Cenomanian–Turonian carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

The Cenomanian–Turonian boundary was characterized by distinctive positive carbon isotope excursions that were related to the formation of widespread oceanic anoxia. High-resolution geochemical proxies (TOC, CaCO₃, δ¹³C_org, and δ¹³C_carb) obtained from bulk rock, planktic foraminifers, and inoceramids from four marine marlstone-dominated stratigraphic sections in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) were used to establish a regional carbon isotope stratigraphic framework and to investigate paleoenvironmental variability in four different depositional settings. Compared to background δ¹³C_org, (<−27‰) and δ¹³C_carb (<2‰) values which were correlative to stable isotope excursions during Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) II worldwide, the δ¹³C_org (>24‰), and δ¹³C_carb (>4‰) derived from inoceramid prisms in the studied sections within WCSB, were elevated during the Late Cenomanian–Early Turonian. During this interval, TOC and CaCO₃ values which increased sporadically to >40% and 7%, respectively, were not consistent enough to be used for stratigraphic correlations. Based on the δ¹³C_org excursions, two bentonite beds were regionally correlated across this portion of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). The eruption associated with the “Red” bentonite occurred approximately coeval with the maximum δ¹³C_org-excursion during OAE II in the Neocardioceras juddii Zone, whereas the “Blue” bentonite coincides with the termination of OAE II in the latest Watinoceras devonense zone. During the Late Cenomanian–Early Turonian in the WCSB, benthic foraminifers were sparse or totally absent, indicating the existence of fully anoxic bottom-water conditions. Planktic foraminifera were common in the well-oxygenated surface waters. A benthic oxic zone characterized by several agglutinated species occurs in the eastern part of the WSCB at the beginning of OAE II in the Sciponoceras gracile zone. The termination of the OAE II in the WCSB coincides with the first occurrence of small ammonites (Subprionocyclus sp.) in the western part of the basin.     

Biotic response to the latest Cenomanian drowning and OAE2: A case study from the Eastern Desert of Egypt

The changes in macrofauna and microfauna, before, during and after the latest Cenomanian global Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2), from the Eastern Desert of Egypt are documented, along with an inferred paleoenvironment. The age of the studied OAE2 interval is constrained by the last occurrence of the marker calcareous nannofossils species Axopodorhabdus albianus along with the previously identified positive δ¹³C excursion from the coeval ammonite Vascoceras cauvini Zone (= Neocardioceras juddii Zone), enabling correlation with the peak ‘b’ of the OAE2. Based on the studied microfaunal assemblages, a warm shallow restricted lagoonal environment with mesotrophic conditions and strong seasonality is inferred. The presence of a rare ammonite (and ostracods) attest to the intermittent introduction of marine waters within this inner ramp setting. In terms of sequence stratigraphy, two 3rd order depositional sequences are recorded. The top surface of the first depositional sequence, at the sequence boundary, SB Ce 5 (the start of the OAE2), is marked by an abrupt faunal change with reduced abundances of the macrofaunal elements. This is in tune with other Egyptian records of relatively smaller loss (10 %) at the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary, as compared to much higher numbers (53–79% of species), globally. This faunal (biotic bottleneck) and lithological change (from siliciclastic-dominated deposits to a largely carbonate-dominated one) at the SB Ce 5 is attributed as a response to the latest Cenomanian drowning (the highest sea-level during the Phanerozoic), that also resulted in the formation of carbonate platform.     

The upper Cenomanian–lower Turonian carbonate platform of the Preafrican Trough,Morocco: Biostratigraphic,paleoecological and paleobiogeographical distribution of ostracods

The upper Cenomanian–lower Turonian paleoenvironments of the Preafrican Trough carbonate platform is characterized by analyzing the structure of the ostracod assemblages and the information provided by other groups, and also by linking together the paleontological and geochemical data (detrital influx-redox-paleoproductivity proxies, δ¹³C curve). Two different domains (eastern and western) can be recognized on the platform during the late Cenomanian, before the onset of the OAE2. The western domain corresponds to a low-energy environment developed on a mid and/or outer ramp with hypoxic waters, low detrital influx and low paleoproductivity. The paleoecological assemblages show limited specific diversity but variable density. The ostracods are opportunistic and unspecialized (r strategists), being associated with Buliminidae, surface and intermediate-water planktonic foraminifera, and fishes. The eastern domain corresponds to an inner ramp and/or peritidal environment with oxic waters, low detrital influx and low paleoproductivity, developed in a higher energy environment with paleoecological assemblages showing high diversity but variable density. The ostracods are more specialized (K strategists), being represented by diverse and constant assemblages associated with diversified benthic foraminifera, calcareous sponges and echinoderms, as well as intermediate- and deep-water planktonic foraminifera. The onset of the OAE2 has no influence on the western ostracod assemblages, but leads to the decline of the ostracod fauna and the disappearance of the deep-water planktonic foraminifera in the eastern domain. During the early Turonian, after the OAE2, the platform becomes an outer ramp with increased paleoproductivity, but is associated with a decrease of taxonomic diversity in hypoxic waters. The ostracods are very sparse and unspecialized, associated with siliceous sponges, Buliminidae, surface-living planktonic foraminifera, fishes and pelagic crinoids. Marine paleobiogeographic communication is relatively easy across the carbonate platforms between the Preafrican Trough and other Moroccan regions, as well as between Morocco and different parts of the South Tethyan and East Atlantic margins belonging to the Cenomanian–Turonian South Tethyan Ostracod Province (STOP). Thirteen new species are described: Cytherella tazzouguertensis n. sp., Bairdiacypris chaabetensis n. sp., Bythocypris amelkisensis n. sp., Pontocypris tadighoustensis n. sp., Procytherura? elongatissima n. sp., Loxoconcha akrabouensis n. sp., Hemiparacytheridea sagittaemucronata n. sp., Rehacythereis errachidiaensis n. sp., Rehacythereis zizensis n. sp., Veenia (Nigeria) tardaensis n. sp., Veenia (Nigeria) mediacostarobusta n. sp., Xestoleberis? preafricanensis n. sp., and Xestoleberis circinatus n. sp.     

Stratigraphy of the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event OAE2 in shallow shelf sequences of NE Egypt

Two shallow water late Cenomanian to early Turonian sequences of NE Egypt have been investigated to evaluate the response to OAE2. Age control based on calcareous nannoplankton, planktic foraminifera and ammonite biostratigraphies integrated with δ¹³C stratigraphy is relatively good despite low diversity and sporadic occurrences. Planktic and benthic foraminiferal faunas are characterized by dysoxic, brackish and mesotrophic conditions, as indicated by low species diversity, low oxygen and low salinity tolerant planktic and benthic species, along with oyster-rich limestone layers. In these subtidal to inner neritic environments the OAE2 δ¹³C excursion appears comparable and coeval to that of open marine environments. However, in contrast to open marine environments where anoxic conditions begin after the first δ¹³C peak and end at or near the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary, in shallow coastal environments anoxic conditions do not appear until the early Turonian. This delay in anoxia appears to be related to the sea-level transgression that reached its maximum in the early Turonian, as observed in shallow water sections from Egypt to Morocco.     

Oxygen level,primary productivity,and water turbulence during the OAE2 interval of Zagros Basin (SW Iran): Benthic foraminiferal variations in the carbonate microfacies

Cenomanian/Turonian boundary (upper Sarvak Formation) benthic foraminiferal assemblages were analyzed to reconstruct oxygen level, primary productivity, and water turbulence in the Izeh Zone, Zagros Basin. The interplay between environmental perturbations during the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) and regional tectonic activities in the Zagros Basin resulted in formation of various benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the study section. The OAE2 interval at the region of study starts with extinction of rotaliporids at the onset of δ¹³C positive excursion (peak “a”), which is associated with population of infaunal benthic foraminifera (especially Bolivina alata). The following interval at the onset of Whiteinella archaeocretacea Biozone is characterized by the total absence of benthic taxa and dominance of planoheterohelicids (“Heterohelix shift”) in the black shale strata, indicating expansion of oxygen minimum zone and unhospitable conditions for both benthic and planktic foraminifera. The upper part of OAE2 interval (including δ¹³C peaks “b” and “c”) coincides with harbinger of Neo-Tethys closure in the Arabian Plate, causing a compressional tectonic regime, and creation of uplifted terrains in the basin. The relative sea level started to locally fall in this succession, which was accompanied by a better ventilation of seafloor, lower TOC contents, and reappearance of benthic foraminifera.     

Cenomanian events in the deep western Basque Basin: the Leioa section

Analysis of the microfaunas (foraminifera, ostracods) and the stable isotope values (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O) of the Leioa section, as representative of the deep Basque Basin, has allowed us to propose a detailed palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of this region during the Cenomanian, as well as to register global chronostratigraphic reference levels to facilitate interregional correlations. During the Cenomanian, part of the basin, the Plentzia Trough, was occupied by intermediate water masses, as deduced by the relative percentages of planktonic (Rotalipora) and benthonic foraminifera. A noticeable change is observed at the middle-late Cenomanian transition: the replacement of the dominance of keeled (rota-liporids) by incipiently-keeled (dicarinellids, praeglobotruncanids) planktonic foraminifera, indicative of the new influence of the upper intermediate waters. The temporary effect of shallow waters is deduced in one interval of the latest early Cenomanian and two more of the middle Cenomanian, as indicated by the dominance of globular planktonic foraminifera (hedbergellids). These water masses were moderately to strongly hypoxic (<4 to <2 ml/l of disolved oxygen) after the ostracod platycopid signal and benthonic foraminiferal hypoxic indicators. The dysaerobia may have been particulary strong (almost anoxia?) during part of the middle Cenomanian. Micronutrient availability was also restricted during several intervals of the middle Cenomanian, as indicated by the sudden decrease in the species diversity of the calcitic benthonics during the period when increased trends of the δ¹³C isotopic signals are observed. The combination of both hypoxia and nutrient depletion produced drastic changes in the microfaunal assemblages, with emigrations and local extinctions, showing benthonic perturbations from the time indicated by the base of theRotalipora reicheliZone onwards. From the beginning until the end of the middle Cenomanian, eleven of these perturbations are recorded as regional bioevents, using as bioevent-markers, intervals where microfauna was absent (including benthic-free intervals, B-FI; benthonic calcitic-free intervals, BC-FI; and ostracod-free intervals, O-FI). These changes led to the renewal of the microfaunas; benthonic foraminifera renewed their specific stocks during the early to early middle Cenomanian, with planktonic foraminifera and ostracods undergoing renewal at the end of the middle Cenomanian. Isotope values of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C are consistent with the palaeoenvironmental changes detected by the microfaunas; their maximum and minimum shifts coincide with the bioevents. The double-peaked positive shift of δ¹³C for the mid-Cenomanian of northwest Europe (Jenkynset al., 1994; Paulet al., 1994a) has been recognized in this series of the Basque Basin. The palaeoenvironmental perturbations deduced in the Cenomanian of the Leioa section are attributed essentially to palaeoceanographic changes, where intermediate water masses profoundly influenced the planktonic and benthonic ecosystems. The influence of other local causes, such as volcanic activity at that time, or tectonics between the Iberian and European plates, are more difficult to prove. Several of the bioevents defined in the middle Cenomanian of this basin could probably be global in nature, and thus may be useful for establishing interregional correlations.     

Stratigraphy of the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event OAE2 in shallow shelf sequences of NE Egypt

Two shallow water late Cenomanian to early Turonian sequences of NE Egypt have been investigated to evaluate the response to OAE2. Age control based on calcareous nannoplankton, planktic foraminifera and ammonite biostratigraphies integrated with δ¹³C stratigraphy is relatively good despite low diversity and sporadic occurrences. Planktic and benthic foraminiferal faunas are characterized by dysoxic, brackish and mesotrophic conditions, as indicated by low species diversity, low oxygen and low salinity tolerant planktic and benthic species, along with oyster-rich limestone layers. In these subtidal to inner neritic environments the OAE2 δ¹³C excursion appears comparable and coeval to that of open marine environments. However, in contrast to open marine environments where anoxic conditions begin after the first δ¹³C peak and end at or near the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary, in shallow coastal environments anoxic conditions do not appear until the early Turonian. This delay in anoxia appears to be related to the sea-level transgression that reached its maximum in the early Turonian, as observed in shallow water sections from Egypt to Morocco.     

Upper Albian OAE 1d event in the Chihuahua Trough,New Mexico,U.S.A.

Oceanic anoxic events are clues to ocean processes and are correlation datums. In North America only OAE 1a and 2 are well documented. Based on a low-resolution sampling program, a multi-proxy geochemical approach constrained by a biostratigraphic framework was utilized to identify OAE 1d in the upper part of the upper Albian Mesilla Valley Formation near El Paso, Texas. Chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic evidence indicate that the OAE 1d event in the Mesilla Valley section is located in the lower part of the upper Albian–Cenomanian Ovoidinium verrucosum zone, which correlates with the uppermost Albian Parathalmanninella appenninica and Stoliczkaia dispar zones. The chronostratigraphic age of the geochemical event in the Mesilla Valley Formation is uppermost Albian (97.39–97.30 Ma).The classic geochemical signatures for OAEs are enriched total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations and coupled positive δ¹³C excursions. OAE 1d at this location records TOC values ranging from 0.25 to 0.69 wt.% throughout the Mesilla Valley Formation, where TOC increases during the OAE (21.0–40.0 m) to more than 0.40 wt.%. Interestingly, the organic matter in the Mesilla Valley is dominantly type III, which indicates a pervasive terrigenous source. Although marine organic matter is abundant from the base into the middle of the proposed OAE interval, it is progressively replaced by terrestrial material above the OAE section during progradation. The δ¹³C_organic values record a positive δ¹³C shift of +1.6‰ from −26.41 to −24.80‰ across the stratigraphic interval from 21.0 to 40.0 m, which correlates with OAE 1d.Mn and Fe geochemistry suggest the depositional conditions of the Mesilla Valley Formation were dominated by anoxic and possibly Fe-rich bottom waters, specifically during the time period associated with the OAE 1d event. This interpretation is supported by the presence of Fe enrichment recorded by Fe_Total/Al and Fe_{Highly Reactive}/Fe_T with the lack of Fe_pyrite/Fe_{Highly Reactive} associated with Mn depletion.     

The late Cenomanian paleoecological event (OAE 2) in the eastern Caucasus basin of Northern Peri-Tethys

The Cretaceous sections of the eastern Caucasus contain rich in organic matter (OM) sediments corresponding to the late Cenomanian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. They are marked by positive δ¹³C and negative δ¹⁸O isotopic anomalies, which are characteristic for this level in many areas of the world. The sediments exhibit distinct cyclic patterns reflected in an alternation of black OM-rich and gray more calcareous layers. The rocks are enriched with many chemical elements, although concentrations of some of them (Mo, Se) are lower than in typical sediments of anoxic basins. It is inferred that anoxic environments in the paleobasin were unstable and locally developed. Nannofossil assemblages from OAE 2 sediments are dominated by the highly resistant eurytropic taxon Watznaueria accompanied by common cool-water Eprolithus and rare warm-water Rhagodiscus representatives, which implies the development of environments unfavorable for the normal marine nannoflora and short-term cooling in the basin during OAE 2. The OM-rich sediments were deposited against the background of the rapid eustatic transgression due to a significant increase in productivity of phytoplankton in the paleobasin. The OAE 2 duration is estimated to be approximately 400 ka.     

The Cenomanian–Turonian boundary on the Saharan Platform (Tunisia and Algeria)

Several transects made of correlated stratigraphic sections and well logs have been constructed spanning southern Tunisia and the Algerian Sahara (Tinrhert) for comparison with earlier results obtained in the Saharan Atlas. The study is based on facies analysis, sedimentology, biostratigraphy focused on ammonites and foraminifers) as well as whole rock geochemistry (δ¹³C). These suggest that the entire northern Sahara Platform underwent marine flooding that commenced just prior to the onset of the global positive δ¹³C shift documented for the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary. This flooding occurred in two phases. The first phase is expressed by the deposition of deeper-water, light-coloured bioturbated mudstones overlying the shallow-water deposits comprising the local Cenomanian successions. But in some places in the Central Sahara (Hassi Messaoud area, Tihemboka Arch) as well as in the Saharan Atlas, shallow-water carbonates kept up locally with the relative sea-level rise to build up isolated carbonate platforms. The topographic lows or saddles between these areas could have been formed through differential accumulation rates. During the second phase, flooding resumed and black shales were deposited over the mudstones in the saddles. The occurrence of black shales in these saddles is limited to the northern edge of the platform (Saharan Atlas of Algeria, Gafsa Trough in southern Tunisia). On the platform, this phase is represented by the same kind of mudstones deposited during the first phase of the flooding (southern Tunisia), or by ammonite-rich chalks in the intra-cratonic basin of the Tinrhert (southern Algeria). Black-shale deposition ceased in the early Turonian. Based on the δ¹³C curve, the latest Cenomanian flooding of the Sahara Platform is roughly coeval with that documented for the US Western Interior.During the first phase of the transgression, that is before the occurrence of the large Whiteinella of the W. archeocretacea Zone in the black shale unit, planktic foraminifers are dominated by small globulose forms of the Hedbergella delrioensis type, associated with Heterohelicidae. Keeled forms (rotaliporids, dicarinellids) are scarce and always very small when present. Perhaps these dwarfed forms were adapted to the restricted environments of the extensive intracratonic seaways crossing the Saharan Platform to the Benoué Trough in Nigeria.     

The Littorina transgression in the southwestern Baltic Sea: new insights based on proxy methods and radiocarbon dating of sediment cores

Rößler, D., Moros, M. & Lemke, W. 2010: The Littorina transgression in the southwestern Baltic Sea: new insights based on proxy methods and radiocarbon dating of sediment cores. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00180.x. ISSN 0300‐9483. The Littorina transgression is one of the most pronounced environmental events in the Holocene history of the Baltic Sea. It changed the hydrographic system from the freshwater Ancylus Lake into the brackish‐marine Littorina Sea. Here, 18 cores from two western Baltic basins, Mecklenburg Bay and the Arkona Basin, were analysed. We show that, besides biological indicators, sedimentary organic carbon, C/N ratio, bulk δ¹³C isotope values and carbonate content display clearly the transition from Ancylus Lake to the Littorina Sea. The first appearances of benthic foraminifers, marine molluscs and ostracods represent the onset of brackish‐marine conditions in the bottom waters. Central Arkona Basin sediments display more abrupt shifts in geochemical parameters and microfossil records at the transition from Ancylus Lake to the Littorina Sea than those from Mecklenburg Bay. Mixing of reworked Ancylus material with Littorina Sea stage material was stronger in Mecklenburg Bay, resulting in less pronounced proxy parameter changes and older bulk material dates. Radiocarbon dating of both calcareous material (benthic foraminifers, mollusc shells) and bulk fractions at the transgression horizon shows large age discrepancies. Based on calcareous fossil dates it appears that marine waters began to enter Mecklenburg Bay c. 8000 cal. a BP. In the Arkona Basin the first marine signals are recorded approximately 800 years later, c. 7200 cal. a BP. This indicates a transgression pathway via the Great Belt into Mecklenburg Bay and then into the Arkona Basin.     

Molecular isotopic evidence of environmental and ecological changes across the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary in the Levant Platform of central Jordan

We evaluated the structure of planktonic communities and paleoenvironmental conditions throughout the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2) by studying bulk geochemical properties and the molecular isotopic composition of source-specific hydrocarbons from organic-rich sediments deposited in an intrashelf basin at the Levant Platform, central Jordan. High concentrations of desmethyl and 4-methylsteranes as well as dinosteranes indicate that marine algae including dinoflagellates were the main primary producing organisms. The presence of 2-methylhopanes and ¹³C-enriched hopanes, in addition to isotopically enriched aryl isoprenoids, evidenced the contribution of cyanobacteria and green sulfur bacteria, respectively. Additionally, variable but fairly low δ¹⁵N values during OAE2 suggest the occurrence of diazotrophy as a likely important process fueling primary production during OAE2 in this stratified/anoxic continental platform. Variations in the relative contribution of biomarkers revealed changes in planktonic communities associated with sea level change and water column stratification. OAE2 was characterized by strong stratification, anoxic bottom waters and a deep chemocline, as evidenced by high gammacerane and homohopane indices and the absence of photic zone euxinia (PZE) markers, respectively. However, the presence of isorenieratane and its derivatives in post-OAE black shales points to a shoaling of the chemocline and to PZE. This interval was also characterized by an exceptionally high abundance of chlorophyll-derived pristane and phytane (up to 2 mg g^?1 TOC), likely as a result of highly enhanced primary production and organic matter preservation. Remarkably, this high productivity event co-occurs with an exceptionally high abundance of calcispheres reported elsewhere to be part of a global bio-event.     

New data on microbiota of the Middle Volgian substage in the Loino Section (Kirov oblast)

The calcareous nannoplankton was established for the first time in Upper Volgian deposits of the Loino Section (Kirov oblast). Here, single coccolites of representatives of genus Watznaueria of wide stratigraphic and geographic distributions dominate. Representatives of genus Zuegrhabdotus are less common, whereas species of genus Polypodorhabdus are rare. The taxonomic composition of the calcareous nannoplankton assemblage does not allow us to distinguish the nannoplankton zone in the Loino Section, but it gives us an idea about its distribution at the Volgian Stage in the Russian Plate. As corresponding microfauna, foraminifers, assigned to the Lenticulina infravolgaensis–Saracenaria pravoslavlevi Zone, and ostracods were identified to substantiate the age of host deposits. The ostracod assemblage is assigned to the Macrodentina (Polydentina) subtriangularis Beds established on the Volga River left bank in deposits corresponding to the ammonite zones Panderi and Virgatus assigned to the middle Volgian substage. On the basis of ostracods, the warm-water well-aerating environment of the upper sublittoral (as deep as 50 m) was reconstructed.     

Cenomanian–Turonian facies succession in the Guerrero–Morelos Basin, Southern Mexico

The Cenomanian–Turonian succession of southern Mexico is characterized by an abrupt change from shallow marine to pelagic facies. The drowning of the platform coincides with the widely documented Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (CTOAE). A proper understanding of the drowning event and the effects of the OAE requires, as an essential first step, the construction of a detailed stratigraphic framework. This has been achieved and utilizes sedimentological data as well as a combination of benthic and planktonic biostratigraphic schemes.

Deposition of the Cenomanian–Turonian sedimentary rocks of the Guerrero–Morelos basin was controlled by tectonic and oceanographic factors resulting in depositional environments ranging from a semi-restricted shelf, ramp, pelagic and prodelta deposits. Facies analysis indicates that shallow marine limestones of the Morelos Formation (lower-upper Cenomanian) were deposited in intertidal–shallow supratidal and subtidal environments in a semi-restricted shelf. Peloidal-bioclastic packstone–wackestones with minor grainstones are the predominant texture of these rocks. Abundant large benthic foraminifers, calcareous algae (dasycladacean) and mollusks (gastropods and rudists) characterize the fossil assemblage.

The Cuautla Formation (uppermost Cenomanian–Turonian) represents sedimentation on a low-energy, wave-dominated, carbonate ramp. The inner ramp accumulated bioclastic banks and shoals composed of peloidal-benthic foraminifer-grainstone, calcareous red and green algae, rudists and minor solitary corals. The middle ramp is represented by nodular packstones with a diverse assemblage of echinoderms, green and red algae, bryozoan, rudists, solitary corals, roveacrinids, calcisphaerulids, and non-keeled planktonic foraminifers. The outer ramp is dominated by argillaceous wackestone–packstone characterized by calcisphaerulids, roveacrinids, and non-keeled planktonic foraminifers. An increase in terrigenous-clastic material towards the eastern part of the area indicates progradation of a deltaic system while the Mexcala Formation (uppermost Cenomanian–Turonian) was deposited in a pelagic setting.

The drowning of the platform is at the contact between the Morelos and Cuautla or Mexcala formations and is dated as latest Cenomanian. The drowning is a hiatus in most sections and it began before the end of the Cenomanian by a minimum of 150 ky if the top of the Morelos is not eroded.     

Palaeoecology and biostratigraphy of early Cretaceous (Aptian) calcareous nannofossils and the δCcarb isotope record from NE Iran

Upper Barremian-Lower Aptian sediments of the Sarcheshmeh and Sanganeh formations in the Kopet Dagh area, northeast Iran were studied with regard to their calcareous nannofossil content and their δ¹³C_carb signal. The sediments are composed mainly of marlstones, argillaceous limestones and limestones. Based on the occurrence of biostratigraphic index taxa, the calcareous nannofossil zones NC5, NC6 and the NC7A Subzone were recognised. The calcareous nannofossils and the δ¹³C_carb data enable recognition of the early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a). The deposits of the OAE 1a interval are characterised by the rarity of nannoconids and a sharp negative δ¹³C_carb excursion (1.36‰), followed by an abrupt positive δ¹³C_carb excursion of 4-5‰; both events have been recognised elsewhere in OAE 1a deposits in the Tethys. In the OAE 1a interval, the relative abundance of Watznaueria barnesiae/Watznaueria fossacincta is higher (more than 40%) than that of Biscutum spp., Discorhabdus spp. and Zeugrhabdotus spp., which indicates dissolution. In the upper part of the section, the higher relative abundance of mesotrophic and oligotrophic taxa (Watznaueria spp. and nannoconids respectively) and the enhanced relative abundance of eutrophic taxa (Biscutum spp., Discorhabdus spp., Zeugrhabdotus spp.) is indicative of an environment with slightly increased nutrient content. The presence of warm water taxa (Rhagodiscus asper and nannoconids) and the absence of cool water taxa (Repagulum and Crucibiscutum) suggest warm surface-water conditions.     

The oceanic anoxic event 2 at Es Souabaa (Tebessa,NE Algeria): bio-events and stable isotope study

At the southern margin of the Tethys, the Es Souabaa area recorded traces of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) around the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (C/Tb). The dark, laminated, filament- and pyrite-bearing limestones represent the typical facies of this event. In terms of sedimentary environment, these features reflect a transgressive drowning that had induced hypoxia in these sedimentary environments. Such conditions favored the deposition and preservation of organic matter of marine origin, the distribution of which was controlled by paleogeography and halokinetic tectonics at that period. The OAE2 reached a climax between the last upper Cenomanian occurrence of Rotalipora cushmani and the lower Turonian occurrence of Whiteinella praehelvetica. Positive shift of the δ¹³C excursion along with relatively high total organic carbon (TOC) contents during OAE2 both indicate palaeo-environmental modifications enhanced by a significant change in primary marine productivity. Meanwhile, negative δ¹⁸O peaks in carbonates reflect increasing temperatures. Comparison of the data from this study with those from the neighboring Kalaat Senan section (Tunisia) suggests close similarities of events, although OAE2 is much more enhanced in Algeria.     

Paleocirculation and foraminiferal assemblages of the Cenomanian–Turonian Bridge Creek Limestone bedding couplets: Productivity vs. dilution during OAE2

The limestone–marlstone (or limestone–calcareous shale) bedding couplets of the lower Bridge Creek Member of the Greenhorn Formation coincide with Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 and the Cenomanian–Turonian stage boundary at 93.9 Ma, and are characterized by fluctuations in microfossil and macrofossil biofacies, and organic carbon. Since G.K. Gilbert (1895), these strongly alternating lithofacies have been attributed to climate and/or productivity cycles. Heretofore, only the calcareous shale and marlstone parts of the Bridge Creek bedding couplets have been quantitatively analyzed for planktic and benthic foraminiferal assemblages. In this study, foraminiferal assemblages extracted from the hard limestone beds are comparable with the muddier lithologies thereby allowing a quantitative evaluation of the foraminiferal response to cyclically changing conditions in the U.S. Western Interior Sea (WIS) that resulted in the deposition of these lithologic couplets. The results reveal a modest cyclical response of foraminiferal assemblages extracted from limestone beds compared to adjacent calcareous shale or marlstone. These include the absence of planktic planispiral morphotypes (Globigerinelloides), increase in the proportion of planktic biserial and triserial morphotypes (Heterohelix and Guembelitria, respectively), and an increase in the proportion of benthics relative to total foraminifera (decrease in percent planktics) in the limestone beds. Such conditions suggest that the limestones may have been more productive than the adjacent shales and marlstones. Reduced surface salinity and greater stratification of the upper water column may have also contributed to the differences in assemblages preserved in the marlstones and calcareous shales. The onset of OAE 2 in the late Cenomanian is marked by an abrupt benthic oxygenation event (‘Benthonic Zone’) as Tethyan waters were drawn well north into the WIS, and cool Boreal waters spread across northwest Europe, known as the Plenus Cold Event. At this time, the WIS became an important ocean gateway for surface ocean circulation with rising sea level that helped facilitate the development and spread of OAE 2. A cyclonic (counterclockwise) gyre circulation in the WIS during deposition of the lower part of the Bridge Creek was driven by the difference between precipitation in the north and evaporation in the south. The gyre is represented by two modes, strong and weak, responsible for deposition of the limestone and marlstone, respectively. For the middle and upper parts of the studied section representing the plateau of OAE 2 and subsequent peak transgression of the WIS, the counterclockwise gyre was driven less by E-P gradient but by the amount of surface runoff from both margins of the WIS with deposition of limestone beds during the wetter (strong) phase and marlstones during the drier (weak) phase. Highest levels of TOC redevelop after OAE 2 in the early Turonian with the incursion or development of an oxygen minimum zone at the time of peak transgression.     

Oceanic events and biotic effects of the Cenomanian-Turonian anoxic event, Tarfaya Basin, Morocco

Profound biotic changes accompanied the late Cenomanian δ¹³C excursion and OAE2 in planktic foraminifera in the Tarfaya Basin of Morocco. Planktic foraminifera experienced a severe turnover, though no mass extinction, beginning with the rapid δ¹³C excursion and accelerating with the influx of oxic bottom waters during the first peak and trough of the excursion. Species extinctions equaled the number of evolving species, though only the disaster opportunists Guembelitria and Hedbergella thrived along with a low oxygen tolerant benthic assemblage. The succeeding δ¹³C plateau and organic-rich black shale deposition marks the anoxic event and maximum biotic stress accompanied by a prolonged drop in diversity to just two species, the dominant (80–90%) low oxygen tolerant Heterohelix moremani and surface dweller Hedbergella planispira. After the anoxic event other species returned, but remained rare and sporadically present well into the lower Turonian, whereas Heterohelix moremani remained the single dominant species. The OAE2 biotic turnover suggests that the stress to calcareous plankton was related to changes in the watermass stratification, intensity of upwelling, nutrient flux and oxic levels in the water column driven by changes in climate and oceanic circulation. Results presented here demonstrate a 4-stage pattern of biotic response to the onset, duration, and recovery of OAE2 that is observed widely across the Tethys and its bordering epicontinental seas.     

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.     

Rajkanella hottingerinaformis n. gen., n. sp., a new larger benthic foraminifer from the middle-upper Cenomanian of Kosovo

A new larger benthic porcelaneous foraminifer of soritid affinity is described as Rajkanella hottingerinaformis n. gen., n. sp. from the middle-upper Cenomanian of Kosovo. It occurs in foraminiferal packstones and grainstones, in association with cuneolinids, rhapidionids, chrysalidinids, and other benthic foraminifers. Due to its general morphology and superficial chamber subdivision by exoskeletal elements, Rajkanella n. gen. can be compared with the early Paleogene genus Hottingerina Drobne, 1975, from which it mainly differs in its apertural features, ornamented test, and coiled adult stage. Further differences to coeval Pseudorhapydionina De Castro, 1971, Pseudorhipidionina De Castro, 1971, and to other comparable genera, are discussed. The discovery of Rajkanella hottingerinaformis in the middle-upper Cenomanian is a further witness of the significant radiation and blooming of increasingly complex porcelaneous foraminifers in inner platform, shallow-water depositional settings during that period.