The upper Cenomanian (Cretaceous) ammonite Neolobites vibrayeanus () in the Middle East: taxonomic and palaeoecologic remarks

In the Middle East and Africa, the Cenomanian ammonite genus Neolobites occurs, partly in great abundance, in shallow marine shelf settings. The genus includes several species but it has remained uncertain to what extent these species reflect biospecies, chronospecies or morphological variants. Based on material from Jordan and Egypt, the morphological variation of Neolobites vibrayeanus is described and discussed. From the several species of Neolobites described in the literature, only N. vibrayeanus, N. fourtaui and N. peroni appear to deserve specific separation. Sedimentological and lithological data, notably the common occurrence in strata that were possibly deposited above storm wave base, suggest that Neolobites was able to inhabit shallow marine settings. In these settings, it seems to form a distinct assemblage with the nautiloid Angulithes. Although N. vibrayeanus shows morphological variability between distinct populations, local N. vibrayeanus assemblages seem to develop morphologically stable populations that show only a little morphological overlap with those of other areas. This may be the reason for the earlier taxonomic splitting. The occurrence in habitats in which other stratigraphically significant ammonites are often missing may be the reason for the previous poor dating of Neolobites assemblages.     

Position de la limite Cénomanien-Turonien dans la Formation Bahloul de Tunisie centrale: apports intégrés des ammonites et des isotopes du carbone (δ13C)

Resume. Deux coupes de la Formation Bahloul en Tunisie centrale ont livré plus de 250 ammonites qui fondent une zonation en quatre termes allant du Cénomanien terminal (Zones à Metoicoceras geslinianum et à Pseudaspidoceras pseudonodosoides) au Turonien basal (Zones à Watinoceras spp et à Pseudaspidoceras flexuosum). La position de la limite Cénomanien-Turonien (C-T) étant définie par l’apparition de Watinoceras spp, cette limite est placée à 0,60m près dans la localité-type de la Formation à l’Oued Bahloul. Sur les deux coupes étudiées des mesures du carbone isotopique ont mis en évidence quatre événements – ou pics en δ¹³C – formant des lignes temporelles considérées comme synchrones dans la région considérée. L’événement δ¹³C indexé III, d’age encore cénomanien, est le plus proche de la limite C-T. Un événement biologique relatif à l’apparition de ?filaments? – ou microlamellibranches pélagiques – toujours cénomanien, est encore plus proche de la limite C-T. Enfin, une comparaison est tentée avec les Marnes à Plenus d’Eastbourne (UK) et avec le stratotype de la limite C-T à Pueblo (USA). Manuscrit re?u le 15 octobre, 2004 Révision acceptée le 2 février, 2005     

Cenomanian Turrilitidae (Cretaceous heteromorph ammonites) from the Koppeh Dagh,northeast Iran: Taxonomy and stratigraphic implications

Early and early middle Cenomanian turrilitid ammonoids from the upper part of the Albian–Cenomanian Aitamir Formation of the Koppeh Dagh (northeast Iran) are described, illustrated and placed in an integrated stratigraphic context. The Aitamir Formation represents a graded siliciclastic shelf system and the turrilitid faunas comprise eight different species. Representatives of Mariella and Hypoturrilites have been recorded from a lower Cenomanian horizon in the Ghorghoreh section, corresponding to the Mantelliceras mantelli ammonite biozone. Mariella bicarinata (Kner, 1852) and H. wiedmanni Collignon, 1964 are recorded for the first time from Iran and the larger palaeobiogeographical area, respectively. The horizons with Turrilites costatus and T. scheuchzerianus at Taherabad can be dated as early middle Cenomanian Acanthoceras rhotomagense Zone, T. costatus Subzone. Concentrations of ammonoids commonly occur above regressive sandstone units, at the transition into overlying deeper marine shale units and in their lower parts, respectively. Such intervals represent the early transgressive systems tract of depositional sequences and may thus be regarded as early transgressive, slightly condensed shell accumulations. The uppermost lower to lower middle Cenomanian succession at Taherabad is of striking bio-, event- and sequence stratigraphic similarity to contemporaneous sections in northwest Europe. It reflects deposition during falling and low sea-level associated with the latest early Cenomanian unconformity SB Ce 3 as well as the pulsating transgressive development during the early middle Cenomanian, including levels correlative to the arlesiensis, primus and Mid-Cenomanian events in northwest Europe.     

Integrated biostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy of the upper Cenomanian and lower Turonian succession in Puentedey, Iberian Trough, Spain

In this paper, we present an integrated study of the macrofauna (Cephalopoda), microfauna (Ostracoda and Foraminifera), microflora (Pithonella, Dinoflagellata, Acritarcha and Prasinophyta) and geochemical signals (carbon δ¹³C and oxygen δ¹⁸O stable isotopes) of the upper Cenomanian and lower Turonian succession in Puentedey, Iberian Trough, Spain. This palaeontological and geochemical study has enabled us to identify numerous species of cephalopods (29), ostracods (19), benthic foraminifers (31), planktonic foraminifers (15), dinoflagellates (63), and acritarchs and prasinophytes (11), and to recognise two positive excursions of the δ¹³C signal related to the OAE2 (in the Metoicoceras geslinianum and the Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconciliatus zones, respectively). Variations of these macrofaunal, microfaunal, microfloral and geochemical signals have been interpreted to identify important events of the palaeoenvironmental evolution of the inner platform of the Iberian Trough during the studied interval of the Late Cretaceous. Benthic ecosystems were severely affected by the establishment of the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) at the end of the late Cenomanian. This event is evidenced by the depletion of calcareous microfauna (benthic calcareous free intervals, BCFI) and the survival of opportunistic microfauna (platycopic ostracods and textulariid foraminifers). The response was different for microflora (dinoflagellates and acritarchs), which were less affected by the anoxic event.     

Transgressions-régressions, variations eustatiques et influences tectoniques de l'Aptien au Maastrichtien dans le Bassin de Paris occidental et sur la bordure du Massif armoricain

La série sédimentaire du Crétacé moyen et supérieur étudiée dans l'Ouest du Bassin de Paris et sur la bordure du Massif armoricain comporte sept pulsations transgressives qui peuvent être reconnues en fonction de la disposition géomètrique des dépôts et de l'enchaînement vertical des faciès.Les épisodes transgressifs atteignent leur phase paroxysmale, en alternance avec des stades de régression, successivement:

1. (1) à la fin de l'Aptien supérieur —(régression début Albien)

2. (2) au milieu de l'Albien supérieur —(régression fin Albien-début Cénomanien)

3. (3) au milieu du Cénomanien inférieur —(régression fin Cénomanien inférieur)

4. (4) à la fin du Cénomanien moyen —(régression fin Cénomanien)

5. (5) au milieu du Turonien inférieur —(régression du Coniacien)

6. (6) au Santonien puis Campanien —(régression fin Campanien)

7. (7) au Maestrichtien —(régression fin Maastrichtien)

Ces dépôts crétacés présentent une succession de séquences séparées par des discontinuités et des surfaces d'érosion plus ou moins marquées. Les caractères et la répartition de ces séquences sont analysés en domaine de sédimentation terrigène littorale et dans le bassin envahi par la craie. Il est alors tenté d'interpréter les variations bathymétriques d'une part en fonction d'évènements tectoniques locaux, d'autre part en relation avec des variations eustatiques plus générales.Middle and Upper Cretaceous deposits studied in the western Paris Basin and on the Armorican Massif margin show seven transgressive pulses that can be detected in the geometrical arrangement of the sedimentary bodies and the vertical succession of facies.The transgressive episodes, each delimited by a regressive phase, reached their peak during:

1. (1) late Late Aptian —(Early Albian regression)

2. (2) mid Late Albian —(Late Albian-Early Cenomanian regression)

3. (3) mid Early Cenomanian —(late Early Cenomanian regression)

4. (4) late Middle Cenomanian —(Late Cenomanian regression)

5. (5) mid Early Turonian —(Coniacian regression)

6. (6) Santonian-Campanian —(Late Campanian regression)

7. (7) Maastrichtian —(Late Maastrichtian regression)

The Cretaceous sediments occur as a series of sequences, separated by more or less important discontinuities and erosion surfaces. The features and distribution of these sequences have been studied in the nearshore region of terrigenous sedimentation and in the Chalk basin. An attempt is made to relate the bathymetric changes to either tectonic movements or more widespread eustatic oscillations.     

A revision of the ammonite faunas of the type Cenomanian. i. Introduction,ancyloceratina

This paper forms the first part of a revision of the ammonite faunas of the Cenomanian stratotype in the environs of Le Mans, Sarthe, France. The history of research on ammonites in the area is briefly noted, as is the lithostratigraphy. The systematics of the heteromorph ammonites (Ancyloceratina) is described, and the following taxa documented: Hamites simplex d'Orbigny, Sciponoceras baculoides (Mantell), Sciponoceras gracile (Shumard), Anisoceras plicatile (J. Sowerby), A. aff. plicatile, Idiohamites alternatus vectensis Spath, I. ellipticus radiatus Spath, Hypoturrilites gravesianus (d'Orbigny), H. tuberculatus (Bosc), H. mantelli (Sharpe), H. sp., Neostlingoceras carcitanense (Matheron), N. aff. carcitanense, Turrilites costatus Lamarck, T. acutus Passy, T. scheuchzerianus (Bosc), T. boerssumensis Schlüter, Mariella dorsetensis (Spath), M. cenomanensis (Schlüter), M. group of cenomanensis (Schlüter)-lewesiensis (Spath), M. spp., M. (Plesioturrilites) sp., Scaphites equalis J. Sowerby, S. obliquus J. Sowerby, S.(?) sp., and S. sp. juv.     

Sea-level change, carbon cycling and palaeoclimate during the Late Cenomanian of northwest Europe; an integrated palaeoenvironmental analysis

A new high resolution sea-level curve for the Late Cenomanian M. geslinianum Zone has been generated using sequence stratigraphic analysis on transects through the margins of the Anglo-Paris Basin in the UK and Saxony Basin in Germany. Transgressive sediments that bury a rocky shoreline in the Dresden area have proved particularly useful in determining both the absolute amount of sea-level change and the rate of rise. After a brief fall at the base of the M. geslinianum Zone, sea level rose rapidly through the higher part of the zone, resulting in an overall short term eustatic rise of 22–28 m. Biostratigraphy and carbon isotope stratigraphy have enabled detailed correlations to be made between marginal locations and thick, relatively complete, basinal successions. The basinal successions at Eastbourne, UK, and Gröbern, Germany, provide both geochemical proxies for palaeoenvironmental change, including oxygen and carbon isotope records, and an orbital timescale graduated in precession and eccentricity cycles. Integration of the sea-level history with palaeoclimate evolution, palaeoceanography and changes in carbon cycling allows a detailed reconstruction of events during the Late Cenomanian. Orbital forcing on long eccentricity maxima provides the underlying drive for these changes, but amplification by tectonic events and feedback mechanisms augmented the orbital effects and made the Cenomanian/Turonian Boundary Event distinctive. In particular, variations in atmospheric CO₂ caused by oceanic drawdown and a brief period of intense volcanic outgassing resulted respectively in short term cooling and warming events. The magnitude and high rates (up to 1 m/1 kyr) of sea-level rise are diagnostic of glacioeustasy, however improbable this may appear at the height of the Cretaceous greenhouse.     

Upper cretaceous (Santonian-Campanian) ammonite and inoceramid biostratigraphy of the Chico Formation,California

Outcrops of the Upper Cretaceous (Coniacian-Campanian) Chico Formation, exposed along the east flank of California's northern Great Valley, have yielded a highly diverse, well-preserved molluscan fauna. Previously uncollected deposits, as well as classic localities, have been stratigraphically collected to determine the Santonian-Campanian succession of important ammonites and inoceramid bivalves.Five megafossil zones are readily identifed in outcrops of the Chico Formation. These are, in ascending stratigraphic order, the zones of Hyphantoceras venustum, Baculites capensis, Bostrychoceras elongatum, Inoceramus schmidti and Baculites chicoensis.Two of the zones, Bostrychoceras elongatum and I. schmidti, are missing at the type locality of the Chico Formation because of a stratigraphic disconformity. As a result, previous conceptions about the ranges of some important ammonites and inoceramids in California are in error.Lowest exposures of the H. venustum Zone in the Chico Formation are probably latestConiacian in age. Recent palaeomagnetic sampling of Cretaceous strata of the Great Valley (Ward et al., 1983) has confirmed that the Baculites chicoensis Zone is indicative of the lowest Campanian. The age of the I. schmidti Zone in California is therefore latest Santonian.This molluscan sequence enables precise correlation of Chico strata with other Upper Cretaceous outcrop in the Great Valley; in addition, lowermost deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Nanaimo Group of British Columbia can now be firmly correlated with California strata.     

Further evidence of marine Cenomanian,lower Turonian and Maastrichtian in the Upper Benue basin of Nigeria (West Africa)

Field investigations in the Upper Benue rift basin of Nigeria highlight the necessity for a review of the Cenomanian-Turonian biostratigraphy of the area. Three ammonite zones of Vascoceras bulbosum (Reyment), Paravascoceras costatum (Reyment) and Pseudotissotia (Bauchioceras) nigeriensis (Woods) have been recognized at sections exposed at the quarry of the cement factory near the village of Ashaka. The sediments within the Vascoceras bulbosum zone also contain specimens of Exogyra olisiponensis (Sharpe), Kanabiceras septemseriatum (Cragin) and Epengonoceras dumbli (Cragin). These are all indicative of an uppermost Cenomanian age and reveal that at least the lower portion of the Gongila Formation as exposed at Ashaka is faunistically equivalent to the Pindiga Formation as exposed in the type section at Pindiga.The shales in the Gombe region in which Libycoceras ismaeli (Zittel) was found are probably part of the Maastrichtian Fika shales outcropping extensively in the northern part of the area. The discovery of Cyclolithes nov. sp. within Gombe sandstones at Dakiti near Kumo confirm that they are at least partially marine in origin and Maastrichtian in age. This could be considered as an additional evidence in favour of the presence of marine waters in the Upper Benue during the last part of the Cretaceous.     

A new species of Platanus from the Cenomanian(Upper Cretaceous) in eastern Heilongjiang,China

The stratigraphic division and sequence of the Upper Cretaceous sediments in eastern Heilongjiang Province,China,have been ambiguous and controversial,mainly due to a lack of biostratigraphically useful fossils and related radiometric dating.A new species of angiospermous fossil plant.Platanus heilongjiangensis sp.nov.,from Qitaihe in eastern Heilongjiang has been found in sediments conformably above which zircons from a rhyolitic tuff has been dated by U-Pb radiometric methods as 96.2± 1.7 Ma.indicating that the Upper Houshigou Formation is of Cenomanian age.This discovery not only provides new data to improve our stratigraphic understanding of the Houshigou Formation,but also shows that Platanus flourished in the early Late Cretaceous floras of the region.This new study also indicates active volcanism taking place in the eastern Heilongjiang region during the Cenomanian of the Late Cretaceous.     

Palynostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental significance of the Cretaceous succession in the Gebel Rissu-1 well,north Western Desert,Egypt

Palynological investigation of the Cretaceous Abu Roash, Bahariya, Kharita, Alamein, Alam El Bueib and Betty formations, encountered in the Gebel Rissu-1 well, north Western Desert, Egypt yielded 27 species of pteridophytic spores, 24 of gymnosperm pollen, 25 of angiosperm pollen and 11 of dinoflagellate cysts in addition to some acritarchs, foraminiferal test linings and freshwater algae. This enabled us to recognize five miospore biozones arranged from youngest to oldest as: Classopollis brasiliensis–Afropollis cf. kahramanensis–Dichastopollenites ghazalataensis Assemblage Zone (Late Cenomanian); Elaterosporites klaszii–Sofrepites legouxae–Afropollis jardinus Assemblage Zone (Middle/Late Albian–Early Cenomanian); Pennipollis peroreticulatus–Duplexisporites generalis-Tricolpates Assemblage Zone (Early Aptian–Early Albian); Tucanopollis crisopolensis–Afropollis sp. Assemblage Zone (Barremian) and Appendicisporites cf. tricornitatus–Ephedripites spp. Assemblage Zone (Late Neocomian).The Early Cretaceous Kharita, Alam El Bueib and the Betty formations encountered in the Gebel Rissu-1 well are interpreted to indicate oxic proximal and distal shelf deposits, characterized by type III/IV, V kerogen, which is gas prone but having little potential to produce hydrocarbons. The Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash and Bahariya formations are characterized by a distal suboxic–anoxic and marginal dysoxic–anoxic environment, and their kerogen type III/II indicates gas/oil prone nature. The Bahariya and Kharita Albian–Cenomanian sediments in the present study witnessed the onset of a semi-arid to arid climate, with local or seasonal humid conditions, based on the continuous high abundance of the elaterates pollen and Afropollis-producing plants that inhabited the paleotropical humid coastal plains.     

Caprinula and Sauvagesia rudist faunas (Bivalvia) from the Cenomanian of NW Jordan. Stratigraphy and taxonomy

Three species of a canaliculated rudist Caprinula d'Orbigny, 1847, C. sharpei (Choffat, 1885), C. cedrorum (Blanckenhorn, 1890) and C. cf. boissyi d'Orbigny, 1840 and a radiolitid Sauvagesia sharpei (Bayle, 1857) are described from the Hummar Formation (upper Cenomanian) in NW Jordan, in the vicinity of Ajlun. Caprinula sharpei, C. cedrorum and S. sharpei are described for the first time from Jordan. Many specimens of S. sharpei are characterized by the presence of cavities flanking the lamellar myophores in the left valve and the apparence of the dorsal cavity and teeth/socket system moulds in the inner part of the outer shell layer of the right valve. A hiatus (or erosional unconformity) between Hummar Formation and upper Turonian Wadi As Sir Limestone Formation is suggested by the presence of karstic structures, reworked limestone clasts, and rudist fragments and a sharp boundary. Early diagenetic processes such as dissolution and silicification present in the loose rudist material is described.     

Cenomanian-lower coniacian radiolarian assemblages from the Naiba reference section (Sakhalin)

Reexamination of radiolarians from the Naiba and Bykovo formations of the Naiba reference section (West Sakhalin Mountains) is carried out. Distinguished in the section are the Cromyomma (?) nodosa-Amphipyndax sp. A (terminal early Cenomanian), Cuboctostylus kasinzovae-C. sakhalinensis (Middle Cenomanian), Cuboctostylus trifurcatus-Cassideus yoloensis (terminal middle-late Cenomanian), and Spongodiscus concentricus-Multastrum robustum (late Turonian to early Coniacian probably) assemblages. According to results of comparative analysis for North Pacific regions, concurrent radiolarian assemblages from the Naiba section and California contain up to 40% of species in common, whereas taxonomic similarity with assemblages from Japan is insignifican in contrast.     

Interactions climat-eustatisme-tectonique. Les enseignements et perspectives du Crétacé supérieur (Cénomanien-Coniacien)

Résumé

Une analyse de séries sédimentaires d’âge Crétacé supérieur dans le Sud-Est de la France a été entreprise et intégrée dans un cadre de stratigraphie séquentielle. Les limites Cénomanien–Turonien et la limite Turonien–Coniacien sont marquées par des variations rapides et de fortes amplitudes du niveau marin relatif. La comparaison effectuée avec d’autres bassins mondiaux nous amène à envisager le problème dans un cadre global. On constate : (1) le synchronisme d’événements à haute fréquence dans des contextes géodynamiques différents. (2) les effets de la superposition de cycles eustatiques hiérarchiquement différents, c’est-à-dire la superposition d’oscillations à haute fréquence sur une composante de 3^e ordre. Ces observations sont confrontées à deux hypothèses : le glacio-eustatisme et la tectonique à haute fréquence. © Elsevier, Paris.     

La Formation des Sables Fauves: dynamique sédimentaire au Miocène moyen et évolution morpho-structurale de l’Aquitaine (SW France) durant le Néogène

Resume. Dans la partie centrale de l’Aquitaine, les dép?ts marins du Miocène moyen correspondent à des sables et des grès calcaires, témoins d’environnements très littoraux et regroupés sous le terme de Formation des Sables Fauves. L’étude des Sables Fauves révèle deux unités de dép?t aux lithofaciès proches. Le Membre de Peyrecrechen (Langhien), daté par Praeorbulina glomerosa, représente une séquence de dép?t de troisième ordre (cycle Bur5/Lan1). Le Membre de Matilon (Serravallien), daté par le groupe Orbulina, illustre le cycle suivant (Lan2/Ser1). Les conditions climatiques sont de type subtropical, ayant connu une dégradation par rapport au Miocène inférieur. Une activité orogénique se manifeste durant le Miocène moyen; la déformation est reliée à la reprise de l’halocinèse dans le sud de l’Aquitaine. La propagation des contraintes entra?ne la réactivation de grandes structures anticlinales ainsi que la mise en place de d?mes sédimentaires formés par les mouvements halocinétiques. Durant le Langhien, la mer occupe l’ensemble du domaine centre-aquitain; au Serravallien, le domaine marin est restreint aux secteurs les plus occidentaux de la région. Du sud vers le nord, l’unité serravallienne s’embo?te progressivement dans l’unité langhienne et dans le substratum. La chute du niveau marin relatif au passage Langhien / Serravallien entra?ne une importante érosion (limite de séquence de type 1 sensu Vail), puis sa remontée commande l’encaissement du Membre de Matilon dans la partie septentrionale. L’utilisation des Sables Fauves comme marqueur du Miocène moyen permet de révéler plusieurs phases de déformation durant le Néogène et d’identifier les structures tectoniques impliquées. Manuscrit re?u le 1 juin 2004 Révision acceptée le 29 mars 2005     

Jurassic-Cretaceous (Bathonian to Cenomanian) palynology and stratigraphy of the West Tiba-1 borehole,northern Western Desert,Egypt

Land-derived pollen and spores and marine dinoflagellate cysts were extracted from the Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments of the West Tiba-1 borehole, northern Western Desert, Egypt, On the basis of the recovered palynomorphs, of known stratigraphical significance, the following stages were assessed: Bathonian-Oxfordian (Middle-Late Jurassic) and Hauterivian, Aptian-Early Albian, Late Albian-Early Cenomanian, Early Cenomanian and Late Cenomanian (Early-Middle Cretaceous). No palynomorphs diagnostic for the Berriasian, Valanginian and Barremian stages (Early Cretaceous) were depicted. Based on the nature and composition of the identified palynomorph content, five informal palynomorph assemblage zones were recognised. These are: the Gonyaulacysta jurassica-Korystocysta kettonensis Assemblage Zone (PI, Bathonian-Oxfordian), Ephedripites-Aequitriradites verrucosus Assemblage Zone (PII, Hauterivian), Afropollis jardinus-Duplexisporites generalis-Tricolpites Assemblage Zone (PIIl, Aptian-Early Albian), Nyssapollenites-Elaterosporites Assemblage Zone (PIV, Late Albian-Early Cenomanian) and Assemblage Zone PV (Early-Late Cenomanian). The latter zone was differentiated into two subzones, namely the Classopollis brasiliensis-Elaterosporites klaszii Assemblage Subzone (PVa, Early Cenomanian) and Afropollis kahramanensis-Triporates Assemblage Subzone (PVb, Late Cenomanian). The time stratigraphy of the studied interval was revised. The occurrences and types of the dinoflagellate cysts, extracted from the studied succession, reflect a general shallow (shelf) marine pal˦oenvironment.     

Belemnites from the lower middle Cenomanian of Hoppenstedt, northern Germany: significance and integrated correlation

The belemnite species Praeactinocamax primus (Arkhangelsky, 1912) and Belemnocamax boweri Crick, 1910 are described from the Cenomanian of the abandoned limestone quarry section of Hoppenstedt (Sachsen-Anhalt, northern Germany). They co-occur in the upper part of a prominent tripartite bioclastic limestone bed associated with the ammonite Acanthoceras rhotomagense, indicating the primus Event of the lower middle Cenomanian A. rhotomagense ammonite Zone. An integrated stratigraphical calibration including carbon stable isotope correlation to southern England suggests that the belemnite event horizon at Hoppenstedt occupies exactly the same chronostratigraphical position as elsewhere, highlighting the strictly isochronous character of the primus Event across northwestern Europe. Furthermore, stratigraphical gaps in the Hoppenstedt succession are evaluated.     

Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate platform deposits in west central Jordan

We studied upper Albian to Turonian shallow-marine shelf deposits (Ajlun Group) of west central Jordan along a NNE-SSW running transect. The carbonate-dominated succession includes few siliciclastic intercalations, claystones and shales, and can be subdivided into five formations. The Naur, Fuheis and Hummar Formations of upper Albian to upper Cenomanian age represent shallow subtidal to supratidal platform environments. The uppermost Cenomanian to middle Turonian Shueib Formation includes deeper water deposits of the inner/mid-shelf and locally TOC-rich black shales. Shallow-marine platform environments once again dominate the Wadi As Sir Formation (middle-upper Turonian). A new multibiostratigraphic framework is based on ammonites (mainly of the middle Cenomanian rhotomagense Zone to the middle Turonian woollgari Zone) and calcareous nannofossils (biozones CC 9–CC 11), supplemented by benthic and planktonic foraminifers and ostracods. It forms the base of a sequence stratigraphic subdivision, containing eight sedimentary sequences (S1–S8), which are separated by four Cenomanian sequence boundaries (CeJo1–CeJo4) and three Turonian sequence boundaries (TuJo1–TuJo3). This scheme allows the correlation of the platform succession from distal to proximal shelf areas in contrast to previous correlations using lithologic units. Furthermore, comparisons between the platform successions and sequence patterns of west central Jordan and those from neighbouring areas allow to differentiate local, regional, and global controlling factors of platform development within the study area.     

Biostratigraphical correlations of the calcareous nannofossil Marthasterites furcatus in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin and Outer Flysch Carpathians,Czech Republic

The first occurrence (FO) of Marthasterites furcatus was correlated with the FOs of other nannofossils, inoceramid bivalves and foraminifers in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin and Outer Flysch Carpathians. The correlation showed that the FO of M. furcatus was diachronous, becoming younger from east to west. In the Silesian Unit it appears in the lower Turonian in association with Eprolithus moratus (UC6b nannofossil Zone). In the Pavlovské vrchy klippes it appears in the upper middle Turonian together with Lithastrinus septenarius (UC9 Zone). In the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin, the FO of M. furcatus was observed in the lower upper Turonian just above the FO of Liliasterites angularis. The presence of M. furcatus in Turonian strata is scarce and discontinuous up to its sudden quantitative increase (represented by 5–27% in assemblages) below the FO of the inoceramid bivalve species Cremnoceramus waltersdorfensis and C. deformis erectus in the Turonian–Coniacian boundary interval. The top of the M. furcatus acme was recorded below the FO of Micula staurophora. The second quantitative rise of M. furcatus (12% in assemblage) was found in the lower lower Campanian of the Pavlovské vrchy klippes above the FO of Broinsonia parca parca in the UC14a Zone and the last occurrence of the planktonic foraminifer Whiteinella baltica. Above this second acme M. furcatus disappears. The significantly earlier appearance of M. furcatus in the Silesian Basin may be connected with a southeast-heading surface current from the North European epicontinental sea where the species appeared in the early Turonian too.     

Diachronisme des bassins turbiditiques d'avant-pays méso/néocrétacés du pays de Sault (Aude,Pyrénées françaises)

The cartographic, sedimentological and micropalaeontological analysis of remnants of Middle–Upper Cretaceous turbiditic basins from the ‘Pays de Sault’ (Aude, French Pyrenees) shows their diachronism (interpreted on a wider scale) and their sequence diversity. The ‘Gesse breccias’ are regarded as the proximal deposits of a Turonian narrow foreland basin, principally supplied by the erosion of the Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous cover of the High Primary Range to the south, induced by a strike-slip and overthrusting faulting within the en-échelon North-Pyrenean Fault Zone. More to the north, the North-Pyrenean ‘Axat Basin’ consists of two successive backstepping turbiditic wedges, respectively corresponding to an Upper Albian distal flysch and to a Middle–Upper Cenomanian more proximal flysch, all the series unconformably overlying structures that were folded then eroded before the Upper Albian. The previous concept of carbonate olistoliths included within the Axat Cenomanian flysch is also refuted: these large-size blocks are now interpreted as belonging to a tectonic slice destroyed and partly collapsed on the southern slope of the Rebenty Valley during the Quaternary. To cite this article: M.-J. Fondecave-Wallez, B. Peybernès, C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).