We here report the discovery of unusual distributions of long-chain alkenones (C37-C42) in two Cretaceous black shales from the Blake-Bahama Basin, western North Atlantic. These sediments are Cenomanian (c. 95 Ma) and mid-Albian (c. 105 Ma) in age, thus significantly extending the geological range of these compounds. The precise source of these lipids is, as yet, unknown, although they may derive from an ancient ancestor of Emiliania huxleyi.

= concentration estimated by mas fragmentography due to co-evolution. <1 = trace amount detected.

Supplement to: Farrimond, Paul; Brassell, Simon C (1985): Alkenones in Cretaceous black shales, Blake-Bahama Basin, western North Atlantic. Organic Geochemistry, 10(4-6), 897-903