First U–Pb SHRIMP age of the Hauterivian stage, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

A high-resolution ion-microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb zircon age from a tuff layer intercalated in the ammonoid bearing sedimentary succession of the Neuquén Basin in Argentina provides a robust geochronologic date to add to the absolute ages and to improve the relative chronology of the Early Cretaceous Hauterivian stage. The tuff layer appears interbedded between shales of the upper member (Agua de la Mula) of the Agrio Formation within the Spitidiscus riccardii ammonoid zone (base of the Late Hauterivian) yielding a date of 132.5 ± 1.3 Ma. This date confirms and supports an accurate correlation between the ammonoid biostratigraphy of the Neuquén Basin with the Western Mediterranean Province of the Tethys during the Early Cretaceous and matches with the most recently published time scale. It also casts doubts on the validity of K–Ar ages on glauconite-grains recently reported from the Lower Cretaceous of the Vocontian Basin of France.     

A new Early Cretaceous nerineoid gastropod from Argentina and its palaeobiogeographic and palaeoecological implications

A new species of nerineoid gastropod, Eunerinea mendozana, is described from the top of the Agrio Formation, Lower Cretaceous, at Lomas Bayas, Mendoza Province, west-central Argentina. The significance of this record lies in that it extends the Early Cretaceous distribution of the genus to the Southern Hemisphere and also may point to the occurrence of subtropical conditions in the northern part of the Neuquén Basin close to the Hauterivian/Barremian boundary. Individuals of E. mendozana are found forming large monospecific assemblages immersed in carbonate sediments. The relationships of E. mendozana with other South American Early Cretaceous nerineoids are considered, together with a re-evaluation of some of those records.     

Stratigraphy and sedimentation rates of Upper Cretaceous deep-water systems of the Rhenodanubian Group (Eastern Alps, Germany)

In the Bavarian Alps (Germany), west of the Isar River, the abyssal deposits of the Lower Barremian to Upper Campanian Rhenodanubian Group consist of siliciclastic and calcareous turbidites alternating with hemipelagic non-calcareous mudstones. The up to 1500-m-thick succession, deposited in the Penninic Basin to the south of the European Plate, is characterized by a low mean sedimentation rate (c. 25 mm kyr⁻¹) over 60 million years. Palaeocurrents and turbidite facies distribution patterns suggest that sedimentation occurred on a weakly inclined abyssal plain. The highest sedimentation rates (up to 240 mm kyr⁻¹) were associated with the calcareous mud turbidites of the newly defined Röthenbach Subgroup, which includes the Piesenkopf, Kalkgraben and Hällritz formations (Middle Coniacian to Middle Campanian). These calcareous turbidites prograded from the west, and interfinger towards the east with red hemipelagic claystone. A high sea level presumably favoured pelagic carbonate production and accumulation on the shelves and on internal platforms in the western part of the basin, whereas siliciclastic shelves with steep slope angles have bordered the eastern part of the basin, where a dearth of turbidite sedimentation and increased Cretaceous oceanic red beds deposition occurred. In contrast to the eustatically-induced Middle Coniacian to Lower Campanian Cretaceous oceanic red beds (calcareous nannoplankton zones CC14 to CC18), red hemipelagites of Early Cenomanian age (upper part of calcareous nannoplankton zone CC9) and early Late Campanian age (upper part of zone CC21 and zone CC22) are interpreted as the result of regional tectonic activity.     

Tectonic Control of the Triassic Santa Maria Supersequence of the Paraná Basin, Southernmost Brazil, and its Correlation to the Waterberg Basin, Namibia

The Middle and Late Triassic Santa Maria Basin, exposed in southernmost Brazil, and Waterberg Basin, in Namibia, are herein interpreted as part of en échelon small basins in southern West Gondwana. The main structures are the Waterberg-Omaruru Fault which can be connected to a NW-strike anastomosed fault zone in Brazil. Based on field structural and stratigraphic analysis two populations of NW-strike fractures, named A-type and B-type, are recognized. A-type fractures (Az = 280°-290°) occur in the Sanga do Cabral Supersequence, underlying units of Santa Maria Basin, as extension of the Waterberg-Omaruru Fault during the Early Triassic. B-type fractures (Az = 295°-345°) are observed in all studied stratigraphic units, from the Triassic Sanga do Cabral Supersequence to the Early Cretaceous Botucatu/Serra Geral formations. Based on the structural analysis we propose that NNE-SSW extension reactivated structures of the Damara Belt, Namibia, with a propagation towards Rio Grande do Sul State forming an anastomosing normal fault system and related-rift basin by Early-Middle Triassic time. The A-type fractures were preferentially active by this phase and the B-type ones are interpreted as secondary link segments within the anastomosing system. During the Gondwana break-up and South Atlantic opening (rift to proto-oceanic phase, Aptian) the B-type fractures were reactivated as normal faults by N50°E-S50°W extension.     

Mineral assemblages of the Francisco I. Madero Zn–Cu–Pb–(Ag) deposit, Zacatecas, Mexico: Implications for ore deposit genesis

The Francisco I. Madero deposit, central Mexico, occurs in the Mesozoic Guerrero Terrane, which hosts many ore deposits, both Cretaceous (volcanogenic massive sulfides) and Tertiary (epithermal and skarn deposits). It is hosted by a 600 m-thick calcareous-pelitic unit, of Lower Cretaceous age, crosscut by porphyritic dikes that strike NW–SE. A thick felsic volcanic Tertiary sequence, consisting of andesites and rhyolitic ignimbrites, unconformably overlies the Cretaceous series. At the base, the mineralization consists of several mantos developed within calcareous beds. They are dominantly composed of sphalerite, pyrrhotite and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and galena. At the top of the orebody, there are calcic skarns formed through prograde and retrograde stages. The resulting mineral assemblages are rich in manganoan hedenbergite (Hd_75–28Di_40–4Jh_40–20), andraditic garnets (Adr_100–62Grs_38–0), epidote (Ep_95–36Czo_60–5Pie_8–0), chamosite, calcite and quartz. The temperature of ore deposition, estimated by chlorite and arsenopyrite geothermometry, ranges from 243° to 277 °C and from 300° to 340 °C, respectively. The pressure estimated from sphalerite geobarometry averages 2.1 kbar. This value corresponds to a moderately deep skarn and agrees with the high Cu content of the deposit. Paragenesis, P–T conditions and geological characteristics are compatible with a distal, dike-related, Zn skarn deposit. Its style of mineralization is similar to that of many high-temperature carbonate replacement skarn deposits in the Southern Cordillera.     

Reappraisal of paleomagnetic data from Gargano (South Italy)

The platform limestones of Apulia (Italy) outcropping in the Gargano peninsula have been restudied. Paleomagnetic research has been carried out on Upper Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous and Jurassic rocks. Despite the low intensities of the NRM (10–100 μA/m), all samples (268) could be cleaned by stepwise A.F. and/or thermal demagnetization treatments. NRM directions could be determined accurately and reproducibly for 85% of the samples, using a ScT cryogenic magnetometer and double precision measuring procedures. NRM of the Jurassic limestone is carried by secondary haematite and the results are therefore rejected from further consideration. The Upper and Lower Cretaceous limestones have an NRM carried by magnetite. Minor bedding tilt corrections improve the grouping of the site-mean results. The Upper Cretaceous “Scaglia” limestone (Turonian-Senonian) reveals a characteristic mean direction of decl. = 327.7°, incl. = 38.2°, α₉₅ = 4.3° (21 sites), while the Lower Cretaceous “Maiolica” limestone (Neocomian-Aptian/Albian) reveals a characteristic mean direction of decl. = 303.1°, incl. = 35.1°, α₉₅ = 8.7° (8 sites). The Cretaceous results show a post-Aptian/Albian counterclockwise rotation of about 25°, which is expressed by the smeared distribution of the Late Cretaceous site-mean results and a post-Senonian (i.e. Tertiary) counterclockwise rotation of the same amount with respect to the pole. These results are in excellent agreement with contemporaneous paleomagnetic results from other peri-Adriatic regions. A Tertiary counterclockwise rotation of all the stable Adriatic block is strongly supported by the new results.     

Mise en evidence par le paleomagnetisme d'une importante rotation antihoraire des Vosges meridionales entre le Viseen terminal et le Westphalien superieur

The volcano-sedimentary formations from the southern Vosges are subdivided in two main series: a lower Visean series characterized by a volcanism of spilite-keratophyre type, and an upper Visean series which includes a normal volcanic association of shoshonitic tendency. Paleomagnetic study of 50 sites sampled in both series, but mostly in the upper one, yields three types of directions of characteristic magnetizations. The first type corresponds to Tertiary and Quaternary remagnetizations with low apparent blocking temperatures (350°–500°C, titano-maghemites?). The second group is formed by remagnetizations which have taken place during late Carboniferous-early Permian times, and which show high blocking temperatures of magnetite and mostly titano-haematites. The mean direction is D = 16°, I = 7°, α₉₅ = 9° for 13 sites, (λ = 43°N, φ = 165°E). The last group is represented by primary magnetizations of latest Visean age and post-Sudetic remagnetizations, with blocking temperatures of magnetite and haematite. The mean direction D = 323°, I = −17°, α₉₅ = 9° for 18 sites, (λ = 25°N, φ = 228°E), deviates from about 60° from the theoretical direction, calculated with the early Carboniferous, European pole position. This deviation is interpreted as resulting from a counterclockwise rotation of the southern Vosges between late Visean and Westphalian times. One consequence may be the formation of the variscan “V”, due to the anticlockwise rotation of the eastern branch of the chain. The northwesterly directions show a variation of the inclinations which may indicate that the rotation was preceded by a relatively significant drift of the Vosges to the north.

Résumé

Les terrains volcano-sédimentaires des Vosges méridionales se subdivisent en deux séries principales: la série du Viséen inférieur caractérisée par un volcanisme du type spilite-kératophyre et la série du Viséen supérieur qui comporte une association volcanique normale à tendance shoshonitique. L'étude paléomagnétique de 50 sites échantillonnés dans les deux séries, avec une prédominance dans la série supérieure, met en évidence trois types de directions d'aimantations caractéristiques, Le premier type correspond à des réaimantations d'áge Tertiaire à Quaternaire, à températures de blocage apparentes basses (350°–500°C, titano-maghemites?). Le second groupe est f'orme par des réaimantations mises en place au Carbonifère supérieur-Permien inférieur, à température de blocage haute de magnétite et surtout de titanohématites. La direction moyenne est D = 16°, I = 7°, α₉₅ = 9° pour 13 sites. (λ = 43°N, φ = 165°E). Le dernier groupe est représenté par des aimantations primaires, d'âge Viséen supérieur et des réaimantations post phase Sudète II, à température de blocage de magnetite et d'hématite. La direction moyenne D = 323°, I = −17°, α₉₅ = 9° pour 18 sites (λ = 25 °N, φ = 228°E), dévie de prés de 60° de la direction théorique calculée à partir du pôle européen au Carbonifère inférieur. Cette déviation est interprétée comme résultant d'une rotation antihoraire des Vosges méridionales entre le Viséen supérieur et le Westphalien. Une des conséquences en serait la formation du “V” varisque. par suite de la rotation antihoraire de la branche orientale de la chaîne. Les directions nord-ouest présentent une variation en inclinaison qui semble indiquer que la rotation antihoraire était précédée par une dérive relativement importante des Vosges vers le Nord.     

K–Ar and Ar/Ar ages of dikes emplaced in the onshore basement of the Santos Basin, Resende area, SE Brazil: implications for the south Atlantic opening and Tertiary reactivation

New K–Ar and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data of tholeiitic and alkaline dike swarms from the onshore basement of the Santos Basin (SE Brazil) reveal Mesozoic and Tertiary magmatic pulses. The tholeiitic rocks (basalt, dolerite, and microgabbro) display high TiO₂ contents (average 3.65 wt%) and comprise two magmatic groups. The NW-oriented samples of Group A have (La/Yb)_N ratios between 15 and 32.3 and range in age from 192.9±2.2 to 160.9±1.9 Ma. The NNW-NNE Group B samples, with (La/Yb)_N ratios between 7 and 16, range from 148.3±3 to 133.9±0.5 Ma. The alkaline rocks (syenite, trachyte, phonolite, alkaline basalts, and lamprophyre) display intermediate–K contents and comprise dikes, plugs, and stocks. Ages of approximately 82 Ma were obtained for the lamprophyre dikes, 70 Ma for the syenite plutons, and 64–59 Ma for felsic dikes. Because Jurassic–Early Cretaceous basic dikes have not been reported in SE Brazil, we might speculate that, during the emplacement of Group A dikes, extensional stresses were active in the region before the opening of the south Atlantic Ocean and coeval with the Karoo magmatism described in South Africa. Group B dikes yield ages compatible with those obtained for Serra Geral and Ponta Grossa magmatism in the Paraná Basin and are directly related to the breakup of western Gondwana. Alkaline magmatism is associated with several tectonic episodes that postdate the opening of the Atlantic Ocean and related to the upwelling of the Trindade plume and the generation of Tertiary basins southeast of Brazil. In the studied region, alkaline magmatism can be subdivided in two episodes: the first one represented by lamprophyre dykes of approximately 82 Ma and the second comprised of felsic alkaline stocks of approximately 70 Ma and associated dikes ranging from 64 to 59 Ma.

Resumo

Novos dados K–Ar e ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar de enxames de diques toleíticos e alcalinos localizados no embasamento onshore da Bacia de Santos (SE Brasil) apontam para diferentes pulsos magmáticos ocorridos entre o Jurássico e o Terciário. Os diques de rochas toleíticas (basalto, diabásio e microgabro), são mais velhos, exibem altos teores de TiO₂ (3,65% peso na média) e podem ser subdivididos em dois grupos magmáticos. O Grupo A aflora a norte da Bacia de Resende, compreende diques orientados na direção NW, com razões (La/Yb)_N entre 15 e 32,3, e idades entre 192.9±2.2 e 160.9±1.9 Ma. O Grupo B aflora a sul e a leste da Bacia de Resende, engloba diques orientados na direção NNW e NNE, com razões (La/Yb)_N entre 7 e 16, e idades obtidas entre 148.3±3 e 133.9±0.5 Ma. As rochas alcalinas (sienito, traquito, fonolito, basalto alcalino e lamprófiro) possuem teores médios de K, e afloram como diques, plugs e stocks.. As idades obtidas são de ca. 82 Ma para os diques lamprofíricos, de ca. 70 Ma para os plugs sieníticos, e entre 64 e 59 Ma para os diques félsicos. Como estas idades Jurássicas para diques toleíticos ainda não foram descritas para a região sudeste do Brasil, pode-se especular que durante o emplacement dos diques do GrupoA o cenário tectônico indicaria esforços extensionais anteriores à abertura do Oceano atlântico Sul, e contemporânea ao derrame basáltico do Karoo na África do Sul. Já os diques do Grupo B são contemporâneos ao magmatismo Serra Geral e ao enxame de diques de Ponta Grossa, e portanto este episódio está diretamente relacionado à separação entre o Brasil e África no Cretáceo. O magmatismo alcalino está associado a diversos episódios tectônicos que sucedem à abertura do Oceano Atlântico Sul e que resultaram no desenvolvimento das Bacias terciárias do sudeste brasileiro. Está provavelmente relacionado à chegada da Pluma de Trindade e as idades obtidas para a região em estudo indicam que o magmatismo lamprofírico é mais antigo (ca. 82 Ma), seguido pelos plútons sieníticos (ca. 70 Ma) e diques associados (64 a 59 Ma.)     

First U–Pb SHRIMP age for the Pilmatué Member (Agrio Formation) of the Neuquén Basin,Argentina: Implications for the Hauterivian lower boundary

Ammonite-based biostratigraphic schemes for the Lower Cretaceous are fairly well refined across the world, from the standard zonation in the West Mediterranean province to the Boreal and Austral provinces in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively. However, the lack of radioisotopic ages associated to the fossil-rich, Lower Cretaceous marine successions has hindered the accurate establishment of the numerical ages for the lower boundaries of its several stages (from Berriasian to Albian). Geochronological dating by U–Pb SHRIMP of a tuff layer that occurs within beds belonging to the Holcoptychites neuquensis Zone in the Pilmatué Member of the Agrio Formation in the Austral province (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) has resulted in an absolute age of 130.0 ± 0.6 Ma (2 sigma internal errors only) or 130.0 ± 0.8 Ma (including calibration and decay constant uncertainties). This age is interpreted to represent the time of eruption and thus the timing of the pyroclastic deposit. The H. neuquensis Zone is the equivalent of the A. radiatus Zone in the West Mediterranean province. Therefore, the obtained age is the first numerical data that could help constrain the Hauterivian lower boundary. Indeed, there is reasonable agreement with the latest proposed lower boundary of the Hauterivian at ∼132.9 Ma. On the other hand, the duration recently established for this stage would be hard to reconcile with the stratigraphic record of the entire Hauterivian in the study region (northeastern Neuquén Basin). Therefore, the results of this contribution could also help to assess the extent of the Hauterivian and associated stages.     

Early Cretaceous fish trails from La Rioja, Spain

We report a new find of the fish trail Undichna unisulca in fluvial sediments of the Lower Cretaceous Oliván Group of the Cameros Basin (Aptian-Albian; Valtrujal, La Rioja, northern Spain). It is the second Mesozoic record of Undichna unisulca after the first discovery in the Lower Cretaceous of central Spain (Las Hoyas, Cuenca, central Spain). The trails are characterized by single sinusoidal waves which in this case are often surrounded by well-preserved lateral levees that rule out an undertrail hypothesis.The continental depositional setting, a floodplain fluvial system, reflects the known broad palaeoenvironmental distribution of Undichna and confirms its occurrences in freshwater settings.     

Une Microflore du Barrémien dans la Province de Valencia,Espagne

A Barremian microflora is recorded in the terrigenous facies (Weald) of the Lower Cretaceous in the northern region of the Province of Valencia (Spain), these beds have been poorly dated up to now due to the absence of fossils. The Villar del Arzobispo microflora correspond unquestionably to the Barremian-Aptien period, but the numerical importance of derived forms from the Jurassic, the remarkable variety of forms of Cicatricosisporites, and the rareness of pollen of Angiosperms, indicate a Barremian age to be more likely.This discovery permits us to establish the stratigraphical relationship of this terrigenousfacies of Villar del Arzobispo with the dated “Weald” of other areas of the Iberian Chain and to give a complete chrono-stratigraphical interpretation to the different litho-stratigraphical units that constitute the Lower Cretaceous of this region.     

Tertiary remagnetization of normal polarity in Mesozoic marly limestones from SE France

The results of our new paleomagnetic investigations on 21 sites in the Cévennes and Lure regions as well as previous studies demonstrate that all Mesozoic marly limestones of SE France exhibit similar paleomagnetic behavior with remagnetization disputed in age. The studied areas have the particularity to have been folded before (Late Eocene), the Alpine folding (Oligo–Miocene). Samples (201 marly limestones) dated from Lower Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous have been demagnetized by thermal treatment. They all present a well-defined component with a normal polarity which was mostly obtained between 200 and 350 °C. Numerous arguments lead from pretectonic to syntectonic widespread remagnetization related to orogenic fluid circulation affecting the whole basin. An Eocene age (between 35 and 40 Ma) is obtained for this remagnetization thanks both to the comparison of the average inclination of all regional paleomagnetic studies (+54.9°/−1.5°) with the expected paleomagnetic inclination and the syntectonic character of remagnetization.     

Continental sedimentation, soil genesis and marine transgression in the basal beds of the Cretaceous in the east of the Paris Basin

In the eastern Paris Basin, on the boundary of two French ‘départements’, Marne and Meuse, the Cretaceous deposits begin with Wealden facies assigned to the Valanginian. This is overlain by marine Hauterivian and Lower Barremian. Several techniques have been used for studying these deposits: light-microscope, scanning electron microscope, grain-size analysis, chemical and mineralogical analysis. Environmental interpretations of the various facies are based on sedimentological, geochemical and pedological criteria (fossil soils are present). Clay minerals are dominantly illite and kaolinite. In the soil horizons kaolinite is dominant. A mixed-layer illite-smectite appears at the base of the transgression. Under marine influence a more stable illite dominant suite is formed. The Wealden sediments appear to have been deposited in a very mature flood-plain. Part of the sequence was subjected to weathering in situ by soil processes under a warm climate with repeated wetting and drying. Paraconformably above, the marine Hauterivian is the product of a shallow sea that tended to form lagoons. A true marine environment was established in the Lower Barremian, when mixing homogenized the sediments.     

Lower Cretaceous ammonites from the Neuquén Basin, Argentina: a Hauterivian Olcostephanus fauna

The olcostephanid fauna of the Olcostephanus (O.) laticosta[formerlyO . (O.) leanzai] Subzone (Agrio Formation) represents the last of four discrete invasions of olcostephanid ammonites into the Neuquén Basin of west-central Argentina. Olcostephanus (O.)laticosta (Gerth) dominates the fauna and is known only from the Neuquén Basin. But the co-occurrence of the distinctive subgenus Jeannoticeras, newly recorded from Argentina, provides a link with the ‘standard’ West Mediterranean sequence and indicates that the O. (O.) laticosta Subzone is probably of mid Early Hauterivian age. This is supported by the discovery of two specimens of the widely distributed late Early Hauterivian speciesO . (O.) variegatus (Paquier) in the overlying Hoplitocrioceras giovinei Subzone. O. (Jeannoticeras) agrioensis sp. nov. is described.     

Tectonic incorporation of the upper part of oceanic crust to overriding plate of a convergent margin: An example from the Cretaceous–early Tertiary Mugi Mélange, the Shimanto Belt, Japan

A tectonic mélange exposed on land is examined to reveal relationships between mélange formation, underplating, and deformation mechanisms, focusing on the deformation of basaltic rocks. The studied Mugi Mélange of the Shimanto Belt is composed of a shale matrix surrounding various blocks of sandstone, pelagic sediments, and basalts. The mélange was formed during Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary times in a subduction zone under P–T conditions of 150–200 °C and 6–7 km depth as estimated from vitrinite reflectance and quartz veins fluid inclusions. The mélange represents a range of deformation mechanisms; pressure solution with micro-scale cataclasis in the shale matrix, brittle tension cracking in the blocks, and ubiquitous strong cataclasis in the basal portion of basaltic layers. The cataclastic deformation in the basalts suggests a breakage of a topographic high in the seismogenic depth.     

Palynochronology of Lower Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary succession of the Rajmahal Formation in the Rajmahal Basin, India

In the Rajmahal Basin Lower Cretaceous rocks are classified under the Rajmahal Formation. It includes a series of volcanic basalt flows and associated sedimentary intertrappean beds. Up to 15 basalt flows have been recorded in this basin. The intertrappean beds comprise sandstone, shale, siltstone, and clay deposits which are rich in spores and pollen. The palynoflora recovered from intertrappean beds shows definite pattern of evolution and diversification. On the basis of its overall composition, distribution pattern of age marker taxa and the First Appearance Datum of key taxa, four palynological assemblages have been identified. The chronology of these assemblages in ascending order is (1) Ruffordiaspora australiensis, (2) Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis, (3) Foraminisporis asymmetricus, and (4) Coptospora verrucosa. These assemblages ascertain the age of the volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Rajmahal Formation in the Rajmahal Basin as Berriasian to Aptian. The palynochronology of the intertrappean beds enables their correlation in the Rajmahal Basin. In different areas of the basin, the palynological dating of the lowermost intertrappean bed within the Rajmahal Formation which overlies the Dubrajpur Formation, has provided a Berriasian to Aptian age. The palynological assemblage indicating the Berriasian age is inferred as the time of the initiation of volcanic activity which continued up to the Aptian in the Rajmahal Basin.     

Contrasting metamorphic conditions in the Neoproterozoic collision-related Nappes south of São Francisco Craton, SE Brazil

Metamorphic conditions are described for three major tectonic entities on the basis of geothermobarometry in a huge Neoproterozoic nappe complex that verges toward the southern border of the São Francisco craton. The uppermost Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe, represented by its granulite facies basal portion, yields a maximum temperature and pressure of 890 °C and 11 kbar. Its metamorphic evolution is consistent with heating at the base of the crust as a result of an abnormally high geothermal gradient, probably due to underplating by the lithospheric mantle. The underlying Três Pontas-Varginha Nappe yields two somewhat distinct P–T paths, both characterized by peak assemblages in the kyanite stability field. The basal kyanite-bearing granulites show higher peak pressure values (15 kbar at 840 °C) and a trajectory that continues in the kyanite stability field, whereas the upper sillimanite granulites show higher temperatures (880 °C at 13 kbar) and a steeper path toward the sillimanite stability field. Data for the Carmo da Cachoeira nappe reveal a steep trajectory, in which the elevated maximum pressure (18.5 kbar at 820 °C) was obtained from a garnet amphibolite that lies along its basal contact. The inverted metamorphic pattern previously observed across these sequences is confirmed by our thermobarometric data, which reveal that the highest temperatures were attained toward the top of the pile.     

Biostratigraphic characterization by means of ammonoids of the lower Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE 1a) in the eastern Iberian Chain (Maestrat Basin, eastern Spain)

It is now generally accepted that the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a [OAE 1a] correlates with the lower part of the Leupoldina cabri planktonic foraminiferal Zone. Its calibration against the standard ammonite scale, however, seems to be more problematic. This is due, in part, to the fact that ammonites are scarce and/or of little diagnostic value from a biochronological viewpoint in the lower Aptian pelagic successions where the black shale horizons are better developed.We have been able to characterize OAE 1a geochemically in the relatively shallow water deposits of the eastern Iberian Chain (Maestrat Basin, eastern Spain), where ammonite faunas are rich. The interval corresponding to this event is dominated by the genera Roloboceras and Megatyloceras, accompanied by Deshayesites forbesi and Deshayesites gr. euglyphus/spathi. This assemblage is characteristic of the middle/upper part of the Deshayesites weissi Zone. The first occurrence of the species Deshayesites deshayesi (d'Orbigny), which marks the base of the overlying zone, takes place in our sections some metres above the OAE 1a interval.In the historical stratotype region of Cassis-La Bédoule (southern Provence Basin, southeastern France), the OAE 1a interval is also characterized by the presence of Roloboceras and Megatyloceras. Nevertheless, it has usually been correlated with the D. deshayesi Zone. In our opinion, this discrepancy is due to divergences in the taxonomic assignments of the deshayesitids present in these beds. In fact, the specimens attributed by French authors [Ropolo, P., Conte, G., Gonnet, R., Masse, J.P., Moullade, M., 2000. Les faunes d'Ammonites du Barrémien supérieur/Aptien inférieur (Bédoulien) dans la région stratotypique de Cassis-La Bédoule (SE France): état des connaissances et propositions pour une zonation par Ammonites du Bédoulien-type. Géologie Méditerranéenne 25, 167–175; Ropolo, P., Moullade, M., Gonnet, R., Conte, G., Tronchetti, G., 2006. The Deshayesitidae Stoyanov, 1949 (Ammonoidea) of the Aptian historical stratotype region at Cassis-La Bédoule (SE France), Carnets de Géologie / Notebooks on Geology Memoir 2006/01, 1–46.] to D. deshayesi and D. dechyi can be reinterpreted as belonging to D. forbesi.Following this reinterpretation, the Roloboceras beds (equivalent of OAE 1a) of Cassis-La Bédoule would also correspond to the D. weissi Zone. This age is additionally corroborated by data from southern England [Casey, R., 1961a. The stratigraphical palaeontology of the Lower Greensand. Palaeontology 3, 487–621; Casey, R., 1961b. A Monograph of the Ammonoidea of the Lower Greensand, part III. Palaeontographical Society, London, pp. 119–216], and by our recent observations in Le Teil (Ardèche Platform, southeastern France), where the Roloboceras faunas are also associated with Deshayesites consobrinus and Deshayesites gr. euglyphus, taxa that are characteristic of the D. weissi Zone.     

A new palaeomagnetic investigation of Mesozoic igneous rocks in Australia

Palaeomagnetic results have been obtained from four Australian igneous rock formations ranging in age from Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. These new sampling localities cover a much larger area than previously represented by Australian data. It is demonstrated that the pole positions yielded by the Kangaroo Island basalt (viz. 39° S 183° E, A₉₅ = 11°) dated at 170 m.y. and the Early Jurassic western Victoria basalts (viz. 47° S 18 6° E, A 95 = 4°) agree with results from other continents in the context of Gondwanaland. The pole position for the Bendigo dykes (47° S 135° E, A₉₅ = 39°) confirm the ‘anomalous’ results previously obtained from southeastern Australia. The fourth pole position, obtained from the Bunbury basalt of Western Australia (dated at around 90 m.y.) is in good agreement with other Cretaceous data for Australia, implying that pole positions for the Jurrassic and Cretaceous periods should now be considered separately.