Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the Paleocene at the Misheiti section,East Central Sinai,Egypt

Integration of calcareous nannofossil data, δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values, and carbonate contents of the lower Paleocene–upper Paleocene sequence that crops out at the Misheiti section, East Central Sinai, Egypt, were used to denote the Danian/Selandian (D/S) and Selandian/Thanetian (S/T) stage boundaries. The study interval belongs to the Dakhla and Tarawan formations. Four calcareous nannofossil zones (NP4, NP5, NP6, and NP7/8) were recognized. The base of the Selandian Stage is tentatively placed at the lowest occurrences (LOs) of taxa ascribable to the second radiation of fasciculiths (i.e., Lithoptychius janii). This level is marked by a sudden drop of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values and carbonate content. No distinctive lithological changes were observed across the D/S boundary at the study section. A hiatus at the NP5/NP6 zonal boundary is indicated by the condensation of zones NP5 and NP6.The base of the Thanetian is placed at the base of Zone NP7/8 at the lithological change observed in correspondence to the boundary between the Dakhla and Tarawan formations. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values abruptly decrease slightly above the base of Zone NP7/8. No consistent variations in the carbonate contents were recorded within Zone NP6 or across the NP6/NP7/8 zonal boundary.     

Stratigraphy,sedimentology and tectonic evolution of the Upper Cretaceous/Paleogene succession in north Eastern Desert,Egypt

The stratigraphy, sedimentology and syn-depositional tectonic events (SdTEs) of the Upper Cretaceous/Paleogene (K–P) succession at four localities in north Eastern Desert (NED) of Egypt have been studied. These localities are distributed from south-southwest to north-northeast at Gebel Millaha, at North Wadi Qena, at Wadi El Dakhal, and at Saint Paul Monastery. Lithostratigraphically, four rock units have been recorded: Sudr Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian); Dakhla Formation (Danian–Selandian); Tarawan Formation (Selandian–Thanetian) and Esna Formation (Thanetian–Ypresian). These rock units are not completely represented all over the study area because some of them are absent at certain sites and others have variable thicknesses. Biostratigrapgically, 18 planktonic foraminiferal zones have been recorded. These are in stratigraphic order: Globotruncana ventricosa Zone (Campanian); Gansserina gansseri, Contusotruncana contusa, Recimguembelina fructicosa, Pseudohastigerina hariaensis, Pseudohastigerina palpebra and Plummerita hantkenenoides zones (Maastrichtian); Praemurica incostans, Praemurica uncinata, Morozovella angulata and Praemurica carinata/Igorina albeari zones (Danian); Igorina albeari, Globanomanlina pseudomenradii/Parasubbotina variospira, Acarinina subsphaerica, Acarinina soldadoensis/Globanomanlina pseudomenardii and Morozovella velascoensis zones (Selandian/Thantian); and Acarinina sibaiyaensis, Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis/Morozovella velascoensis zones (earliest Ypresian). Sedimentologically, four sedimentary facies belts forming southwest gently-dipping slope to basin transect have been detected. They include tidal flats, outer shelf, slumped continental slope and open marine hemipelagic facies. This transect can be subdivided into a stable basin plain plus outer shelf in the extreme southwestern parts; and an unstable slope shelf platform in the northeastern parts. The unstable slope shelf platform is characterized by open marine hemipelagic, fine-grained limestones and fine siliciclastic shales (Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan and Esna formations). The northeastern parts are marked by little contents of planktonic foraminifera and dolomitized, slumped carbonates, intercalated with basinal facies. Tectonically, four remarkable syn-depositional tectonic events (SdTEs) controlled the evolution of the studied succession. These events took place strongly within the Campanian–Ypresian time interval and were still active till Late Eocene. These events took place at: the Santonian/Campanian (S/C) boundary; the Campanian/Maastrichtian (C/M) boundary; the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/P) boundary; and the Middle Paleocene–Early Eocene interval. These tectonic events are four pronounced phases in the tectonic history of the Syrian Arc System (SAS), the collision of the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian plates as well as the closure of the Tethys Sea.     

Calcareous Nannoplankton Biostratigraphy of the Bartin Province,Western Black Sea,Turkey

Calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy has been performed on five sedimentary sections through the marine Akveren Formation from the Bartin region of northern Turkey, on the southern Black Sea coast. This new biostratigraphy provides an age for the formation of the Early Campanian (nannofossil zone UC15aTP) to Early Selandian (nannofossil zone NP5), and highlights the presence of the Campanian/Maastrichtian, Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T), and Danian/Selandian boundaries in this intermediate palaeolatitude location. Micula murus was identified below the K/T boundary, but Micula prinsii and Nephrolithus frequens were not, which implies that the K/T boundary interval is not complete in the study area. These dates are in agreement with previous micropaleontological studies.     

Planktic foraminiferal and 13C isotopic changes across the Paleocene/Eocene boundary at Possagno (Italy)

 The interval spanning the Paleocene–Eocene (P/E) transition in the Possagno section consists of 1 m of red marls, including a 4-cm-thick, dark-red "dissolution" clay, which represents the Paleocene/Eocene boundary event. The Possagno section is much more condensed than other Tethyan and North Atlantic sections previously studied; however, in this section the most significant biotic, isotopic and sedimentological events across the P/E boundary can be recognized. The Possagno section spans the following planktic foraminiferal subzones: upper part of M. gracilis Subzone, A. berggreni Subzone, A. sibaiyaensis Subzone and probably lowermost part of P. wilcoxensis Subzone. The quantitative analysis indicates a major increase of low-latitude acarininids, including compressed tropical acarininids just above the boundary clay. This acarininid incursion begins just below the boundary clay but reaches its maximum just above the clay. The planktic foraminiferal faunal turnover is gradual except for the acarininid incursion. The isotopic results show a negative excursion in ∂¹³C values at the small benthic foraminifera mass extinction event. The acarininid maximum diversity coincides with this isotopic excursion, and reflects an increase in surface seawater temperature. Despite being very condensed, the Possagno section allows us to further confirm that the different biotic, isotopic and sedimentological events recognized in the Spanish sections (Alamedilla, Campo, Caravaca, Zumaya) are not local in nature and allows the establishment of a detailed chronostratigraphic framework to define the P/E boundary stratotype. Received: 8 April 1998 / Accepted: 12 April 1999     

Molar‐Tooth Structure from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation in Lingyuan,Yanshan Region,North China,and Geological Implications

Although its origin has not yet reached a consensus so far, MTS (Molar-Tooth Structure) has been documented for more than 100 years. Current study reports a discovery of MTS from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation, Lingyuan, Yanshan Region, North China, and the features and geological implications of MTS are further discussed. Here, straitigraphic horizons of MTS’s occurrences show that it was mainly located within the top part of the Wumishan Formation, i.e., limestone unit. Four kinds of morphology of MTS, i.e., fine fusiform, debris, ribbon, ptigmatic and nodular (irregular), were recognized and thought to be highly related to the sedimentary environments and facies. Geochemistry of MTS including oxides, trace elements and C, O and Sr isotopes indicates that the horizons of MTS-bearing is of higher Sr/Ba and Ca/Mg ratios, lower positive δ13C and highly negative δ18O values than the adjacent stratigraphic levels of rare MTS. Lithology, morphology and geochemistry of MTS in the Wumishan Formation suggest that MTS occurs mainly in shallow subtidal near the storm wave base, which is typically characterized by warm temperature, oversaturated calcium carbonate seawater and high organic productivity. Furthermore, occasional enrichment of algae bacteria here is more favorable for the calcification of calcium oozes and catalytic for MTS. C isotope composition of the Wumishan Formation and MTS of this study is well correlated with that of the Mesoproterozoic Belt Supergroup, North America and Riphean, Siberia, suggesting that MTS acts as a sedimentary record responding to global changes and is a perfect indicator in Precambrian stratigraphic correlation worldwide.     

永定河中下游廊固凹陷北部ACX02 钻孔地层年代学研究

第四纪地层年代学格架的建立对于区域地层对比及古地理环境演化研究具有重要意义。通过分析永定河中下游地区廊固凹陷北部后王各庄村ACX02钻孔378 m岩芯沉积物的结构构造、岩性组合特征,应用测井曲线及古地磁、AMS14C、OSL测年方法,对ACX02钻孔剖面进行详细地层划分、沉积相研究及地层年代学格架的建立。结果表明,岩芯记录了布容正向极性时、贾拉米洛极性亚时、奥尔都维极性亚时和高斯正极性亚时,地层从老到新依次为:下更新统（Qp1）以河道相、泛滥平原相沉积为主,底界260 m;中更新统（Qp2）以湖沼相沉积为主,底界76.7 m;上更新统（Qp3）主要为河道相沉积,底界59.7 m;全新统（Qh）主要为泛滥平原相沉积,底界15.45 m。      

Strontium-isotope stratigraphy as a constraint on the age of condensed levels: examples from the Jurassic of the Subbetic Zone (southern Spain)

Condensed levels are often characterized by reworked fossils that may lead to incorrect age assessments. Strontium‐isotope stratigraphy is an important chronostratigraphic tool that can be used to verify the biostratigraphic information from condensed beds. This paper describes a study of the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios of 56 belemnite samples collected from 28 stratigraphic sections of the boundary between the Upper Member of the Gavilán Formation and the Zegrí Formation (Pliensbachian, Subbetic Zone). The petrographic and geochemical data (δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C, concentrations of Fe, Mn and Mg, and the Sr/Mn ratio) suggest that the belemnites have preserved their original marine geochemical composition. After plotting the samples in diagrams of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values against time according to their biostratigraphic age, four different groups (A, B, C and D) were obtained with respect to the reference curve. In groups A and B, the age deduced from the Sr‐isotope ratio is in total or partial agreement, respectively, with the biostratigraphic age; therefore the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio is a good method for the dating, correlation and assessment of biostratigraphic results. In groups C and D, the SIS age and the biostratigraphic age do not coincide. A graphic procedure is presented as a suitable methodology to constrain the age of the samples showing an SIS age that differs from the relative age deduced (by biostratigraphy or stratigraphic correlation) for the bed they were collected in. These situations are interpreted as being the result of reworking of the belemnites (group C) or ammonites (group D) that are included in condensed levels. These condensed levels formed during the maximum flooding event that led to the drowning of the Gavilán carbonate platform. The methodology supplied in this paper represents a valuable tool in identifying reworking processes, improving correlation and constraining biochronostratigraphic results. The values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr represent a new contribution to the data set of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios for the Pliensbachian.     

3D and 4D controls on carbonate depositional systems: sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic analysis of an attached carbonate platform and atoll (Miocene, Níjar Basin, SE Spain)

This study investigates the controls on three-dimensional stratigraphic geometries and facies of shallow-water carbonate depositional sequences. A 15 km² area of well-exposed Mid to Late Miocene carbonates on the margin of the Níjar Basin of SE Spain was mapped in detail. An attached carbonate platform and atoll developed from a steeply sloping basin margin over a basal topographic unconformity and an offshore dacite dome (Late Miocene). The older strata comprise prograding bioclastic (mollusc and coralline algae) dominated sediments and later Messinian Porites reefs form prograding and downstepping geometries (falling stage systems tract). Seven depositional sequences, their systems tracts and facies have been mapped and dated (using Sr isotopes) to define their morphology, stratigraphic geometries, and palaeo-environments. A relative sea-level curve and isochore maps were constructed for the three Messinian depositional sequences that precede the late Messinian evaporative drawdown of the Mediterranean. The main 3D controls on these depositional sequences are interpreted as being: (i) local, tectonically driven relative sea-level changes; (ii) the morphology of the underlying sequence boundary; (iii) the type of carbonate producers [bioclastic coralline algal and mollusc-dominated sequences accumulated in lows and on slopes of < 14° whereas the Porites reef-dominated sequence accumulated on steep slopes (up to 25°) and shallow-water highs]. Further controls were: (iv) the inherited palaeo-valleys and point-sourced clastics; (v) the amount of clastic sediments; and (vi) erosion during the following sequence boundary development. The stratigraphy is compared with that of adjacent Miocene basins in the western Mediterranean to differentiate local (tectonics, clastic supply, erosion history, carbonate-producing communities) versus regional (climatic, tectonic, palaeogeographic, sea-level) controls.     

<Superscript>87</Superscript>Sr/<Superscript>86</Superscript>Sr anomalies in Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary strata of the Cauvery basin,south India: Constraints on nature and rate of environmental changes across K-T boundary

The Ariyalur-Pondicherry sub-basin of the Cauvery basin comprises a near complete stratigraphic record of Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary periods. Earlier studies have documented variations of clay mineral assemblages, change in microtexture of siliciclasts and many geochemical and stable isotopic anomalies far below the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (KTB) in these strata. This paper documents the occurrences of two positive ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr anomalies preceding K-T boundary in this basin and discusses plausible causes. Analysis of trace elemental and stable isotopic profiles, sedimentation history, petrography and mineralogy of the rocks reveal that while both the anomalies may be due to increased detrital influx caused by sea level and climatic changes, the second anomaly might have been influenced by Deccan volcanism which in turn predated KTB. Record of such anomalies preceding K-T boundary supports the view of multi-causal step-wise extinction of biota across KTB.     

Ordovician-Silurian Boundary Extinction and Its Relationship to Iridium and carbon Isotope Anomalies

The abundance distributions of more than 40 elements in the No. 502 Ordovician-Silurian (O/S) bounda-ry section at Fenxiang, Yichang have been studied by RNAA and INAA. The results show that in the bounda-ry bed, there is a distinctive Ir anomaly because the Ir concentration abruptly increases to 0.64 ppb.Furthermore, the Ir is positively correlated in abundance variation with some siderophile and sulphophile ele-ments. In the same bed of the O/S boundary section at Huanghuachang, Yichang, there is also a δ~(13)C excur-sion. These geochemical signs support the hypothesis that the terminal Ordovician mass extinction was proba-bly related to extraterrestrial event, and provide new evidence for defining the O/S boundary between theHirnantia-Kinnella and G. persculptus Zones.     

The Precambrian—Cambrian boundary: A symposium

Contributions to a symposium of the IUGS Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy at the International Geological Congress in Montreal in 1972 are the basis of this paper which is intended to give guidance to further work of what is now a Working Group on the Precambrian—Cambrian boundary of the International Geological Correlation Programme (UNESCO/IUGS). The proposed principles for the definition of the boundary are based on those accepted by the Commission on Stratigraphy, particularly on stratigraphic classification and on defining the Silurian—Devonian boundary. These matters are discussed by the authors in general terms and by W.B. Harland in terms of procedure. They are illustrated by examples of stratigraphic sequences across the boundary in Siberia given by A.Yu. Rozanov and discussed critically by V.E. Savitsky. New relevant discoveries of Early Cambrian faunas and their stratigraphic setting are reviewed by A. Boudda et al. P.E. Cloud's contribution, published elsewhere, and work in Australia are reviewed by the authors.The conclusions, based not only on the symposium material but also on current opinion, are that no single sequence which could serve as a reference standard for the Precambrian—Cambrian boundary has yet been identified but that many significant ones have been described which will be further examined. While the general limits for the choice of a boundary definition should lie between the horizons with fossils of Ediacaran type and those with diversified trilobite assemblages, a number of “Working Reference Points” exist in that interval which are correlatable horizons of faunal change. These cannot be defined simply as horizons of first appearance.     

Upper Famennian and Lower Tournaisian sections of the Moravian Karst (Moravo‐Silesian Zone,Czech Republic): a proposed key area for correlation of the conodont and foraminiferal zonations

Foraminiferal and conodont faunas at the Devonian–Carboniferous (D–C) boundary in the southern part of the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic) were studied in different facies of the basin slope. The joint presence of foraminifers and conodonts in calciturbidites along with a positive δ¹³C excursion of the Hangenberg anoxic event enabled the high‐resolution calibration of the late Famennian–early Tournaisian interval (Upper expansa–crenulata conodont zones). The conodont stratigraphic and biofacies succession reveals a strong correlation with other European areas. The Siphonodella sulcata morphotype (close to Group 1 sensu Kaiser and Corradini and “nov. gen. nov. sp. 1” sensu Tragelehn) enters prior to the Hangenberg Event, which resembles Upper and Uppermost Famennian conodont successions from Franconia, Bavaria and Morocco. The diversification of the early siphonodellids takes place after the Hangenberg Event and after the protognathodid radiation. In terms of foraminiferal biostratigraphy, the D–C boundary interval is characterized by the first appearance datum (FAD) of Tournayellina pseudobeata close below the D–C boundary followed by a sequence of Tournaisian bioevents, where apart from the last appearance datums (LADs) of quasiendothyrs, the FADs of the Neoseptaglomospiranella species and chernyshinellids play an important role in a similar manner as in Eastern Europe. The correlation of these bioevents elsewhere is often hindered by glacioeustatically‐driven unconformities and widespread occurrences of unfavourable facies for plurilocular foraminifers (Malevka beds and Bisphaera beds). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

中原邙山黄土地层划分的讨论

地层时代和地层划分研究一直是基础性、先导性工作,随着科学研究的深入和材料的丰富,地层划分不断被重新认识。黄土地层时代和划分主要依靠OSL、14C、古地磁和磁化率的对比。中原邙山因发育巨厚的马兰黄土而闻名中外,但地层划分却出现了不同的认识。早期对赵下峪剖面的研究认为L₁层厚98 m,并发育L₁SS₁弱古土壤层;剖面底部出露最老地层为S₁₀层。后来的观点把早期的L₁层划分为L₁、S₁、L₂层,剖面底部出露最老地层为S₁₁层。通过对B/M界线进行详细的古地磁研究,剖面上部补充年代测试样品,结合已有测年结果,分析认为早期对L₁的划分和对剖面最老地层的确认是正确的,但B/M界线位置划分有误;而后期的研究对B/M界线位置的划分是正确的,但把底部最老地层划分为S₁₁是不当的,同时把马兰黄土中弱古土壤层L₁SS₁划分为S₁也是不合适的。地层对比表明,邙山黄土发育了S₀—S₁₀黄土—古土壤序列,B/M界线位于L₈下部。      

川西坳陷中段上三叠统须家河组二段层序地层初析

须家河组二段是川西坳陷中的区域气层。长期以来，地质分层采用岩石地层单位界面。这一界面的穿时性，造成了构造演化分析中的误差。笔者以钻井、测井和地震资料为主要研究对象，在引入地震反射“等时”约束条件的前提下，通过对须家河组长期基准面旋回层序及须二段中期基准面旋回层序的划分和对比，在建立高分辨率时间一地层格架的基础上，经过地震微相特征的仔细分析，确认须二段顶面属Ⅲ级整合界面。     

Isotopic compositions of C,O, Sr,and S and problem of ages of the Katera and Uakit Groups,western Transbaikal region

The age of the Katera Group, which occupies a large area in the western North Muya Range and occurs 100–150 km east of the Uakit Group, is a debatable issue. Based on geological correlations with reference sections of the Baikal Group and Patom Complex, the Katera and Uakit groups were previously considered nearly coeval units and assigned to Late Precambrian (Khomentovskii and Postnikov, 2002; Salop, 1964). This was supported partly by the Sm–Nd model datings (Rytsk et al., 2007, 2009, 2011). Finds of the Paleozoic flora substantiated the revision of age of the Uakit Group and its assignment to the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous (Gordienko et al., 2010; Minina, 2003, 2012, 2014). We have established that Sr and C isotopic compositions in carbonates of these groups differ drastically, as suggested by their different ages. Sediments of the Nyandoni Formation (Katera Group), which contains carbonates characterized by minimum values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7056 and maximum values of δ¹³C = 4.9‰, were accumulated in the first half of Late Riphean (800–850 Ma ago), whereas the overlying Barguzin Formation (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_min = 0.70715, δ¹³C_max= 10.5‰) was deposited at the end of Late Riphean (700–750 Ma). Judging from the isotope data, the Nerunda Formation (Uakit Group), which contains carbonates with characteristics matching the most rigorous criteria of fitness for the chemostratigraphic correlation (Sr content up to 4390 μg/g, Mn/Sr < 0.1, δ¹⁸O = 23.0 ± 1.8‰), was deposited at the end of Vendian ~550–540 Ma ago). The sequence includes thick typical carbonate horizons with very contrast carbon isotopic compositions: the lower unit has anomalous high δ¹³C values (5.8 ± 1.0‰); the upper unit, by anomalous low δ¹³C values (–5.2 ± 0.5‰]). Their Sr isotopic composition is relatively homogeneous (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7084 ± 0.0001) that is typical of the Late Vendian ocean. The S isotopic composition of pyrites from the Nyandoni Formation (Katera Group) (δ³⁴S = 14.1 ± 6.8‰) and pyrites from the Mukhtunny Formation (Uakit Group) (δ³⁴S = 0.7 ± 1.4‰) does not contradict the C and Sr isotopic stratigraphic data.     

Simulation of Stratigraphic Architecture from Statistical and Geometrical Characterizations

Stratigraphic modeling based on physical and geologic principles has been improved by more sophisticated process models and increased computer power. However, such efforts may reach a limit in their predictive power because of the stochastic, multiscaled nature of the physical processes involved. Building on techniques from the geostatistical literature, a conditional simulation method, dubbed SimStrat, has been developed to improve predictions of stratigraphic architecture from limited data. No physical processes are invoked. Rather, the prediction is based solely on geometric and statistical principals. The method takes as input sonar bathymetry, seismically defined stratigraphic horizons, and core-defined horizons. Each stratigraphic horizon is characterized using spectral modeling and coherence modeling for adjacent horizons. Predictions of subsurface horizons are improved where seafloor bathymetry conforms with the underlying strata. Conditional simulations can then be generated that conform to available data constraints and statistical characterization. Tests with synthetic data in one and two dimensions for differing spectral models confirm the reliability of the method.     

Inversion of multiple thermal indicators: Quantitative methods of determining paleoheat flux and geological parameters. III. Stratigraphic age determination from inversion of vitrinite reflectance data and sterane isomerization data

Thermal indicator data are used in an inverse mode to determine ages of stratigraphic horizons simultaneously with paleoheat flux. Results from blind tests on wells with horizon ages ranging from Ordovician through Carboniferous and Jurassic to Miocene indicate that thermal indicator inversions are capable of resolving such ages to within about 10% uncertainty. Results using the inversion procedure with one thermal indicator (vitrinite reflectance) were comparable to the results using another independent thermal indicator (sterane isomerization) in the same well. The activation energy for sterane isomerization was determined to be 30±15 kJ mol^–1. In addition: (a) the age of a stratigraphic horizon, the thickness of eroded sediments at an unconformity, and the variation of paleoheat flux with time were determined simultaneously by thermal indicator inversion in a single well; (b) two neighboring wells, less than 10 km apart, provided essentially identical ages for the same formation when tested using the inversion procedure. The ability to determine stratigraphic horizon ages from inversion of thermal indicator data implies that sedimentation rates can be determined; thus, basinal evolution can be inferred to a degree of resolution not previously obtainable from assumed interpolation methods applied to determine the age of horizons between a limited set of stratigraphic horizons of known ages.     

Paleogene biostratigraphy of the North Circum-Caspian region (implication of the dinocysts and nannoplankton from the Novouzensk reference borehole), Part 1: Age substantiation and correlation of deposits

Eight zonal dinocyst assemblages and three bio stratigraphic units ranked as “beds with flora” are first distinguished in the Danian—lower Lutetian interval of the Paleogene succession, penetrated by the reference borehole Novousensk no. 1, where eight standard and one local nannoplankton zones are simultaneously recognized. The direct correlation of nannoplankton and dinocyst zones is used to refine the paleon-tological substantiation and stratigraphic position of regional lithostratigraphic units, ranges of hiatuses, and the correlation with the general stratigraphie scale. The nannoplankton of the Danian NP2 Cruciplacolithus tenuis and NP3 Chiasmolithus danicus zones is characteristic of the Algai Formation (Fm). The nannoplankton of the NP4 Coccolithus robustus Zone and dinocysts of the D3a Alterbidinium circulum Zone from the Tsyganovo Fm characterizes the Danian top. The Lower Syzran Subformation (Subfm) corresponds to the upper part of the NP4 Coccolithus robustus Zone (Neochiastizygus junctus local zone) and to the D3b (part) Cerodinium depressum Zone of the Selandian dinocysts. The latter spans part of the Upper Syzran Subformation, whose characteristic nannofossils are the nannoplankton of the NP5 Fasciculithus tympaniformis Zone and the dinocysts of the D3b (part) Isabelidinium? viborgense Zone of the Selandian. The Novouzensk Fm is represented by a succession of the dinocyst Cerodinium markovae Beds and the standard D4c Apectodinium hyperacanthum Zone of the upper Thanetian. The coccolitophorids of the lower Thanetian NP6 Heliolithus kleinpelli Zone occur at the formation base. The Bostandyk Fm includes successive bio stratigraphie units of the Ypresian. In the dinocyst scale, these are the D5a Apectodinium augustum Zone, the Pterospermella Beds (DEla Zone of the North Sea scale), and zones DBlb-c Deflandrea oebisfeldensis, D7c Dracodinium varielon-gitudum, and D8 Dracodinium politum—Charlesdowniea coleothrypta, while units of the nannoplankton scale correspond to the NP12 Martasterites tribrachiatus and NP13 Discoaster lodoensis zones. The Kopterek Fm yields Lutetian nannofossils: the nannoplankton of the NP14 Discoaster sublodoensis Zone and the dinocysts of the Wetzeliella coronata—Areosphaeridium diktyoplokum Beds. Three meaningful hiatuses are established at the Danian base, Selandian top, and in the lower Ypresian.     

New results of 40Ar/39Ar dating constrain the timing of transition from fissure-type to central volcanism at Mount Etna (Italy)

Recent geological studies performed at Etna allow reassessing the stratigraphic frame of the volcano where distinct evolutionary phases are defined. This stratigraphic reconstruction was chronologically constrained on the basis of a limited number of U–Th and K–Ar age determinations whose uncertainty margins are sometimes too wide. For this reason, we successfully adopted at Etna the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar technique that allowed obtaining more precise age determinations. The incremental heating technique also gives information on sample homogeneity, and potential problems of trapped argon. Five samples were collected from stratigraphically well-controlled volcanic units in order to chronologically define the transition between the fissure-type volcanism of the Timpe phase to the central volcanism of the Valle del Bove Centers. Isotopic ages with an uncertainty margin of 2–4% have been obtained emphasizing that this transition occurred (130–126 ka) without significant temporal hiatus.