Search

[Display omitted] • High-resolution integrated biotic, petrological and geochemical studies of MME. • The mid-Maastrichtian Event associated with production of vast oceanic plateaus. • The collapse of Cretaceous reef ecosystems due to LIP-related stress factors. The Cretaceous provides us with an excellent case history of ocean-climate-biota system perturbations. Such perturbations occurred several times during the Cretaceous, such as oceanic anoxic events and the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, which have been the subject of an abundant literature. Other perturbations, such as the mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME) remain poorly understood. The MME was associated with global sea-level rise, changes in climate and deep-water circulation that were accompanied by biotic extinctions including 'true inoceramids' and the demise of the Caribbean-Tethyan rudist reef ecosystems. So far, the context and causes behind the MME remain poorly studied. We conducted high-resolution integrated biotic, petrological and geochemical studies in order to fill this knowledge gap. We studied, in particular, carbonate Nd and Os isotopes, whole-rock Hg, C and N content, C and N isotopes in organic matter, S isotopes in carbonate-associated sulfate, along with C and O isotopes in foraminifera from the European Chalk Sea: the Polanówka UW-1 core from Poland and the Stevns-1 core from Denmark. Our data showed that sea-level rise of ∼50–100 m lasted around ∼2 Ma and co-occurred with anomalously high mercury concentration in seawater. Along with previously published data, our results strongly suggest that the MME was driven by intense volcanic–tectonic activity, likely related to the production of vast oceanic plateaus (LIP, Large Igneous Province). The collapse of reef ecosystems could have been the consequence of LIP-related environmental stress factors, including climate warming, presumably caused by emission of greenhouse gases, modification of the oceanic circulation, oceanic acidification and/or toxic metal input. The disappearance of the foraminifer Stensioeina lineage on the European shelf was likely caused by the collapse of primary production triggered by sea-level rise and limited amount of nutrient input. Nd isotopes and foraminiferal assemblages attest for changes in sea-water circulation in the European Shelf and the increasing contribution of North Atlantic water masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a historical perspective of the discovery of, and aspects of, glendonite and ikaite, through the legacy of British mineralogists Douglas Shearman and Alec K. Smith. Much of the knowledge, literature review and synthesis presented in the following paper raises from the original work and discussions that these two key figures in mineralogy shared with the geological community both in the form of their official communications but also as informal discussions with the first author. Through our extensive review, we show that, while the link between ikaite and glendonite is now undeniable, questions remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Upper Cretaceous Flamborough Chalk Formation of the English Northern Chalk Province (Danes Dyke section, East Yorkshire, UK) has been sampled for isotope analyses to test for the expression of the positive carbon-isotope excursion defining the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event (SCBE) in northern England, and to improve basin-scale correlations between the Boreal and Tethyan realms. Clay mineral investigations have been conducted in order to characterise potential variations in the detrital flux between the top of the Santonian and the base of the Campanian, and to test relationships with the SCBE. In the Flamborough Chalk and in other chalk sections, the Santonian/Campanian boundary is defined by the highest occurrence datum of the crinoid Marsupites. Carbon isotope results in this section indicate the presence of the negative Foreness Event in the upper Santonian, while the SCBE is characterised by a double positive excursion with peaks respectively named 'a' and 'b'. The first peak of the SCBE (a) lies in the uppermost part of the Marsupites Zone and therefore belongs to the upper Santonian. Peak b of the SCBE is located above the highest occurrence of Marsupites and is thus partially included in the Uintacrinus anglicus Zone of the lower Campanian. The clay fraction (<2 μm) analysis of chalks and marl bands reveals dominant smectite-rich clay minerals (e.g. R0 type illite/smectite mixed-layers or IS R0, 95% on average) and subordinate illite (5% on average) through the section. A discrete increase of the illite/IS R0 ratio in the clay fraction, combined with an increase in marl horizons and clay proportions in the bulk insoluble residue, highlight slightly enhanced terrigenous input during the SCBE. Correlation with published key sections in Western Europe shows that the SCBE has a similar chemostratigraphic signature and can be used to refine regional correlations, although it is thicker in the English Northern Province due to higher sedimentation rates in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Changes in the size and in the shape of the cross of the early Danian Cruciplacolithus lineage have been studied along with bulk carbon isotope data at two reference Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary sections: Bidart, SW France (Basque Basin) and Elles, central Tunisia (SW Tethys). Our study documents a progressive increase in the size of this lineage in the early Danian and allows for the definition of a new sub-lineage with a narrow central area and a broad axial cross composed of two species: a small, primitive and rare form, Cruciplacolithus praebornemannii n.sp. and a large common form Cruciplacolithus bornemannii n.sp. Successive first occurrences in the lineage of "axial cross" Cruciplacolithus can be correlated between the two sections. This correlation shows that the recovery phase in carbon isotopes following the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary negative excursion is delayed in the southwestern Tethys compared to the Basque Basin. The delayed recovery in carbon isotopes at the Elles section could be related to the lengthened environmental stress in shelfal settings as compared to the pelagic settings of the Basque-Cantabrian basin. The emergence of Cruciplacolithus , the occurrence of the different lineages in this genus and the change in dominance from small to large forms are likely to be all related to the progressive ecosystem recovery in the early Danian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A high-resolution stratigraphic analysis of the Upper Cretaceous Gurpi Formation has been undertaken in the Shahneshin section (Zagros Basin, Iran). New results on calcareous nannofossils, planktic foraminifers, dinoflagellate cysts and high-resolution carbon and oxygen stable isotopes form the basis of a reference section for the eastern Tethys that spans the upper Coniacian to the late Danian. Carbon-isotope correlation to Gubbio, Italy and the NW German chalk allows for the identification of many isotopic events as well as for the definition of new events in the Campanian and Maastrichtian. Our results allow for a review of the accurate position of the Coniacian/Santonian, Santonian/Campanian, and Campanian/Maastrichtian stage boundaries relative to carbon isotopes and plankton bioevents. The reliability of Coniacian to Maastrichtian planktic foraminifer, dinoflagellate cysts and calcareous nannofossil biohorizons is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE, ∼183 Ma) was characterized by enhanced carbon burial, a prominent negative carbon-isotope excursion (CIE) in marine carbonate and organic matter, and numerous geochemical anomalies. A precursor excursion has also been documented at the Pliensbachian/Toarcian boundary, but its possible causes are less constrained. The T-OAE is intensively studied in the Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire, UK, whose sedimentary deposits have been litho-, bio- and chemostratigraphically characterised. Here, we present new elemental data produced by hand-held X-ray fluorescence analysis to test the expression of redox-sensitive trace metals and detrital elements across the upper Pliensbachian to mid-Toarcian of the Cleveland Basin. Detrital elemental concentrations (Al, Si, Ti, Zr) are used as proxies for siliciclastic grain content and thus, sea-level change, which match previous sequence stratigraphic interpretations from the Cleveland Basin. The timescale of the event is debated, though our new elemental proxies of relative sea level change show evidence for a cyclicity of 350 cm that may be indicative of ∼405 kyr eccentricity cycles in Yorkshire. Trends in total organic carbon and redox-sensitive elements (S, Fe, Mo, As) confirm scenarios of widespread ocean deoxygenation across the T-OAE. The correlation of comparable trends in Mo across the T-OAE in Yorkshire and the Paris Basin suggests a similar oceanic drawdown of this element accompanying widespread anoxia in the two basins. Data from Yorkshire point to a transgressive trend at the time of the Mo drawdown, which contradicts the “basin restriction” model for the euxinic conditions that characterise the CIE interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New carbon (δ 13 C) isotope records calibrated by planktonic bioevents provide general support for a late Campanian age assignment of the Shiranish Formation (Fm.) and its boundaries in the Dokan section (NE Iraq). The Shiranish Fm. is characterised at the base by a mid-Campanian unconformity as can be interpreted by absences of nannofossil zones CC20-21. The Shiranish Fm. then spans nannofossil biozones CC22-CC23a (UC15d-e TP to UC16a TP ). Results obtained on carbon isotopes suggest that diagenesis affected and compromised a few carbonate samples in the uppermost 50 m of the section. However, once these samples are discarded, pristine trends suggest that the top of the section records a negative carbon isotope excursion that is interpreted as CMBa-c events that straddle the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary. This interpretation is supported by the lowermost occurrence of planktic foraminifers Rugoglobigerina scotti and Contusotruncana contusa some 30 m above the base of the negative excursion and 10 m below a positive excursion identified as the Maastrichtian M1+ event. Discrepancies in the stratigraphic range of several planktic foraminifer bioevents are highlighted and advocate for the need of many more integrated records of planktic foraminifer and nannofossil biostratigraphy alongside carbon isotope stratigraphy in the eastern Tethys in order to improve regional and global schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated biostratigraphic (foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, crinoids), chemostratigraphic (stable carbon isotopes) and magnetostratigraphic study of the Bocieniec section (southern Poland) is presented here. The section presents a continuous and lithologically monotonous sedimentary record across the Santonian–Campanian boundary transition. A large number of macrofossil, foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil bioevents along with several well-identified carbon-isotope excursions of the upper Santonian and lowermost Campanian are documented. The base of the Campanian is well-constrained by the last occurrence (LO) of the crinoid Marsupites testudinarius , and correlates to the onset of the first δ 13 C positive peak of the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event (SCBE peak a). A presumable primary Cretaceous paleomagnetic signal highlights the potential presence of the C34N/C33R magnetic reversal although its exact position remains uncertain between peaks a and b of the SCBE. The planktic foraminifer Dicarinella asymetrica is very rare at Bocieniec but a potential LO of this important marker may be recorded in coincidence with peak b of the SCBE. The first occurrence (FO) of calcareous nannofossil Broinsonia parca parca coincides with the lower part of chron C33R and with the early Campanian pilula zone event. A large set of additional nannofossil events and benthic foraminifer events further constrain the stratigraphy of the section and along with the carbon isotopes, allows for correlation with other important sections of the Boreal realm. Although the Bocieniec section is relatively thin and condensed (5.5 m), the successive order of events and presence of all past proposed stratigraphic criteria for the Santonian-Campanian boundary makes it the most complete reference section for this interval at the European and at the global scale. Moreover, this section allows for a precise correlation of the Tethyan and Boreal domains. The Bocieniec section fulfils the geological criteria to be a potential boundary stratotype candidate for the base of the Campanian Stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stratigraphy and palynology of the upper Santonian–lower Campanian (Uintacrinus socialis – Gonioteuthis quadrata zones) Newhaven Chalk are described for the Campanian auxiliary GSSP section at Seaford Head, England. A new high-resolution bulk-sediment carbonate carbon stable-isotope (δ13C carb) curve provides the basis to refine the carbon-isotope event (CIE) stratigraphy of the section. Results are compared to a complementary palynological study of a second Campanian auxiliary GSSP section (U. socialis – O. pilula zones) at Bocieniec, Poland. Palynological assemblages are dominated by organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts; 208 taxa) at both sites. A stratigraphic framework is established via review of published lithostratigraphic, macrofossil, foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil records from the study sites. Carbon isotope curves with 13 major named CIEs provide a basis for correlation of Seaford Head and Bocieniec to sections at: Trunch, England; Poigny, France; Lägerdorf, Germany; and the Campanian GSSP at Gubbio, Italy. Correlations are constrained by biostratigraphic records, including dinocyst events. The Late Santonian δ13C Event (LSE, previously termed the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event, SCBE) provides a key correlation level between Boreal and Tethyan sections and enables the placement of base Campanian markers: extinction levels of the crinoid Marsupites and the planktonic foraminifera Dicarinella asymetrica ; the first appearance of the calcareous nannofossil Aspidolithus parcus parcus ; and the C34n/C33r magnetozone boundary (the primary Campanian marker), in both Boreal and Tethyan sections. A holostratigraphy for the Santonian–Campanian boundary interval that integrates CIEs, macrofossils, benthic and planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, dinocysts and magnetostratigraphy is presented. Rhynchodiniopsis juneae sp. nov. is described. • The stratigraphy of two Campanian auxiliary GSSPs is reviewed. • New C- and O-isotope and palynological data and events are presented. • 20 dinocyst datum levels are defined in the Santonian–Campanian boundary interval. • Rhynchodiniopsis juneae sp. nov. is described. • A new holostratigraphy for the Boreal and Tethyan realms is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cretaceous outcrop belt of the Mississippi Embayment in the Gulf Coastal Plain (GCP) spans the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary. A detailed reconstruction of this time interval is critical for understanding the nature of biotic and environmental changes preceding the end-Cretaceous Mass Extinction event and for deciphering the likely extinction mechanism (i.e., bolide impact versus volcanism). Eight sections encompassing the K/Pg succession across the Mississippi Embayment were analyzed using biostratigraphic sampling of ammonites, dinoflagellates, and nannofossils. An upper Maastrichtian ammonite zonation is proposed as follows, from oldest to youngest: Discoscaphites conradi Zone, D. minardi Zone, and D. iris Zone. Our study documents that the ammonite zonation established in the Atlantic Coastal Plain (ACP) extends to the GCP. This zonation is integrated with nannofossil and dinoflagellate biostratigraphy to provide a framework to more accurately determine the age relationships in this region. We demonstrate that ammonites and dinoflagellates are more reliable stratigraphic indicators in this area than nannofossils because age-diagnostic nannofossils are not consistently present within the upper Maastrichtian in the GCP. This biostratigraphic framework has the potential to become a useful tool for correlation of strata both within the GCP and between the GCP, Western Interior, and ACP. The presence of the uppermost Maastrichtian ammonite D. iris , calcareous nannofossil Micula prinsii , and dinoflagellates Palynodinium grallator and Disphaerogena carposphaeropsis suggests that the K/Pg succession in the GCP is nearly complete. Consequently, the GCP is an excellent setting for investigating fine scale temporal changes across the K/Pg boundary and ultimately elucidating the mechanisms causing extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: One of the most expanded upper Campanian–Maastrichtian successions worldwide has been cored in a series of boreholes in eastern Denmark. A high-resolution holostratigraphic analysis of this part of the Chalk Group has been undertaken on these cores, notably Stevns-1, in order to provide a record of changes in chalk facies, water depths and sea-water temperatures. Combined lithological data, a suite of petrophysical logs including gamma ray (GR) logs, nannofossil and dinoflagellate palaeontology, stable carbon isotopes, seismic reflection and refraction sections form the basis for the definition of two new formations and six members, three of which are new, and for recognition of Boreal nannofossil subzones UC15eBP to UC20dBP. The upper Campanian–lowermost Maastrichtian Mandehoved Formation is subdivided into the Flagbanke and Boesdal Members and the Maastrichtian Møns Klint Formation is subdivided into the Hvidskud, Rørdal, Sigerslev, Kjølby Gaard Marl and Højerup Members. The Boesdal and Rørdal Members show high GR values and a pronounced chalk-marl cyclicity. The Rørdal and the thin Kjølby Gaard Marl Members have a regional distribution and can be traced over most of the Danish Basin, whereas the Højerup Member is restricted to the easternmost part of Sjælland. The other members consist of rather featureless white chalk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High-resolution carbon isotope stratigraphy of the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian is recorded in the Boreal Realm from a total of 1968 bulk chalk samples of the Stevns-1 core, eastern Denmark. Isotopic trends are calibrated by calcareous nannofossil bio-events and are correlated with a lower-resolution δ13C profile from Rørdal, northwestern Denmark. A quantitative approach is used to test the reliability of Upper Cretaceous nannofossil bio-events and provides accurate biohorizons for the correlation of δ13C profiles. The Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary (CMB) is identified through the correlation of dinoflagellate biostratigraphy and δ13C stratigraphy between Stevns-1 and the Global boundary Standard Stratotype-section and Point at Tercis les Bains (SW France), allowing the identification of new chemical and biostratigraphic markers that provide a precise placement of the stage boundary on a regional scale. The boundary interval corresponds to the third phase of a stepwise 0.8‰ negative δ13C excursion, lies in calcareous nannofossil subzone UC16dBP, and encompasses the last occurrence of nannofossil Tranolithus stemmerikii and first occurrence of nannofossil Prediscosphaera mgayae. Fifteen δ13C events are defined and correlated to sixteen reliable nannofossil biohorizons, thus providing a well-calibrated standard high-resolution δ13C curve for the Boreal Realm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)