Based on the evaluation of 1323 carbon isotope values for Silurian to Permian terrestrial organic carbon, measured on plant fossils, cuticules, humic coals and bulk terrestrial organic matter (TOM), we conclude that the temporal trend in d13CTOM records variations in the global carbon cycle, notably an increase in the fractional burial of light (terrestrial) organic matter in Late Palaeozoic sediments. d13CTOM values suggest that the Late Palaeozoic pO2 peak could have been restricted to a time frame of ca. 40 Ma. Carbon isotope data from four taxonomic groups reveal small differences that could be a consequence of habitat conditions. No significant differences in organic carbon isotopic composition in relation to variable climatic conditions are discernible. The carbon isotopic composition solely reflects C3 plant metabolism.

706 carbon isotope values (d13Corg) for Silurian to Permian terrestrial organic matter, measured on plant fossils, cuticules, humic coals and bulk terrestrial organic matter. The great majority of samples originate from foreland basins in the vicinity of the Variscan orogen or from intramontane basins in the remnants of the Caledonian and Variscan mountain belts. Additionally, many measurements represent plant remains from diverse terrestrial successions of Gondwana.

Supplement to: Peters-Kottig, Wolfgang; Strauss, Harald; Kerp, Hans (2006): The land plant d13C record and plant evolution in the Late Palaeozoic. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 240(1-2), 237-252