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The new genus Micronautilus n. gen. (type species Micronautilus evolutus n. gen., n. sp.) is described and assigned to the family Paracenoceratidae Spath, 1927. Known from only two species with a very small shell, this taxon is regarded to represent a natural lineage within the family. As currently known, the occurrence of Micronautilus n. gen. is limited to the Bathonian of Western France, extending from the Zigzag Zone to the Retrocostatum Zone. The origin of Micronautilus n. gen. is likely to lie in the upper Bajocian group of nautilids assigned to 'Cenoceras' fuscum (Crick, 1898). Paleoenvironmental data suggest that the dwarfism of this new taxon cannot be interpreted as a consequence of an isolated population or any specific environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revision of foraminifers, algae and problematic algae of well-known late Viséan formations in the Jerada syncline in the Eastern Meseta, Azrou-Khenifra Basin in the Central Meseta and Oued Cherrat in the Western Meseta, suggests that the recognition of the chronostratigraphic units within this period lacks most of the foraminiferal markers in the Western European foraminiferal biozonations. Many taxa recorded in the Moroccan Meseta are considered as late Asbian guides in Western Europe, but in the Meseta, they are first recorded in the early Brigantian. Although some foraminiferal taxa are proposed as guides for the early Brigantian in Morocco, this substage is far more easily recognized by the algal and problematic algal assemblages. In contrast, the late Brigantian, and thus, the equivalent to the lower part of the Serpukhovian, is recognized by typical foraminifers that have been also recorded in Western Europe. Moreover, the algae do not display any significant change at this level. The unusual and unrepresentative foraminiferal assemblages recorded from the Brigantian in Morocco, suggest that most of the numerous outcrops and sections ascribed to the late Asbian in the literature should be revised because, as is demonstrated in a few cases in this study, those outcrops probably belong to younger Brigantian chronostratigraphic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until a few years ago, the onset of continental to deeper marine deposition in the Saxonian Cretaceous Basin (SCB) was largely assigned to the naviculare transgression of the early Late Cenomanian. Based on the integrated investigation of 39 Cenomanian surface and subsurface sections, a completely revised stratigraphic framework for the lower Elbtal Group is presented herein. The new data show that Cretaceous sedimentation started already in the early Early Cenomanian, indicated by the contemporaneous onlap of non-marine (Niederschöna Formation) and marine strata (Oberhäslich Formation). The Cenomanian transgressions proceeded on a broad front from the north, at first following the course of roughly south--north-discharging palaeovalleys of a fluvial palaeodrainage system dewatering an elevated principal source area in the southwest. The sequence stratigraphic analysis demonstrates the presence of four complete, unconformity-bounded Cenomanian depositional sequences (DS) and a fifth one, DS Ce-Tu 1, which started in the mid-Late Cenomanian and lasted into the Early Turonian. The depositional sequences comprise six major transgressive phases that overstepped each other and enlarged the depositional realm by means of non-marine and/or marine onlap: A, early Early Cenomanian (equivalent to the "ultimus/Aucellina Transgression"), DS Ce 1+2; B, late Early Cenomanian, DS Ce 3; C, early Middle Cenomanian (primus Transgression), reflecting the most prominent sea-level rise within the SCB, DS Ce 4; D, early Late Cenomanian (naviculare Transgression), DS Ce 5; E, late Late Cenomanian (plenus Transgression), DS Ce-Tu 1; F, earliest Turonian (Lohmgrund Horizon), maximum flooding of DS Ce-Tu 1. The marine Oberhäslich Formation was accompanied by collateral fluvial deposits of the Niederschöna Formation during the early Early to early Late Cenomanian, respectively. The marine transgressions reached the Úštěk-Bad Schandau Sea Bight, the deepest of the north-sloping palaeovalleys, first and produced an up to 120-m-thick marine sedimentary record (Oberhäslich and Pennrich formations), subdivided into five almost equally thick depositional sequences. This maximum thickness is in the order of the accommodation generated during the Cenomanian age and corresponds to a rather low sedimentation rate of 20 m/myr. Therefore, the thickness changes observed within the lower Elbtal Group can be explained quite simply by the pre-transgression topography and sequence stratigraphic onlap patterns onto the elevated palaeotopography in the southwest. The new stratigraphic framework of the lower Elbtal Group thus shows that tectonic inversion in the SCB was essentially a post-Cenomanian process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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New material of the ammonite subfamily Cheloniceratinae Spath, 1923 is described from the Aptian successions of the Maghara area. We record Cheloniceras cornuelianum as well as Epicheloniceras tschernyschewi from the lower and upper Aptian, respectively. These very widely distributed and common species are important for the supraregional correlation, and we establish their stratigraphic range for the Gabal Lagama and Gabal Abu Ruqum key sections. A short account is given about the palaeobiogeographic significance of both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Stratigraphic Table of Germany 2016 (STG 2016, STD 2016) the Muschelkalk Group has been assessed as early Anisian (Bithynian) through early Ladinian (Fassanian). Following decisions of the Permian-Triassic Subcommission (SKPT) in the German Stratigraphic Commission (DSK), the boundaries of the Muschelkalk Group against the Buntsandstein and Keuper groups have been fixed at widespread marker beds that are nearly isochronous. The internal subdivision into the regional geochronological units Folge m1 to m9 is also based on marker beds. The number of Lower Muschelkalk small-scale cycles has been estimated by different authors as 19 to 29. In the STG 2016, 21 cycles of 100 ka duration are assessed, whereas the numbers of 11 cycles for the Middle and 38 for the Upper Muschelkalk still require additional research. While marker bed-based boundaries are nearly isochronous, unit boundaries based on facies changes are diachronous on a regional scale: (1) in the eastern part of the basin (Poland), the typical Muschelkalk carbonate sedimentation commences with the Lower Gogolin Formation, time equivalent of the carbonatic Dornburg Subformation (Member) of the Röt Formation (former Myophoria Beds) in the western basin parts, which is overlain by variegated and sandy claystone and hence attributed to the Buntsandstein Group, and (2) in the Polish and northeast German basin parts the carbonatic facies ended already in earliest Ladinian times. In the largest parts of the Central European Basin, the Muschelkalk Group is constituted according to SKPT decisions of seven formations which are mostly delimited by nearly isochronous and widespread marker beds. Identical boundaries of formations and allostratigraphic marker bed-based Folgen (m1 through m9) are favourable for understanding the basin history. Where significant facies changes occur towards the basin margins, regional formations with mostly diachronous boundaries were established, some of which are covering the equivalents of more than one group of the basinal facies. The Muschelkalk Group is biostratigraphically subdivided in biozones by means of cephalopods and conodonts and also by additional invertebrate and vertebrate groups, and palynomorphs. Since no radio-isotopic age determinations (RIA) are available for the Muschelkalk Group itself, all age estimates have to be based on the hypothesis that Muschelkalk sedimentary cycles are caused orbital-climatically and by integration of global RIA into the Muschelkalk succession using biostratigraphic correlations with the Tethyan Triassic. The Anisian-Ladinian boundary, dated in the STG 2016 at ca. 241 Ma, is the only global stage boundary within the Muschelkalk Group, located in the vicinity of the Cycloidesbank in the upper part of the Upper Muschelkalk. In the STG 2016, a maximum estimate of 7 Ma for the Muschelkalk Group was chosen. Additional estimations are discussed which indicate shorter Muschelkalk durations of 5.2 Ma or 4.8 Ma respectively and are nearly consistent with the RIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern cricetids originated in Asia and dispersed into Western Europe by the end of the early Miocene, where they quickly became major components of the rodent faunas. Here we review the early Miocene rodent record of the genera Democricetodon Fahlbusch, 1964 and Megacricetodon Fahlbusch, 1964 in the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia, Spain). Democricetodon is represented by four species in the studied sites (D. hispanicus Freudenthal, 1967, D. cf. decipiens (Freudenthal & Daams, 1988), D. gracilis Fahlbusch, 1964 and a large-sized undetermined species) and Megacricetodon by one (M. primitivus (Freudenthal, 1963)). The cricetid succession bears several similarities with that of the nearby Calatayud-Montalbán Basin (East-Central Spain) to the point that the same detailed local biostratigraphy could be extended to the Catalan basin. The rare presence of certain Democricetodon species (D. gracilis) and other small mammal taxa also reveal affinities with regions beyond the Iberian Peninsula and indicate that the Vallès-Penedès Basin was more humid and forested than inland Iberian basins during the early Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[fr] Dans les Monts des Ksour (Atlas saharien occidental), le passage cénomanien-turonien a été étudié sur le plan stratigraphique et géochimique à partir de deux coupes: Djebel M’daouer et Chebket Tamednaïa. Dans ces deux coupes, comme sur la plupart des plates-formes carbonatées peu profondes du domaine sud-téthysien, le faciès anoxique de la limite cénomanien-turonien matérialisé par des dépôts de “black-shales“ est absent. En plus, la rareté des données biostratigraphiques rend difficile l’établissement d’une biozonation détaillée pour les deux coupes étudiées. Les deux seuls niveaux à rares ammonites de la Formation de Ghoundjaïa dans la coupe de M’daouer ont permis de caractériser les zones à Vibrayeanus, à Gamai et à Cauvini. Donc pour les deux coupes, il parait utile de recourir à l’étude isotopique qui a montré une zone d’excursion positive du δ 13C s’étalant le long du Membre inférieur et la partie inférieure du Membre médian de la Formation de Ghoundjaïa. Cette zone d’anomalie est manifestée par trois pics marquants et caractéristiques du passage cénomanien-turonien et la limite entre ces deux étages se situe entre les pics 2 et 3 coïncidant avec le passage de la zone Gamai à la zone Cauvini. L’enregistrement de ces trois pics a rendu possible la corrélation locale de la coupe de Tamednaïa qui est dépourvue de faune valable sur le plan biostratigraphique.

New lithostratigraphical units are explained in detail according to their definition and are reported in an advanced addition to the LithoLex data sheets. Litho- and biostratigraphical investigations of the past decades make it possible to publish further results about the uppermost Jurassic and lowermost Cretaceous formations. Specially in lithostratigraphical view, there are notable news about lithological relations in the Eimbeckhausen- and Muender Formation, which are supported by micropalaeontological data. Micropalaeontological events, which correlate with characteristical geophysical peaks, are presented and described on selected well- and outcrop sections. In addition to the LithoLex data sheets biostratigraphical data are described in detail and figured together with important ostracod species and other microfossils; with emphasis on imagery of important outcrops and wells beside a description of expressive hand- and core specimens. A further focus is the visual documentation of important outcrops and drillings, together with the description of distinctive handpieces and drill core sections. Based on Brand & Hoffmann (1963), a summary of the palaeogeographical situation is presented on the basis of the sections studied. In the systematic part new ostracod species like Galliaecytheridea holzeni sp. nov. and Macrodentina parva sp. nov. are described with additional remarks to systematical questions to Galliaecytheridea sp. aff. Galliaecytheridea sp. nov. Wolburg, Eocytheropteron acutissimum Martin, 1957 and Macrodentina klingleri Malz, 1958. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are significant proxies in biostratigraphy and also act as excellent indicators of shallow-marine carbonate environments in fossil series. The Palaeogene LBF recorded from Meghalaya, NE India (eastern part of the relic eastern Tethys/Neo-Tethys) have high potential for dating shallow-marine sediments and documenting the multiple episodes of carbonate sedimentation that have contributed to the development of the Sylhet Limestone Group. Early Eocene witnessed the proliferation of LBF species worldwide, the phenomenon better known as the Larger Foraminiferal Turnover (LFT). Genera like Alveolina , Nummulites and Orbitolites with broad species complexes thrived as the dominant LBF amidst numerous other taxa on the verge of extinction or only surviving as stable forms. The current study emphasizes on the biostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental account of the early Eocene Umlatdoh Limestone successions outcropping in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, primarily based on the recorded species of Alveolina and other larger benthic foraminifera. Five species of Alveolina — A. oblonga , A. schwageri , A. cf. ruetimeyeri, A. aff. haymanensis and A. aff. varians are recorded in the evaluated sections that indicate an early Eocene age corresponding to the Shallow Benthic Zone 10. Major carbonate facies types in the present assessment include oolitic-smaller benthic foraminiferal -green algal grainstone–packstone, smaller miliolid- Alveolina grainstone, green algal-benthic foraminiferal grainstone, larger porcellaneous (Alveolina) grainstone-packstone, Alveolina -nummulitid grainstone-rudstone, and nummulitid grainstone-rudstone, which indicate a shallow marine, high-energy depositional environment ranging from shoal-sandy bars to a distal inner ramp setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[fr] Un assemblage paléontologique a été récolté dans le Cénomanien du Djebel Metrassi (Batna, NE Algérie). Constitué de 327 spécimens, il comporte un corail, 24 espèces de bivalves, 14 espèces de gastéropodes, 3 espèces d’ammonites et 7 espèces d’échinides. Cet assemblage permet d’établir une liste systématique originale, avec des espèces inédites, pour le Cénomanien de ce Djebel et vient soutenir le découpage lithostratigraphique proposé.

We analyzed new occurrences of Azygograptus lapworthi from the Cordillera Oriental, Argentina. The bearer sandstones levels, corresponding to the Acoite Formation, are overlying the deposits, in which the Didymograptellus bifidus Biozone (Lower Ordovician, upper Floian, Fl3) was previously recognized, and are overlain by younger pelitic levels yielding Xiphograptus lofuensis (Middle Ordovician, early Dapingian, Dp2). Previous records from the Central Andean Basin are also reviewed in detail and accurately correlated, allowing us to conclude that the Azygograptus lapworthi Biozone corresponds to the Middle Ordovician (lower Dapingian, Dp1). This biostratigraphic framework documents that the transition between the Lower and Middle Ordovician deposits occurs in the uppermost levels of the Acoite Formation in the Argentine Cordillera Oriental. It is additionally integrated with up to date conodont records to establish a high-resolution regional correlation, with equivalent deposits from the Puna of northwestern Argentina and Cordillera Oriental of Bolivia, and to discuss new insights for global correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Santonian-Campanian boundary in Northern Tunisia has been studied in Oued el Khannga section, based on biostratigraphic and paleoecological analysis. The detailed biostratigraphic analysis allows us to define the stratigraphic distribution of diverse planktonic foraminifera and to establish a continuous biozonation. Sixty-six planktonic foraminiferal species belonging to 13 genera have been identified and two Tethyan planktonic foraminiferal zones have been organized, indicating the upper Santonian - lower Campanian age. These zones are: Dicarinella asymetrica (Total Range Zone) and Globotruncanita elevata/Globotruncana arca (Concurrent range zone). A major turn over event was recorded in this interval including the extinction of several species characterized by complex morphotypes with a double keel such as the genera of Dicarinella , Marginotruncana. In fact, the extinction of the index species D. asymetrica is the most important event which defines the Santonian-Campanian boundary. Many representative species of the genera Globotruncanita and Globotruncana occurred, for the first time, in the uppermost of the Santonian and thrived close to the Santonian-Campanian boundary. In addition some surviving species with a simple morphotype, which are considered like opportunistic taxa, crossed the boundary. This various responses of planktonic foraminifera and the fluctuation in diversity and in the number of species may be related to an increase in temperature and a deep outer shelf upper bathyal environment deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the new material from Aubenas-les-Alpes makes it possible to add to the faunal list taxa hitherto unknown in this locality (Neurogymnurus cayluxi , Issiodoromys minor , Eomys minor , Pseudocricetodon cf. hausi , Pseudocricetodon aff. philippi). New specimens of the shrew Srinitium marteli increase our knowledge of this rare insectivore. The characteristics of the theridomorph I. minor confirm, as does the whole rodent fauna, the correlation with the MP25 level (Late Rupelian). The assemblage of Aubenas-les-Alpes indicates a rather open and dry environment, in accordance with the Early Oligocene climatic context, but some differences compared to other localities of the same age are also noticed. Finally the mammalian assemblage suggests an ongoing biogeographic differentiation at European scale during the Late Rupelian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[fr] La présente étude livre une analyse biostratigraphique et géochimique des dépôts cénomano-turoniens de la région Thénièt El Manchar, située dans les Monts de Bellezma-Batna, et leur évolution verticale. Une coupe (TM), épaisse de 180 m, est décrite dans ce secteur. Elle correspond à la Formation des Marnes de Smail, subdivisée en quatre unités litho-stratigraphiques (IA, IB, IC, ID), datée du Cénomanien grâce à la présence d’ammonites et de corail, et à la base de la Formation des Dolomies de l’Oued Skhoun (unité, IIA), datée de la base du Turonien au moyen de foraminifères planctoniques. L’analyse qualitative et quantitative des foraminifères (planctoniques et/ou benthiques), des ostracodes et des marqueurs géochimiques, permet de reconstituer l’évolution du paléo-environnement et les variations paléo-bathymétriques au cours de l’intervalle stratigraphique concerné. Ainsi, les unités IA-IB-IC et la partie inférieure de l’unité ID (Cénomanien) sont dominées par des associations de foraminifères benthiques agglutinés et des carapaces entières d’ostracodes, témoignant d’un milieu de plate-forme et d’un faible hydrodynamisme. Dans ces dépôts, les associations montrent une diversité spécifique faible à moyenne et une abondance plus ou moins élevée, témoignant de conditions trophiques et d’oxygénation considérées comme normales. Les derniers termes de l’unité ID (sommet du Cénomanien) et l’unité IIA (base du Turonien) marquent, quant à eux, une évolution vers des conditions plus profondes, comme le montre la succession standard des événements déjà reconnus en Afrique du nord, à savoir: l’abondance de foraminifères planctoniques, la présence de ‘filaments’ et une réduction drastique de la faune d’ostracodes. En outre, les courbes isotopiques du carbone (δ13C) et de l’oxygène (δ18O) des carbonates mettent en évidence des anomalies isotopiques relatives aux modifications paléo-environnementales. Les données du δ13C et celles du COT indiquent une productivité primaire faible. Les données du δ18O, quant à elles, indiquent une augmentation des paléo-températures, cause principale du déclenchement de l’EAO 2. Ces interprétations paléo-environnementales s’accordent avec les données connues du contexte paléogéographique régional et mettent en exergue les spécificités téthysiennes.

This paper comments on the stratigraphic division of the Quaternary as made in the Stratigraphic Table of Germany 2016 (STD 2016). In general only modifications to STD 2002 are illustrated, for detailed explanations and references see Doppler et al. (2011), Ellwanger et al. (2011), Litt et al. (2005), Litt (2007a), Preusser et al. (2011), Van Husen & Reitner (2011) and the corresponding definitions in LithoLex (litholex.bgr.de). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a different way from the STD 2002, in STD 2016 the Rotliegend is described in two versions. In "Rotliegend A" the same international time table as in STD 2002 and ESTD 2005 has been used. It is based on the radiometric age of 291 Ma for the beginning of the volcanism of the Donnersberg Formation done by Lippolt & Hess (1989). Version "Rotliegend B" is approved by the majority of the members of the working group Rotliegend of the Stratigraphical Subcommission Permian and Triassic of the German Stratigraphical Commission. The correlation of the sections with each other as well as with the ICC 2016 is based on biostratigraphical arguments as well as on lithofacial analogies, which are supported by radiometric data and the magnetostratigraphic Illawarra Reversal. The sections of the Saar-Nahe Basin and of the Thuringian Forest Basin serve as reference. Besides this, sections of selected basins are described to demonstrate the diversity of Rotliegend sections as well as progress in stratigraphy since 2012. This includes Hessian basins (Wetterau), Saale Basin, Flechtingen Block, Southern Permian Basin as well as sections of Southwest Germany (Black Forest), Ilfeld Basin, basins of Northwestern Saxony, Chemnitz Basin and Döhlen Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Stratigraphic Table of Germany 2016, the Keuper Group is represented by two alternative interpretations. Model A is based on an estimate of the relative proportions of accumulation and stasis throughout the basin, derived from a combination of the biostratigraphic, cyclostratigraphic and sedimentological data. Model B assumes almost continuous sedimentation in the central parts of the basin, discussed by Franz et al. 2017 (this volume). Both interpretations are based on the same biostratigraphic data from palynomorphs, tetrapods, mollusks and conchostracans. However, the correlation between these schemes with the global timescale remains ambiguous and the numerical ages of the global stage boundaries are still uncertain. Very low accumulation rates only seem plausible for the Late Carnian sediments from a sedimentological point of view, whereas the Norian deposits seem to have accumulated more rapidly in several short intervals. Even if the "Long Tuvalian Option" of GTS 2012 is used, it does not seem likely that they represent all of the Norian time. Basin-wide palaeosols and corresponding unconformities at uplifts and basin margins represent significant stasis and erosion surfaces and probably hiatuses not resolved by biostratigraphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new arhizodont arvicoline rodent is described from early Pleistocene deposits of Barranco de los Conejos and Barranco del Paso in the Guadix–Baza Basin of southern Spain. The molars of Orcemys appear to represent a paedomorphic origination from a large rhizodont Mimomys . A few dental characters of Orcemys are superficially similar to those of the lagurines, but the presence of sparse cementum in reentrant folds and a Mimomys -kante formed opposite T5 on the first lower molar clearly identify Orcemys as an arvicoline. The character mosaic of Orcemys is unique among large early Pleistocene voles and the dentition of a potential ancestor probably resembled that of Mimomys medasensis with a tendency towards simplification. With Tibericola vandermeuleni and Mimomys oswaldoreigi , Orcemys represents one of the earliest experiments with arhizodonty among European voles. Including Mimomys medasensis at Barranco del Paso, this set of arvicolids redefines a previously recognized early Pleistocene MmQ1 biozone in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Résumé Une approche intégrant les données lithologiques, micropaléontologiques et statistiques a été menée sur les échantillons provenant de 4 coupes (El Gaâga, Tighanimine, Menaa et El Kantara) implantés en domaines de plate-forme différenciée. Elle a permis de redéfinir la stratigraphie du transect étudié, d’apporter les informations sur les préférences paléoécologiques de taxons de foraminifères benthiques, planctoniques et d’ostracodes et de décrypter des espèces indicatrices des paléoenvironnements au cours du Crétacé terminal (Campanien-Maastrichtien). Le Campano-Maastrichtien dans les Aurès s’organise en paysages sous forme de doubles collines séparées par une partie médiane en légère dépression. Cette morphologie correspond à la composition généralement tripartite du Campanien-Maastrichtien avec un membre inférieur d’alternance marno-calcaire (membre Haraoua), un membre médian marneux (Membre Akhdar) et un membre supérieur de calcaires massifs (Membre Ncham). La régularité de cette trilogie est modifiée dans l’anticlinal de Dj. El Azereg par des réductions, voire des lacune, affectant visiblement les trois membres. L’inventaire des principaux foraminifères du Crétacé terminal (Campanien-Maastrichtien) de l’Aurès se solde par la détermination de 141 espèces (dont 93 de foraminifères benthiques et 48 de planctoniques). L’application des concepts de la biostratigraphie sur l’ensemble des foraminifères planctoniques permis de distinguer différentes biozones, comprises entre le Campanien inférieur à El Gaâga et El Kantara (biozone à Globotruncanita elevata ) et le Maastrichtien (biozone à Contusotruncana contusa ). La biostratigraphie ainsi établie se révèle relativement fonctionnelle bien que l’absence de certains marqueurs ne permette pas une zonation très précise. An integrated study of the lithological, micropaleontoligical, sedimentological and statistical data has been done on samples taken from four geological sections (El Gaaga, Tighanimine and El Kantara) spread in different sea areas. This allowed to redefine the stratigraphy of the studied area to provide information about the benefits of some kinds of foraminifera, planktonic and ostracods in knowing the palaeoenvironment and identifying the types referring to the latter during the late cretaceous. The late creataceous appeared in Aures in a form of two hills separated by a light lowness. This morphology corresponds generally to the tripartite composition of the Campanian-Manstrichtian with lower member of limestone-marl (Haraoua Member), a median marl member (Akhdar Member) and an upper member of massive limestones (Ncham member). The regularity of this trilogy changed in the anticline of Dj. El Azereg through a reduction, visibly affecting the tree members. The study of the foraminifera in the late cretaceous (Campanian-Manstrichtian) in the Aures proved the existence of 141 species (48 planktonic and 93 benthic foraminifera). Applying the concepts of biostratigraphy mainly on the foraminifera allowed to distinguish different bizones, ranging from lower Campanian of El Gaaga and El Kantara cuts ( Globotruncanita elevata biozone) and Maastrichtian ( Contusotruncana contusa biozone). The biostratigraphical framework is thus relatively precise and helps precising for instance the position of some inconsistent boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the biostratigraphy of the reservoir sediments of the upper part of the Dalan Formation (Late Permian, Lopingian) and the reservoir part of the Kangan Formation (Early Triassic) from one of the well in the northern part of South Pars field are studied. The results of studies are presented as three local biozones recognized and defined. Based on these studies, a Late Permian age (Dorashamian/Changhsingian) for the upper Dalan Member an Early?—Middle Triassic age (Scythian?—Anisian) for the lower part of the Kangan Formation, suggested. Also, based on microfossils stratigraphical distribution, and studying succession and continuity of locally defined biozones, it was distinguished a hiatus between Dalan and Kangan formations. Therefore it could be mentioned that the Dorashmian age is the youngest part of the Dalan Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé En dépit de l’intérêt biostratigraphique des kystes de dinoflagellés dans les datations des terrains mésozoïques, les travaux sur ce groupe biologique dans le domaine sud-téthysien, en particulier l’Afrique du nord, restent encore rares et ponctuels. En effet, la plupart de ces travaux portent sur des bassins européens des domaines boréal et sub-boréal. La présente étude concerne deux sondages pétroliers (MSD1 et KDH1) réalisés en 1985 dans le Bassin de Guercif (Maroc nord-oriental) par l’ONAREP (Office National de Recherche et d’Exploitation Pétrolière), actuellement ONHYM (Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines). Ces sondages ont traversé, sous les marnes du Miocène, une épaisse série argilo-silteuse et argilo-gréseuse attribuée au Jurassique moyen et supérieur. Plus de soixante taxons de dinoflagellés ont été identifiés. Quatre biozones, nommées respectivement GI à GIV, ont été caractérisées pour l’intervalle Bathonien supérieur–Oxfordien inférieur. Ces biozones sont définies sur la base de la première apparition (FAD) ou la dernière apparition (LAD) de certains taxons marqueurs à large répartition géographique, tels que : Ctenidodinium combazii et Ctenidodinium sellwoodii pour la biozone GI (Bathonien supérieur–Callovien inférieur) ; Ctenidodinium continuum et Meiourogonyaulax caytonensis pour la biozone GII (Callovien moyen) ; Gonyaulacysta centriconnata et Wanaea thysanota pour la biozone GIII (Callovien supérieur–Oxfordien basal) ; Liesbergia liesbergensis et Systematophora penicillata pour la biozone GIV (Oxfordien inférieur). Ces biozones sont corrélées aux biozones définies pour les mêmes intervalles stratigraphiques dans des domaines paléogéographiques mieux étudiés : sub-boréal, boréal et téthysien. Despite the stratigraphical significance of dinoflagellate cysts as reliable markers for correlating and dating Jurassic–Cretaceous strata, investigations into this palynomorph group in the southern Tethyan Realm, specifically northwest Africa, are sparse and somewhat parochial. Most research on Jurassic dinoflagellate cysts is focussed on European depocentres in the Boreal and Sub-Boreal realms. This study is on biostratigraphical data from two petroleum boreholes (MSD1 and KDH1) drilled during 1985 in the Guercif Basin, northeast Morocco by ONAREP ( Office National de Recherche et d’Exploitation Pétrolier ), now ONHYM ( Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines ). These boreholes penetrated a thick siliciclastic succession, attributed to the Middle and Upper Jurassic, below Miocene marls. Over sixty dinoflagellate cyst taxa were identified. Four dinoflagellate cyst biozones, named GI to GIV, are established for the late Bathonian to early Oxfordian interval. These biozones are defined on the basis of the first appearance datum (FAD) and/or the last appearance datum (LAD) of some biomarker taxa which have wide geographical distributions. These are: Ctenidodinium combazii and Ctenidodinium sellwoodii for the GI Biozone (late Bathonian–early Callovian); Ctenidodinium continuum and Meiourogonyaulax caytonensis for the GII Biozone (middle Callovian); Gonyaulacysta centriconnata and Wanaea thysanota for the GIII Biozone (late Callovian–earliest Oxfordian); and Liesbergia liesbergensis and Systematophora penicillata for the GIV Biozone (early Oxfordian). These biozones are correlated to those already established for the respective intervals in other palaeogeographic regions, such as the Boreal, Sub-boreal and Tethyan realms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Over the last decade, important progress has been made in the study of the mammal successions from Hungary and Romania. A critical review of the taxonomy of the published small mammals is provided herein, as well as some new data and an overview of the accompanying vertebrate fauna (excluding fishes) in their stratigraphic context. In addition, the first data regarding the ruminants from Mátraszőlős and Felsőtárkány are presented. This contribution aims to characterize the middle to earliest late Miocene fossil record from these countries, and provide important data for the chrono(bio)stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental studies at the European scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Faisant suite aux recherches sur le Bédoulien et le Gargasien du secteur de Cassis-La Bédoule (B. du Rh., SE France), l'étude de quatre coupes en relais dans l'aire stratotypique de l'Aptien, situées dans le secteur du Hameau de la Tuilière (commune de Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Vaucluse, SE France) a permis l'analyse détaillée des associations de foraminifères benthiques (30 taxons) et planctoniques (15 taxons) du Bédoulien supérieur et du Gargasien inférieur. Descriptions, figurations et répartition stratigraphique sont fournies pour les formes les plus significatives, avec individualisation de plusieurs marqueurs, benthiques et surtout planctoniques. L'étude de ces derniers dans le cadre privilégié de coupes dilatées et dépourvues de hiatus a permis de conforter la zonation définie antérieurement dans le stratotype de l'Aptien inférieur de Cassis-La Bédoule (succession des zones à cabri, luterbacheri, ferreolensis, barri, algerianus) et même de l'affiner, par la mise en évidence d'un horizon à Globigerinelloides ferreolensis heptacameratus nov. subsp., chevauchant la limite entre les zones à luterbacheri et à ferreolensis. Nos résultats montrent également la quasi-coïncidence temporelle 1) du toit de la zones d'ammonites à Furcata, 2) du changement lithologique dit du "changement de couleur" et 3) d'un triple datum micropaléontologique (FAD de Praehedbergella luterbacheri, LAD de Protocythere bedoulensis et Lenticulina cf. nodosa) dont l'importance avait déjà été signalée dans le stratotype de Cassis-La Bédoule. Ces nouvelles données peuvent constituer des éléments pour la définition de la limite Bédoulien-Gargasien. Durant le Gargasien inférieur (au sein de la Zone à luterbacheri), un épisode probablement d'origine volcanique, que nous sommes tentés d'assimiler au Niveau Van Gogh (initialement détecté dans le domaine vocontien), est marqué par une forte crise de diversité affectant les foraminifères épibenthiques, planctoniques, ainsi que les ostracodes. Sur le plan paléoécologique et paléobiogéographique, la comparaison des associations de foraminifères benthiques et planctoniques du secteur de La Tuilière avec celles des régions voisines fait apparaître des spécificités liées à la paléo-profondeur et des affinités paraissant plus marquées avec les microfaunes de certaines régions boréales, comme l'Allemagne du Nord, qu'avec le domaine téthysien. [Research on the Bedoulian and Gargasian of the Cassis-La Bédoule (Bouches du Rhône, SE France) area is extended, by a study of four overlapping sections in the stratotypic area of the Aptian stage in the hamlet of La Tuilière (commune of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Vaucluse, SE France). This new information permitted a detailed analysis of upper Bedoulian and lower Gargasian benthic (30 taxa) and planktonic (15 taxa) foraminiferal assemblages. Here we describe, illustrate and give the ranges and distribution of the most significant forms, and call attention to several benthic and planktonic species that may serve as extra-regional markers.The study of the planktonics in these expanded and continuous sections made it possible to strengthen the zonation which had been established in the Lower Aptian stratotype of Cassis-La Bédoule, i.e. a succession of five zones (cabri, luterbacheri, ferreolensis, barri, algerianus); this zonal scheme is improved by the addition of a horizon with Globigerinelloides ferreolensis heptacameratus nov. subsp., which straddles the boundary between the luterbacheri and ferreolensis zones. We also show the temporal quasi-coincidence of: 1) the top of the Furcata ammonite Zone, 2) the lithological change named "change of color" and 3) a triple micropaleontological datum (FAD of Praehedbergella luterbacheri, LAD of Protocythere bedoulensis and Lenticulina cf. nodosa) of which the importance in the stratotype of Cassis-La Bédoule had already been pointed out. All these data may be valuable in the definition of the Bedoulian-Gargasian boundary.Within the luterbacheri Zone of the early Gargasian, an episode probably of volcanic origin that we interpret as the equivalent of the Van Gogh Level (initially detected in the Vocontian domain), is marked by a strong crisis in the diversity of epibenthic and planktonic foraminifers, as well as in that of the ostracodes.From a paleoecological and paleobiogeographical point of view, a comparison of the benthic and planktonic foraminiferal assemblages of La Tuilière with those of neighbouring areas reveals specific features related to paleodepth and shows affinities which appear to be closer with the microfaunas of certain boreal areas (e.g. northern Germany) than with the Tethysian realm.]

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The recent advances regarding the complex chronobiostratigraphy of Middle Miocene terrestrial deposits of southern Germany are reviewed. We propose new and revised correlations between the Swiss and South German faunas framework for ongoing research. We restrict our analysis to the cricetid and microtoid muroid rodents, especially the Megacricetodon and cricetodontine groups, because of their importance for this purpose. Faunal turnovers reflect global climate changes. Species level endemism is punctuated by several immigration events, and a possible westward spread of faunal associations is suggested at around 13.8 Ma and, at the end of the Middle Miocene, by introduction of Late Miocene lineages from the east. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil record from the Carpathian area plays a key role for the understanding of the processes leading to the faunal interchanges between western Europe and Asia Minor during the late part of the Middle Miocene. Important mammal successions are now available from the Central Paratethys, especially Hungary and Romania. Here, we present the current state-of-the-art of the ongoing research concerning these faunas, especially small mammals and herpetofauna. We underscore the relevance of the Middle to earliest Late Miocene fossil record from these countries for chrono(bio)stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental studies at the Eurasian scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ulantatal area is well-known for its extraordinarily rich Oligocene mammalian fossils. The Ulantatal fauna was originally considered to be the representative fauna for the Chinese Land mammalian Age, Ulantatalian. However, the abundant fossils collected in the 1980s lack coordinates and/or detailed stratigraphic levels, and have been lumped together as either single, coeval fauna or grouped into three units. This lack of stratigraphic information hampers more precise biostratigraphic division and correlation of the faunas. Here we present a complete lithostratigraphic profile of the Ulantatal Formation with new fossil localities calibrated into the profile. Lithologically, the sequence shows a rather uniform pattern characterized by interbedded reddish to yellowish brown claystones and siltstones, with minor fine-grained sandstones. Preliminary biostratigraphic analysis shows that the Ulantatal Formation covers most of the Oligocene, and offers a long sequence and successive fossil records for understanding the evolution of mammal faunas after the critical Eocene/Oligocene transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land mammal record of the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia, NE Spain) ranges from the early Miocene (Ramblian) to the late Miocene (Turolian), that is from about 20 to 7 Ma. Here we present an updated review of the mammal succession focusing on biochronology as well as on environmental and faunal changes. Based on faunal similarities with central Europe, we interpret this basin as a transitional zone between the forested environments of northern regions and the more arid landscapes of the inner Iberian Peninsula. The quality of the Vallès-Penedès record and its chronostratigraphic control is clearly better for the late Aragonian and the Vallesian (between 12.6–9.0 Ma), especially for small mammals. Therefore, we analyze small mammal diversity dynamics during this interval. Contrary to previous analyses, which found an abrupt extinction event coinciding with the early/late Vallesian boundary (the Vallesian Crisis), our results show that this pattern is due to uneven sampling. Instead, taxonomic richness slowly decreased since the late Vallesian as a result of a series of extinctions that mostly affected forest-dwelling taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the postulation of the “herpetofaunal stability hypothesis”, which suggests that the herpetofauna underwent relatively few changes during the Pleistocene, the amphibian and squamate faunas of western Europe are known to have progressively diminished during the Pliocene and the beginning of the Pleistocene. Iberian Early Pleistocene sites continue to document the presence of “exotic” herpetofaunal elements that are supposed to have disappeared from the mainland, such as Oriental vipers, agamid lizards, the anguids Pseudopus and Dopasia , and a representative of the green toad group ( Bufo viridis sensu lato), as well as possibly gekkonids, a scincid lizard (Lygosominae), the anguid Ragesaurus and blind snake (Scolecophidia). The geographical and temporal pattern of these progressive southward withdrawals and extirpations on the Iberian Peninsula shows that extirpation events occurred in northern Spain at roughly the Olduvai paleomagnetic event and in southern Spain just before the Jaramillo paleomagnetic reversal, thus permitting us to establish a framework that can be used to complement the biochronological zonation of the Iberian Early Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last appearance dates and especially occurrences of amphibian and reptile species have a rather limited stratigraphic potential in Quaternary deposits. However, changes in their areas of distribution against the background of climate variations open some possibilities for biostratigraphy. Based on fossil assemblages of amphibians and reptiles, interglacial or periglacial conditions can be distinguished. Substitution of forest associations by those typical for forest-steppes or steppes within the limits of the modern forest zone can be attributed to climate aridization at the onset of a glaciation. Therefore, during paleogeographic reconstructions, it is important to determine a natural zone, instead of an assortment of possible biotopes. Glacial intervals for modern steppe zones can theoretically be visualized by the emergence of desert taxa. Distribution areas of amphibians and reptiles during interglacial optima show different outlines. They usually varied slightly, but sometimes the range of some species expanded ( Bufotes viridis ) or species disappeared ( Strauchbufo raddei ) from a large part of their original distribution. Such changes can be used to define large age intervals within a regional biostratigraphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain) contains the most comprehensive archaeological and paleontological evidence of human evolution in Europe during the Quaternary. The time scale based on the microfossil content of the sedimentary infillings of the caves of Atapuerca has been used to attribute relative ages to the various paleontological and archaeological levels and correlate amongst the different sites. Microfossils are particularly significant as they are the dominant constituents of the caves from the Pleistocene to the Holocene of the Sierra de Atapuerca. The microfossils of the Atapuerca sites are mainly composed of isolated bones and teeth from small vertebrates, and the hard tissue of the vertebrate skeleton can be taxonomically classified. In revisiting the distribution and the classification of the small-mammal taxa along five of the main stratigraphic sequences from Atapuerca (Sima del Elefante, Gran Dolina, Galería-Zarpazos, Sima de los Huesos, and Portalón), we apply a new method, the “Unitary Associations” method, in order to refine the existing biozones, adding five new Faunal Units, and interpret their relative age. Finally, we correlate Atapuerca with other Pleistocene sites of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Les recherches palynologiques menées dans les sédiments éocènes de la coupe d’Ibn Batouta, Unité de Tanger externe (Rif Externe occidental, Nord-Ouest du Maroc), ont révélé la présence d’une matière organique figurée bien conservée et riche en kystes de dinoflagellés (dinokystes). Les analyses qualitatives et quantitatives du contenu palynologique, surtout des kystes de dinoflagellés, ont permis une subdivision biostratigraphique et une reconstitution des paléoenvironnements de ces dépôts. Les événements des kystes de dinoflagellés utilisés pour la caractérisation de l’Eocène moyen (Lutétien et Bartonien) dans la partie inférieure de la coupe d’Ibn Batouta sont : les premières et les dernières apparitions de Castellodinium compactum , Distatodinium craterum , Distatodinium ellipticum , Distatodinium pilosum , Hystrichokolpoma salacia , Phthanoperidinium geminatum , Polysphaeridium biformum , Rhombodinium spinula , Ynezidinium brevisulcatum , la première apparition de Homotryblium floripes , ainsi que la dernière apparition de Hystrichokolpoma bullatum . La disparition de la quasi-totalité de ces espèces, ainsi que la dernière apparition de Deflandrea phosphoritica sont utilisées pour déduire un âge Eocène supérieur à Oligocène inférieur de la partie supérieure de coupe. Les variations des fréquences relatives des groupes de dinoflagellés sélectionnés et des palynomorphes d’origine continentale (spores et pollen) ont permis de mettre en évidence, en ordre ascendant, cinq environnements marins différents : (1) néritique côtier avec un apport nutritif important à la base de la coupe ; (2) néritique externe plus profond et en début d’une phase transgressive durant le Lutétien ; (3) néritique externe à océanique plus profond que dans les intervalles précédents et en pleine phase transgressive durant le Bartonien ; (4) probablement néritique externe et moins profond, en début d’une phase régressive durant le Bartonien supérieur ; (5) côtier, probablement estuarien durant une phase régressive dans l’intervalle Eocène supérieur–Oligocène inférieur. Ces changements de paléoenvironnements sont coïncidents avec les changements climatiques globaux de l’optimum climatique de l’Eocène moyen (MECO). Palynological investigations of Eocene sediments from the Ibn Batouta section, located in the external Tangier Unit (western External Rif, northwestern Morocco), revealed the presence of well-preserved figured organic matter, rich in dinoflagellate cysts. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of palynological content, mainly dinoflagellate cysts, allowed a biostratigraphic subdivision and a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of these deposits. The dinoflagellate cyst events used for the characterization of the Middle Eocene (Lutetian and Bartonian) in the lower part of the Ibn Batouta section are: the first and last appearances of Castellodinium compactum , Distatodinium craterum , Distatodinium ellipticum , Distatodinium pilosum , Hystrichokolpoma salacia , Phthanoperidinium geminatum , Polysphaeridium biformum , Rhombodinium spinula , Ynezidinium brevisulcatum , the first appearance of Homotryblium floripes and the last appearance of Hystrichokolpoma bullatum . The disappearance of most of these species and the last appearance of Deflandrea phosphoritica are used for deduction of an Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene age for the upper part of the section. Relative abundance changes of selected dinoflagellate cyst groups and continental palynomorphs (spores and pollen) allowed to highlight, in ascending order, five different marine environments: (1) neritic coastal with important nutrient availability at the base of the section; (2) outer neritic at the beginning of a transgressive phase in the Lutetian; (3) deeper outer neritic to oceanic in full transgressive phase in the Bartonian; (4) probably shallower outer neritic at the beginning of a regressive phase in the upper Bartonian; (5) coastal, probably estuarine in full regressive phase in the Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene interval. These paleoenvironmental changes coincide with the global climate changes of the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The ostracod fauna of the Aisne quarry section (south-eastern border of the Dinant Synclinorium, Ardenne, Belgium) is studied here in order to complete the Middle Devonian record of these micro-crustaceans on the Ardennean platform, allowing thus biostratigraphic correlations at regional scale. Sixty-four ostracod taxa are recognized throughout the Givetian carbonate sequence of Aisne; one new species ( Cryptophyllus magnei Maillet and Casier n. sp.) is formally described. In the lower part of the section, assemblages contain numerous species that are known to occur as early as the Late Eifelian. The recognized ostracod assemblages and lithostratigraphic correlations with analogous sequences in the Givetian historical type - area (Givet, French Ardenne), which are dated by conodonts, suggest that the sequence of the Aisne quarry is much more expanded. Three acme biozones are established herein for the Givetian stage; they will be useful for both regional (Ardenne area) and supra-regional correlations between the Boulonnais, Ardenne and Eifel areas. The sedimentary palaeoenvironments recorded in the carbonate sequence of the Aisne quarry are reconstructed based on the ostracod faunas. Finally, the biotic response of ostracods to the Taghanic Biocrisis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Les affleurements du Crétacé inférieur, et principalement le Barrémien supérieur- Albien du Haut Atlas occidental marocain, ont fourni une faune diversifiée constituée par des ammonites, des ostracodes et des foraminifkres. L'analyse détaillée de la microfaune et principalement les foraminifkres planctoniques a permis de caractériser diverses unités lithologiques, de les subdiviser et de les dater. Nous avons identifié différentes biozones a foraminifkres planctoniques reconnues a l'échelle de la Téthys et caracténsant le Barrémien supérieur-Albien. Ces différentes biozones ont été décrites et leurs limites ont été discutées.

After a review of the current state of knowledge about the classical Lower Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) ammonite index-species Deshayesites deshayesi (d’Orbigny, 1841) and the problems concerning the acceptation of this species, a topotype sample of 159 Deshayesites from the Argiles à Plicatules Formation (Paris Basin, northeastern France), including the lectotype of the latter species, is studied statistically. According to the Deshayesitidae evolutionary pattern highlighted by Bersac and Bert (2012), the present study shows that the whole studied population from the Argiles à Plicatules Formation belongs actually to a single species with a large intraspecific variability under the Dipolar Variation. Nothing supports the hypothesis of polyzonality of the level that provides the Deshayesites within the Argiles à Plicatules . The characteristics of the Deshayesites studied relate the latter to Deshayesites annelidus Casey, 1963 rather than to what is usually considered to be D. deshayesi . Consequently, D. deshayesi is revised, D. annelidus is treated as a junior synonym of D. deshayesi , and the species previously usually considered as D. deshayesi has to be renamed in D. multicostatus Swinnerton, 1935. Accordingly, it is proposed to move the limit of the D. deshayesi Zone downward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paläontologische Zeitschrift is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Significant archaeocyathan assemblages have been recorded from virtually all tectonostratigraphic zones of the Iberian Massif and Pyrenees in Spain. Only the South Portuguese Zone lacks an archaeocyathan record. The most widely distributed assemblages correspond to an Iberian Late Ovetian age. This age encompasses Spanish archaeocyathan Zones IV, V, VI and VII (Perejón and Moreno-Eiris, 2006), of Late Atdabanian and Early Botoman age in Siberian terms, currently Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3 (Peng et al., 2012). Recent studies carried out on Late Ovetian carbonate materials have allowed us to establish a precise biostratigraphic framework for this age span in Spain. From comparison with all Late Ovetian archaeocyathan assemblages of Gondwana, it is evident that the Late Ovetian archaeocyathan record of Spain provides a rich generic assemblage from Gondwana for this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time the Carnivora and the Perissodactyla from Aubenas-les-Alpes are studied. Five taxa are identified: two Carnivora, Nimravus intermedius and a medium-sized species of amphicyonid and three Perissodactyla Ronzotherium romani , Molassitherium albigense and Cadurcotherium cayluxi . The microflora shows a subtropical to Mediterranean climate with a marked dry season and indicates an age near the Rupelian-Chattian boundary for the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]