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A detailed biostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic, and chronostratigraphic study was carried out in the South‐Western margin of the Neo‐Tethys ocean (Tunisia) covering the Eocene‐Oligocene interval to report potential paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes associated with the growth of the Antarctic ice sheet (AIS). The studied section consists of marls and limestones extending from the Helicosphaera compacta nannofossil Zone (CNE21) to the Reticulofenestra umbilicus Zone (CNO2). The Bc of Clausicoccus subdistichus coincides in northeastern Tunisia with the extinction of hantkeninids and is thus used here to define the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (EOB) at 34.03 Ma. Calcareous nannofossil assemblages suggest a significant change from oligotrophic/warm surface waters during the late Eocene to eutrophic/cool waters during the early Oligocene. The observed changes in trophic conditions are synchronous with a shallowing trend testified by an increase in nearshore species and enhanced terrigenous input. Major environmental changes occurred at the EOB and across glaciation event Oi‐1a whereas we record a poor imprint of glaciation event Oi‐1. Three orbital configurations have been distinguished: (1) The late Eocene is characterized by a prominent 405‐kyr cycle and a weak obliquity component; (2) the onset of cooling at 34.35 Ma coincides with the rosette‐shaped discoaster extinction and is reflected by a shift toward enhanced obliquity and short‐eccentricity cycles. The installation of a fully developed AIS (event Oi‐1a, 32.75 Ma) shows the most pronounced obliquity imprint reflecting an increased influence of high‐latitude climate processes; (3) after 31.75 Ma, the obliquity decreases in coincidence with the return to a dominant long‐eccentricity cycle. Plain Language Summary: The Eocene/Oligocene transition corresponds to one of the most important climatic shifts in the Cenozoic. This paleoclimatic shift from the greenhouse of the late Eocene to the icehouse regime in the early Oligocene triggered changes in the paleoenvironmental conditions of the Neo‐Tethyan area. We used calcareous nannofossil assemblages, carbon isotopes, elemental data (X‐ray fluorescence), and spectral analysis applied on magnetic susceptibility to report the possible effects of ice volume changes associated with the Antarctic glaciation on the Southern Neo‐Tethyan region and on the expression of Milankovitch cycles at low latitudes. We observe a change in the calcareous nannofossil assemblages that suggests a transition from low‐nutrient/warm‐water conditions to more heterotrophic/cooler conditions across the Eocene/Oligocene interval associated with the shift from a dominant 405‐kyr long‐eccentricity cycles to a prevalent obliquity and short‐eccentricity forcing. However, the situation shifted again at 31.75 Myr, with the return of dominant long‐eccentricity cycles. Key Points: High phytoplankton productivity across the EOT of the Southern Neo‐Tethys (Tunisia)Astronomical calibration of the Tunisian record and power variations in the expression of distinct orbital components across the EOTMajor changes in trophic conditions and sediment composition at the EOB and across Oi‐1a but minor changes across the main Oi‐1 glaciation [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]

New paleoecological data are presented for late Maastrichtian calcareous nannofossil assemblages of the Indian Ocean and the Boreal epicontinental Chalk Sea. These data are compiled with recent results in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Tethys oceans in order to characterize environmental changes by the end of the Cretaceous era. The paleobiogeographic distribution of the warm-water species Micula murus is updated and indicates the existence of major sea-surface currents in the late Maastrichtian Atlantic Ocean similar to the present day. The end-Maastrichtian greenhouse warming is characterized at tropical and subtropical latitudes by an increase in abundance of M. murus and the temporary disappearance of the high-fertility marker Biscutum constans . In the Boreal realm, the greenhouse episode is marked by a contemporaneous acme of Watznaueria barnesiae coincident with very rare occurrences of M. murus and other tropical nannofossil species which have never been reported before at boreal latitudes. A review of cyclostratigraphic and calcareous nannofossil data in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Tethys oceans points to the following evolution of sea-surface paleotemperatures for the last ca. 350–380 kyr of the Cretaceous: the end-Maastrichtian greenhouse warming lasted on average a little more than 200 kyr and was followed by a ca. 100–120 kyr cooling. In the Tethys, a 30–40 kyr additional pulse of warming is highlighted immediately below the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. These findings indicate an important instability of the climate system at the end of the Maastrichtian, most likely caused by Deccan volcanism. The calcareous nannofossil species richness dropped during the end-Maastrichtian greenhouse warming, which may indicate environmental stress and/or ocean acidification. However, nannoplankton diversity returned rapidly to higher values after this climatic episode and remained high up to the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. No significant extinction is recorded in this biotic group prior to the boundary clay. [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: An integrated framework of magnetostratigraphy, calcareous microfossil bio-events, cyclostratigraphy and δ 13C stratigraphy is established for the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian of ODP Hole 762C (Exmouth Plateau, Northwestern Australian margin). Bulk-carbonate δ 13C events and nannofossil bio-events have been recorded and plotted against magnetostratigraphy, and provided absolute ages using the results of the cyclostratigraphic study and the recent astronomical calibration of the Maastrichtian. Thirteen carbon-isotope events and 40 nannofossil bio-events are recognized and calibrated with cyclostratigraphy, as well as 14 previously published foraminifer events, thus constituting a solid basis for large-scale correlations. Results show that this site is characterized by a nearly continuous sedimentation from the upper Campanian to the K-Pg boundary, except for a 500kyr gap in magnetochron C31n. Correlation of the age-calibrated δ 13C profile of ODP Hole 762C to the δ 13C profile of the Tercis les Bains section, Global Stratotype Section and Point of the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary (CMB), allowed a precise recognition and dating of this stage boundary at 72.15±0.05Ma. This accounts for a total duration of 6.15±0.05Ma for the Maastrichtian stage. Correlation of the boundary level with northwest Germany shows that the CMB as defined at the GSSP is ~800kyr younger than the CMB as defined by Belemnite zonation in the Boreal realm. ODP Hole 762C is the first section to bear at the same time an excellent recovery of sediments throughout the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian, a precise and well-defined magnetostratigraphy, a high-resolution record of carbon isotope events and calcareous plankton biostratigraphy, and a cyclostratigraphic study tied to the La2010a astronomical solution. This section is thus proposed as an excellent reference for the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian in the Indian Ocean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The taxonomy of the calcareous nannofossil Arkhangelskiella is revised using the results of a biometric analysis performed on 599 specimens from various stratigraphic levels throughout the upper Campanian-Maastrichtian of the Stevns-1 borehole, Denmark. Combined qualitative labelling and biometric measurements suggest that this genus comprises at least three distinct morphogroups in this stratigraphic interval, with possibly one additional morphotype. The results show that the descriptions formerly used for the erection of these groups as distinct species do not fit to their observed range in the coccolith length and in the rim width, and that the central opening is an important additional parameter allowing distinction between the different morphogroups. Biometric analysis shows, however, that the morphogroups are strongly overlapping on all measured parameters. Therefore, the three distinct variants of Arkhangelskiella cymbiformis (var. NT, var. N and var. W) formerly described by Varol are reintroduced and emended rather than using distinct species. In addition, a fourth variant is described, A. cymbiformis var. SW. Using observed relationships between the parameters as well as stratigraphic ranges of these groups throughout the latest Cretaceous, evolutionary trends are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The response of calcareous nannofossils to the end-Cretaceous warming is investigated in the Tropical Pacific DSDP Site 577A (Shatsky Rise) through the record of species richness, Shannon diversity, distribution patterns and statistical treatments. This event is marked by a strong acme of the tropical species Micula murus and is accompanied by a decrease of Placozygus spiralis, the disappearance of Biscutum constans and a decrease in bulk δ 13C, indicative of a decrease in primary productivity. An increase in abundance of other Micula species at Site 577A and a drop in species richness recorded in all sites of Shatsky Rise, suggest stressed environmental conditions coincident with the end-Cretaceous warming. The acme of M. murus at Shatsky Rise and in the Atlantic Ocean is recorded within magnetochron C29r and correlates (1) with the intense warming as expressed in intermediate waters through the δ 18O of benthic foraminifera, and in surface waters through poleward migration, reduced diversity and dwarfism in planktonic foraminifer assemblages, (2) with a sharp decline in marine 187Os/188Os, chemical marker of Deccan volcanic activity, and (3) with a rise in the atmospheric pCO2 record of terrestrial plants in Texas, USA, probably triggered by Deccan volcanic degassing. However, a drop of calcareous nannofossil cool-water taxa in the Equatorial and South Atlantic, as well as a first rise in abundance of M. murus in the South Atlantic and Tropical Pacific occur in the topmost part of chron C30n, and correlates with the rise in palaeotemperature record of terrestrial plants in North Dakota, USA. This suggests that initiation of the warming in the atmosphere and surface waters may predate the striking warming of intermediate water masses by 150/200kyr. The coincidence and the links between climate change, volcanism, geochemical and biotic events at the end of the Maastrichtian thus remain to be fully elucidated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope stratigraphy on bulk organics of the middle-upper Eocene Souar Formation (Tunisia) allow for a refined stratigraphy of this interval in the southwestern Neo-Tethys margin. The Souar Formation represents the deepest sedimentary deposits of the central northern Tunisian Basin and was only dated previously by coarse data on planktonic foraminifera. Together with our new data, a correlation is proposed to previous Tunisian records of the Halk El Menzal carbonate platform to the NE and shallow-water deposits of central Tunisia to the SW, which leads us to the erection of a synthetic stratigraphic chart of the middle-upper Eocene in central and northeastern Tunisia. Our results allow for a review of the accurate position of the Lutetian / Bartonian and the Bartonian / Priabonian stage boundaries in Tunisia relative to calcareous nannofossil biohorizons. We apply Bayesian statistics to build our age-depth model which points to a hiatus in the Lutetian (CNE12 Zone) that we relate to the middle Lutetian regressive sequence leading to the Lu-4 M-cycle. Radiolarian-rich sediments and cherts of the late Lutetian and early Bartonian are interpreted as a response to an increase in productivity, tied to the seasonal upwelling of nutrient-rich waters. Correlation to other sections in Tunisia highlights the strong contrast in facies between the carbonate-rich sequences of the edges of the dorsal and the silica-rich deposition in the Souar Formation. This contrast is particularly pronounced in the interval before and across the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) characterized by a maximum of nummulitic carbonate production on the platform and a minimum of carbonate production in the deep basinal parts of the Tunisian dorsal, rather dominated by silica-rich sediments. • Middle-Late Eocene calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy in the SW Neo-Tethys. • The MECO corresponds to the Reneiche member in the Tunisian stratigraphic chart. • The MECO is characterized by a δ 13Corg excursion and biosiliceous productivity. • Increase in terrigenous flux to the Tunisian dorsale during the MECO. • Major sedimentation rate variations due to changes in the on-land weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phytoplankton response (calcareous nannofossils) to the Late Maastrichtian climate evolution is investigated in the South Atlantic DSDP Hole 525A and compared to published geochemical and micropaleontological data. The results point to a succession of dramatic climatic fluctuations. “Cool-water indicators” (Ahmuellerella octoradiata, Kamptnerius magnificus and Nephrolithus frequens) suggest cool surface water conditions prevailed during Chron C30n. At the top of C30n, their sudden drop in abundance, the last occurrence of B. constans and the concomitant increase in the tropical species Micula murus suggest warming and lower surface water productivity. An M. murus acme within Chron C29r reflects maximum warming. During the last 100 kyr of the Maastrichtian, the decrease in M. murus and increase in cool-water indicators reflect rapid cooling with the cool climate persisting over. The calcareous nannoplankton response to climate change correlate with similar findings in the Equatorial Atlantic Hole 1258A and parallels the stable isotope record of planktic and benthic foraminifera of DSDP Hole 525A as well as the decline in 187Os/188Os. Comparison of this marine record and the continental climate record in North America suggests a link between Deccan volcanism and the late Maastrichtian warm event. [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.)

The Early Jurassic nannofossil Schizosphaerella has displayed major changes in its mean valve size through time. These variations are investigated in detail in the Sinemurian to lowermost Toarcian of the Sancerre-Couy core (Paris Basin), based on previously published measurements of 7050 specimens. Through multivariate morphon analysis and mixture analysis, we decipher three distinct overlapping varieties of Schizosphaerella (small, medium, large) and show that mean size changes of this taxon can be mostly related to variations in the relative abundance of these three varieties. Comparison to facies changes and to newly and previously acquired geochemical data (bulk carbonate C and O isotopes and organic C isotopes, %CaCO 3 and TOC) suggest that, whilst sea-surface temperature was indeed an important driver of size changes in Schizosphaerella , it is insufficient on its own to explain the full variability of our dataset. Likewise, sea-level controlled proximal-distal variations and levels of nutrient supply were additional drivers of Schizosphaerella size changes. The small population of Schizosphaerella remains, however, a good indicator for warmer episodes. [Display omitted] • Schizosphaerella is composed of three pseudo-cryptic variants • The 3 variants strongly overlap and are only distinguishable by biometric studies • Sea-level and temperature are main drivers of Schizosphaerella size changes • Bulk δ18O matching global trends limited to late Pliensbachian [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]