Geochemical characterisation of Neoproterozoic marine habitats: Evidence from trace elements and Nd isotopes in the Urucum iron and manganese formations, Brazil

The Urucum iron and manganese formation (IF and MnF) in the Neoproterozoic Santa Cruz Formation, Brazil, provides unique insights into Neoproterozoic seawater and the habitat for the evolution of the Ediacaran fauna. Pure Urucum IF drill core samples, i.e. chemical sediments that are devoid of any syn- or post-depositional alteration, are reliable and robust archives of Neoproterozoic seawater proxies. They display low concentrations of rather...