Subdivision of the Silurian according to the ICS, as of 2023.[3] Vertical axis scale: Millions of years ago
The Mulde event was an anoxic event,[4] and marked the second of three1 relatively minor mass extinctions (the Ireviken, Mulde, and Lau events) during the Silurian period. It coincided with a global drop in sea level, and is closely followed by an excursion[clarification needed] in geochemicalisotopes. Its onset is synchronous with the deposition of the Fröjel Formation in Gotland.[4] Perceived extinction in the conodont fauna, however, likely represent a change in the depositional environment of sedimentary sequences rather than a genuine biological extinction.[5]
Higher resolution δ13C isotope analysis identifies differences in the organic and carbonate carbon isotope curves (Δ13C), allowing the inference of a sustained drop in CO2 levels coincident with the extinction once sedimentological data are taken into account.[6]
^Jeppsson, L.; Calner, M. (2007). "The Silurian Mulde Event and a scenario for secundo—secundo events". Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 93 (02): 135–154. doi:10.1017/S0263593300000377.
^Munnecke, A.; Samtleben, C.; Bickert, T. (2003). "The Ireviken Event in the lower Silurian of Gotland, Sweden-relation to similar Palaeozoic and Proterozoic events". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 195 (1): 99–124. doi:10.1016/S0031-0182(03)00304-3.
^ abSamtleben, C.; Munnecke, A.; Bickert, T. (2000). "Development of facies and C/O-isotopes in transects through the Ludlow of Gotland: Evidence for global and local influences on a shallow-marine environment". Facies. 43 (1): 1–38. Bibcode:2000Faci...43....1S. doi:10.1007/BF02536983. S2CID130640332.
^Biebesheimer, Ellie J.; Cramer, Bradley D.; Calner, Mikael; Barnett, Bruce A.; Oborny, Stephan C.; Bancroft, Alyssa M. (2021). "Asynchronous δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg records during the onset of the Mulde (Silurian) positive carbon isotope excursion from the Altajme core, Gotland, Sweden". Chemical Geology. 576: 120256. Bibcode:2021ChGeo.57620256B. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120256. ISSN0009-2541. S2CID234817512.