This study provides an organic carbon stable isotope (delta(13)C(org))
record calibrated with detailed ammonite biostratigraphy, following the
end-Triassic biological crisis. Precise correlation between this crucial
fossil group and the delta(13)C(org) record is key to understanding
feedbacks between biological and environmental events following mass
extinction. The latest Triassic and Hettangian delta(13)C(org) record
shows several negative and positive excursions. The end-Triassic
negative shift coinciding with the mass extinction interval is followed
by a positive excursion in the earliest Hettangian Psiloceras spelae
beds, which marks the onset of recovery in the marine ecosystem. This
positive trend is interrupted by a second negative delta(13)C(org)
excursion in the P. pacificum beds related to a minor ammonite
extinction event. This pattern of the delta(13)C(org) curve culminates
in the uppermost Hettangian Angulata Zone major positive excursion. This
indicates that both the ecosystem and the carbon cycle remained in a
state of perturbation for at least 2 Ma, although the recovery of some
pelagic taxa already began at the base of Jurassic. The early and late
Hettangian positive delta(13)C(org) excursions have been confused in
several recent papers. Here, we show that during the Hettangian there
are indeed two distinct positive delta(13)C(org) excursions. Phases of
anoxia and further pulses of Central Atlantic Magmatic Province
volcanism during the Hettangian might have inhibited the full recovery
for that interval of time. The main Liasicus-Angulata organic positive
CIE (carbon isotope excursion) during the Late Hettangian might be
related to gradual decreasing of pCO(2) due to protracted high organic
burial, and coincides with a second phase of recovery, as indicated by a
pulse of ammonoid diversification.