Abstract
${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{18}O$ values were determined for the Paleozoic limestones (Great Linestone Series) from the Taebaegsan region and the age-unknown limestones (Janggun Formation) from the Janggun mine, Korea. Limestones of the Great Limestone Series exhibit a range of carbon isotopic composition from -4.5 +1.3‰ with a mean ${\delta}^{13}C$ value of -1.1‰, relative to the PDB standard, and of oxygen isotpic composition from +8.8 to +23.3‰ with a mean ${\delta}^{18}O$ value of +16.0‰, relative to the SMOW, falling into the normal marine limestone range according to Keith and Weber (1964), and Degens and Epstein(1964). Carbon isotopic composition of limestones of the Great Limestone Series becomes progressively lighter from Pungchon limestone of middle Cambrian age to mid-Ordovician Maggol limestone, possibly due to change in depositional environment in the Taebaegsan basin. Variation in isotopic composition of limestones from Hwajeol to Dumugal formation offers the possibility or deposition in shallow sea environment, in which fresh waters were added in several stages. Janggun limestone of unknown age may be corelated with the Paleozoic limestones of Great Limestone Series as infered from the istopic composition ranging from -2.8 to + 0.7‰ of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and +13.4 to +22.4‰ of ${\delta}^{18}O$.