleted VOSC into the atmosphere elevates sulfur isotope of seawater sulfate and generates superheavy pyrite.

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