Astronomical calibration of the Valanginian “Weissert” episode: The Orpierre marl–limestone succession (Vocontian Basin,southeastern France)

A high-resolution, biostratigraphic (calcareous nannofossils, calpionellids), chemostratigraphic (C-isotope) and cyclostratigraphic (magnetic susceptibility) study was performed on the marl–limestone alternations of the Upper Berriasian–Valanginian Orpierre section, deposited in the hemipelagic setting of the Vocontian Basin (SE France). The main aims of this study were to detect orbital forcing, to estimate the duration of the Valanginian “Weissert” episode, and to discuss the palaeoenvironmental implications. Detailed calcareous nannofossil biochronology allowed the recognition of Upper Berriasian–Lower Hauterivian biohorizons. The general trends of the δ¹³C curve and the major positive C-isotope excursion (amplitude of 1.8‰) recorded at the Orpierre section are very similar to those found in other sections worldwide. Spectral analysis applied on high-resolution magnetic susceptibility (MS) variations coupled with frequency ratio method reveals a strong cyclic pattern related to the Earth's orbital parameters (precession, obliquity and eccentricity). The prominent 405 kyr eccentricity cycle in the MS signal and has been used as a geochronometer to time calibrate the section. The duration of the Weissert episode was estimated as 2.08 Myr. This duration is coherent with those obtained from the Umbria Marche Basin (∼2.3 Myr) and from the Angles section (∼2.14 Myr). Durations of more than 2 Myr suggest that a long perturbation in the dynamic of the global carbon cycle that is not compatible with the rapid and intense volcanic activity. Our cyclostratigraphic study indicates a minimal duration of 4.29 Myr for the Valanginian stage. The comparison between the MS signal at Orpierre and the spectral gamma-ray signal recently obtained in two composite sections of the Vocontian Basin allows to propose a revised duration for the Valanginian stage of 4.695 Myr instead of 5.08 Myr.     

Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Upper Jurassic–Neocomian rift succession,Araripe Basin,Northeast Brazil

The rift succession of the Araripe Basin can be subdivided into four depositional sequences, bounded by regional unconformities, which record different palaeogeographic and palaeoenvironmental contexts. Sequence I, equivalent to the Brejo Santo Formation, is composed of fluvial sheetflood and floodplain facies association, while Sequence II, correspondent to the lower portion of the Missão Velha Formation, is characterised by braided fluvial channel belt deposits. The fluvial deposits of Sequences I and II show palaeocurrents toward SE. The Sequence III, correspondent to the upper portion of Missão Velha Formation, is composed of fluvial sheetflood deposits, which are overlain by braided fluvial channel deposits displaying a palaeocurrent pattern predominantly toward SW to NW. Sequence IV, equivalent to the Abaiara Formation, is composed of fluvio–deltaic–lacustrine strata with polimodal paleocurrent pattern. The type of depositional systems, the palaeocurrent pattern and the comparison with general tectono-stratigraphic rift models led to the identification of different evolutionary stages of the Araripe Basin. Sequences I, II and III represent the record of a larger basin associated to an early rift stage. However, the difference of the fluvial palaeocurrent between sequences II and III marks a regional rearrangement of the drainage system related to tectonic activity that compartmentalised the large endorheic basin, defining more localised drainage basins separated by internal highs. Sequence IV is associated with the renewal of the landscape and implantation of half-graben systems. The high dispersion of palaeocurrents trends indicate that sedimentary influx occurs from different sectors of the half-grabens.     

Magnetostratigraphy of the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous from Argentina: Implications for the J-K boundary in the Neuquén Basin

A systematic sedimentologic and paleomagnetic study was carried out in the Vaca Muerta Formation, cropping out in the northern Neuquén Basin, west-central Argentina. The studied section is c. 280 m-thick and represents a carbonate ramp system bearing ammonites that indicate Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous ages. The Vaca Muerta Formation is one of the most important unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs in the world and its thorough study has become a relevant target in Argentina. The J-K boundary is comprised within this unit, and although it is well-dated through biostratigraphy (mainly ammonites), the position of particularly the boundary is yet a matter of hot debate. Therefore, the systematic paleomagnetic and cyclostratigraphic study in the Vaca Muerta Formation was considered relevant in order to obtain the first Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous magnetostratigraphy of the southern hemisphere on the first place and to precise the position of the J-K boundary in the Neuquén Basin, on the other. Biostratigraphy is well studied in the area, so that paleomagnetic sampling horizons were reliably tied, particularly through ammonites. Almost 450 standard specimens have been processed for this study distributed along 56 paleomagnetic sampling horizons that were dated using ammonites. Paleomagnetic behaviours showed to be very stable, and their quality and primary origin have been proved through several paleomagnetic field tests The resultant magnetostratigraphic scale is made up of 11 reverse and 10 normal polarity zones, spanning the Andean Virgatosphinctes mendozanus (lower Tithonian) to Spiticeras damesi Zones (upper Berriasian). These polarity zones were correlated with those of the International Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale 2012 and 2016 through the correlation between Andean and Tethyan ammonite zones. Cyclostratigraphy on the other hand, proved to be quite consistent with the magnetostratigraphy. Through the correlation of the resultant paleomagnetic and cyclostratigraphic data, it was possible to date the section with unprecedented precision, and therefore, to establish the position of the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. The paleomagnetic pole calculated from the primary magnetization is located at: Lon = 191.6°E, Lat = 76.2°S, A₉₅ = 3.5°, indicating a c. 24° clockwise rotation for the studied section, which is consistent with structural data of the region.     

Facies analysis of a Toarcian–Bajocian shallow marine/coastal succession (Bardas Blancas Formation) in northern Neuquén Basin,Mendoza province,Argentina

Strata of the Bardas Blancas Formation (lower Toarcian–lower Bajocian) are exposed in northern Neuquén Basin. Five sections have been studied in this work. Shoreface/delta front to offshore deposits predominate in four of the sections studied exhibiting a high abundance of hummocky cross-stratified, horizontally bedded and massive sandstones, as well as massive and laminated mudstones. Shell beds and trace fossils of the mixed Skolithos-Cruziana ichnofacies appear in sandstone beds, being related with storm event deposition. Gravel deposits are frequent in only one of these sections, with planar cross-stratified, normal graded and massive orthoconglomerates characterizing fan deltas interstratified with shoreface facies. A fifth outcrop exhibiting planar cross-stratified orthoconglomerates, pebbly sandstones with low-angle stratification and laminated mudstones have been interpreted as fluvial channel deposits and overbank facies. The analysis of the vertical distribution of facies and the recognition of stratigraphic surfaces in two sections in Río Potimalal area let recognized four transgressive–regressive sequences. Forced regressive events are recognized in the regressive intervals. Comparison of vertical distribution of facies also shows differences in thickness in the lower interval among the sections studied. This would be related to variations in accommodation space by previous half-graben structures. The succession shows a retrogradational arrangement of facies related with a widespread transgressive period. Lateral variation of facies let recognize the deepening of the basin through the southwest.     

Dinosaur ichnofauna of the Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous of the Paraná Basin (Brazil and Uruguay)

Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous sedimentary layers are represented in the Brazilian Paraná Basin by the fluvio–aeolian Guará Formation and the Botucatu Formation palaeoerg, respectively, overlapped by the volcanic Serra Geral Formation. In Uruguay, the corresponding sedimentary units are named Batoví and Rivera Members (both from the Tacuarembó Formation), and the lava flows constitute the Arapey Formation (also in Paraná Basin). Despite the lack of body fossils in the mentioned Brazilian formations, Guará/Batoví dinosaur fauna is composed of theropod, ornithopod and wide–gauge sauropod tracks and isolated footprints, as well as theropod teeth. In turn, the Botucatu/Rivera dinosaur fauna is represented by theropod and ornithopod ichnofossils smaller than those from the underlying units. The analysis of these dinosaur ichnological records and comparisons with other global Mesozoic ichnofauna indicates that there is a size reduction in dinosaur fauna in the more arid Botucatu/Rivera environment, which is dominated by aeolian dunes. The absence of sauropod trackways in the Botucatu Sandstone fits with the increasingly arid conditions because it is difficult for heavy animals to walk on sandy dunes, as well as to obtain the required amount of food resources. This comparison between the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous dinosaur fauna in south Brazil and Uruguay demonstrates the influence of aridization on the size of animals occupying each habitat.     

A review of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous charophytes from the northern Aquitaine Basin in south-west France

Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous charophyte assemblages from the northern part of the Aquitaine Basin in south-west France are reviewed here to understand their palaeoecological, palaeobiogeographical and biostratigraphic features. Three sites were studied: the Tithonian-lower Berriasian of Chassiron, and the Berriasian of Cherves-de-Cognac and Angeac-Charente. Abundant porocharaceans, less abundant clavatoraceans and scarce characeans recorded in Cherves-de-Cognac and Angeac-Charente indicate that brackish water environments were substituted by freshwater environments eastwards. The occurrence of Clavator grovesii var. grovesii and morphotypes intermediate with C. grovesii var. discordis in the same areas is significant from a biostratigraphic viewpoint, since these species belong to the Maillardii, Incrassatus and Nurrensis European charophyte biozones, representing the Berriasian. This observation refutes a previous dating of the Angeac-Charente site and highlights the absence of Hauterivian–Barremian records in northern Aquitaine, which is in contrast to the more complete Lower Cretaceous record in southern Aquitaine. These contrasting records could be due to differences in the available sedimentary space produced by the opening of the Bay of Biscay during the Barremian.     

Tectonic and eustatic control on a mixed siliciclastic–carbonate platform during the Late Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian (La Rochelle platform,western France)

Boreal and Tethyan realms of Western Europe present significant sedimentological, paleontological, and stratigraphic differences. The purpose of this study is to constrain regional versus global controls on the dynamics of a sedimentary system located at the interface of these two realms in order to better understand the origin of their differences. Detailed sedimentological, palynofacies and calcareous nannofossil analyses were performed on two sections from the La Rochelle platform (western France). The Pas section includes part of the Late Oxfordian and Early Kimmeridgian, and the Rocher d'Yves section is assigned to the Late Kimmeridgian. They correspond to monotonous marl–argillaceous limestone alternations. Limestones are essentially mudstones with echinoderms, bivalves and foraminifera that suggest low-energy, open-marine conditions. Highly bioclastic and/or peloidal deposits occur commonly, and show wackestones to wacke-pack-grainstones textures. These deposits indicate frequent high-energy events, and are interpreted as storm deposits. Marls dominate in the most proximal depositional environments, while calcareous deposits are more important in more distal environments. The Rocher d'Yves section is globally more marly than the Pas section, suggesting a more proximal setting. Palynofacies are dominated by woody particles, suggesting shallow-water, proximal depositional environments. Calcareous nannofossils are ascidian spicules, coccoliths, and schizospheres. Watznaueria britannica dominate calcareous nannofossil assemblages in the Pas section. The Rocher d'Yves assemblages are quasi-exclusively composed of Cyclagelosphaera margerelii, and indicate more proximal paleoenvironments than those of the Pas section. Different orders of depositional sequences are defined, with sequence boundaries corresponding to the most rapid relative sea-level falls. They are hierarchically stacked, and correlate, on the basis of ammonite zones, with the sequences of contemporaneous sections from Tethyan and boreal realms. The stacking pattern of these sequences suggests an orbital control on sedimentation. Small-, medium- and large-scale sequences correspond to precession (20 ky) cycles and to 100 ky and 400 ky eccentricity cycles, respectively. The elementary sequences have durations shorter than 20 ky. The Kimmeridgian was a period of global sea-level rise that ended in the Late Kimmeridgian. More proximal depositional environments in the Rocher d'Yves section (Late Kimmeridgian) than in the Pas section (Early Kimmeridgian) imply a progradation of the La Rochelle platform during the Kimmeridgian. This progradation resulted from a slowdown of the subsidence in the Aquitaine Basin during the Kimmeridgian, corresponding to the first steps of Atlantic Ocean opening. High-frequency cycles on the La Rochelle platform formed in sync with Milankovitch orbital cycles, while tectonics controlled the formation of the low-frequency cycles.     

The bivalve Anopaea (Inoceramidae) from the Upper Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous of Mexico

In Mexico, the Upper Jurassic to lowermost Cretaceous La Casita and coeval La Caja and La Pimienta formations are well-known for their abundant and well-preserved marine vertebrates and invertebrates. The latter include conspicuous inoceramid bivalves of the genus Anopaea not formally described previously from Mexico. Anopaea bassei (Lecolle de Cantú, 1967), Anopaea cf. stoliczkai (Holdhaus, 1913), Anopaea cf. callistoensis Crame and Kelly, 1995 and Anopaea sp. are rare constituents in distinctive Tithonian–lower Berriasian levels of the La Caja Formation and one Tithonian horizon of the La Pimienta Formation. Anopaea bassei was previously documented from the Tithonian of central Mexico and Cuba, while most other members of Anopaea described here are only known from southern high latitudes. The Mexican assemblage also includes taxa which closely resemble Anopaea stoliczkai from the Tithonian of India, Indonesia and the Antarctic Peninsula, and Anopaea callistoensis from the late Tithonian to ?early Berriasian of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our new data expand the palaeogeographical distribution of the high latitude Anopaea to the Gulf of Mexico region and substantiate faunal exchange, in the Late Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous, between Mexico and the Antarctic Realm.     

Palynostratigraphy of a Jurassic–Cretaceous transitional succession in the Himalayan Tethys,southern Xizang (Tibet), China

A palynological analysis of a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous succession in the Himalayan Tethys, Gyangzê County, southern Xizang (Tibet) provides, for the first time, evidence of changing palynofloras through the Jurassic/Cretaceous (J/K) boundary. Species that are stratigraphically important and potential markers for delineating the boundary include both miospores and dinoflagellate cysts. The presence of the spores Crybelosporites sp. cf. stylosus, Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis, Jiaohepollis verus and Toroisporis welzowense and the cysts Cassiculosphaeridia delicata and Rhynchodiniopsis serrata imply that the J/K boundary is between samples 06-21-1 and 06-21-3. The occurrence of Aequitriradites spinulosus and Cicatricosisporites spp. a little below this level and of ?Dictyotosporites sp. cf. speciosus slightly above it is also significant. These results show that it is possible to locate the J/K boundary in the Himalayan Tethys near top of the Weimei Formation and the lower part of the Gyabula Formation in southern Xizang. This succession also contains various marine invertebrate fossils, including ammonites, bivalves and belemnites, and thus has considerable potential for erecting an integrated biostratigraphy around the J/K boundary in the eastern Tethyan realm. Palynofloristic correlation implies a more northerly location for the fossil locality at Gyangzê than that of northwest Australia during the latest Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous, which can be further constrained to around 43°S.     

Lower Jurassic (Hettangian–Pliensbachian) microfossil biostratigraphy of the Ballinlea-1 well,Rathlin Basin,Northern Ireland,United Kingdom

The thickest section of Early Jurassic strata known from onshore Ireland (total Jurassic thickness 566 m) is reported from the Ballinlea-1 well (Rathlin Basin) situated on the north coast of Northern Ireland. A biostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental assessment is presented for this section largely based on calcareous benthic microfossils (foraminifera and ostracods). The Early Jurassic Waterloo Mudstone Formation (Lias Group) of Northern Ireland has previously received little micropalaeontological attention, therefore this work provides an opportunity to enhance palaeogeographic and palaeoenvironmental understanding for the Early Jurassic of the province, and this paper illustrates the key microfossil taxa of this age from Ireland for the first time. The records, based on ditch-cuttings samples, demonstrate a stratigraphical range from Hettangian to Early Pliensbachian, consistent with other wells and boreholes in this basin. The assemblage compositions are comparable to those elsewhere in the European boreal Atlantic realm. Hettangian to earliest Sinemurian microfossil assemblages are generally of low diversity and are numerically dominated by metacopid ostracods with occasional influxes of foraminifera. Gradually, foraminiferal abundance (often dominated by species of the Lagenida) come to exceed those of the ostracods in the Early Sinemurian reaching their greatest diversity in the Late Sinemurian. The sediments are considered to represent an inner to mid-shelf environment throughout while the record thickness for this region indicates ongoing syn-sedimentary fault movement along the basin margins within this period.     

Chronology of the Lower–Middle Pleistocene succession of the south-western part of the Crotone Basin (Calabria,Southern Italy)

Biostratigraphy based on calcareous nannofossils, integrated by magnetostratigraphic, geochronological and isotopic data, allowed establishing a precise chronological framework for the Pleistocene succession within the south-western sector of the Crotone Basin (Calabria, Southern Italy), where the Pliocene–Pleistocene global stratotype section and point is defined, thus demonstrating that sedimentation was quasi-continuous during most of the Lower and Middle Pleistocene.At a large scale, the Pleistocene succession in this sector of the Crotone Basin is characterized by an evident shallowing-upwards trend, showing facies changes from bathyal to shelfal to littoral/continental. However, comparison between adjacent sectors within the investigated area demonstrates that stratigraphic architectures change vastly on very short distances. Our chronological constraints indicate that such changes in sedimentation styles probably occurred in response to differential subsidence rates, which originated tectonically-controlled synsedimentary structures where accommodation space and sediment yield were allotted unevenly. This articulated physiography led to striking differences in the overall thicknesses and organization of Pleistocene stratigraphies and, eventually, to a distinct diachroneity in the first appearance of shallow-marine deposits. In addition, superimposed are complex interplays between regional and local tectonics, eustasy and orbitally-forced climate changes. These interactions have been highlighted by the oxygen isotope stratigraphy established for a part of the studied succession, which is likely to document almost continuously the interval from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 26 to MIS 17. In its younger part (post-MIS 17), chronological ties are poor, as the succession is dominated by shallow-water to continental deposits showing a prominent organization into cyclothems. Nevertheless, based on the chronology of the underlying units, it is feasible that basin infill ended during MIS 15-MIS 14 times.     

High-resolution integrated stratigraphy of the OAE1a and enclosing strata from core drillings in the Bedoulian stratotype (Roquefort-La Bédoule,SE France)

In 2009 two wells were drilled with 100% core recovery at Roquefort-La Bédoule (Bouches-du-Rhône, SE France), the historical Bedoulian stratotype. Here we present holostratigraphic results based on a detailed study of the cored sediments. Our work confirms that the La Bédoule area offers one of the best records for the period spanning the late Bedoulian, the anoxic event OAE1a and the Bedoulian/Gargasian (lower-upper Aptian substages) transition. New data provide a refined succession of micropaleontogical events already well correlated with ammonites from previous fieldwork and, thus, improve the cross-calibration of bioevents with high-resolution isotope stratigraphy. Methods of the quantitative micropalaeontology applied on benthic foraminifera such as tritaxias help testing their probable orbitally triggered cyclicity, which might be used to precise estimates of duration of events such as OAE1a, the Dufrenoya furcata ammonite Zone, the Globigerinelloides ferreolensis planktonic foraminiferal zone and the C7 isotopic stage.The lithologic, biotic and possibly isotopic changes seen at the level of and around bed 170 (top of “Niveau Blanc” sensu auctorum) are strong arguments to use this key-level as the boundary between the two Aptian substages (or stages in an alternative classification) and to support the proposal of La Bédoule as a potential locality for the GSSP of the Gargasian Substage (or of historical Aptian sensu stricto, in the alternative classification).     

Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and assemblage composition across the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary interval at Clot Chevalier (Vocontian Basin,SE France)

The Cenomanian–Turonian boundary interval is generally considered a critical time for planktonic foraminifera due to the environmental perturbations associated with Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. However, only the rotaliporids became extinct at the onset of the event, whilst several lineages evolved and/or diversified. This remarkable morphologic plasticity is often overlooked in the literature, partly because a number of stratigraphic sections have only been studied in thin-section due to the degree of lithification of the samples. Improved documentation of the morphological variability of planktonic foraminifera and better defined species concepts are required in order to improve biostratigraphy, particularly as Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica is an unreliable marker for the base of the Turonian. At the same time, detailed study of the planktonic foraminiferal response to OAE 2 demands a more profound knowledge of the assemblage composition.We present new biostratigraphic, taxonomic, and quantitative data for planktonic foraminiferal species from the Clot Chevalier section (Vocontian Basin, SE France), with the aim of (1) providing a detailed biostratigraphic analysis of the section, (2) documenting the morphological plasticity of specimens in this time interval and stabilizing species concepts, and (3) identifying promising markers to improve the resolution of the present biozonation and allow regional correlation. Samples were processed with acetic acid to extract isolated planktonic foraminifera. Assemblages were assigned to the upper Cenomanian Rotalipora cushmani Zone and to the uppermost Cenomanian–lowermost Turonian Whiteinella archaeocretacea Zone. Planktonic foraminiferal bioevents and assemblage composition identified at Clot Chevalier are compared with the well-studied Pont d'Issole section located ca. 15 km to the NE, highlighting similarities and differences in the species occurrences that may complicate the stratigraphic correlation between the two sections.The results of our study support the validity and common occurrence of species that have been misidentified and/or overlooked in the literature (i.e., Dicarinella roddai, Praeglobotruncana oraviensis, Marginotruncana caronae) and indicate that primitive marginotruncanids evolved before the onset of OAE 2, although species diversification occurred only after the event. Moreover, we believe that the first appearance of P. oraviensis might represent a promising bioevent for approximating the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary, after calibration with bio- and chemostratigraphically well-constrained sections. Finally, we describe three new trochospiral species, named “Pseudoclavihedbergella” chevaliensis, Praeglobotruncana pseudoalgeriana and Praeglobotruncana clotensis.     

Toarcian–Aalenian (Early–Middle Jurassic) radiolarian fauna from the Los Molles Formation,Neuquén Basin,Argentina: Taxonomy and paleobiogeographic affinities

This paper reports the occurrence of a Toarcian–Aalenian (Early–Middle Jurassic) radiolarian fauna in the Los Molles Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, as well as comments on its paleobiogeographic affinities. The micropaleontologic analysis was carried out in fine-grained rocks from a turbiditic section of the Los Molles Formation. These samples were first chemically processed using only hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and afterward treated with acetic (CH₃COOH) and hydrofluoric (HF) acids. The first chemical procedure permitted the recovery of only few spongy spumellarians, while the second one enabled to recover more diversified radiolarian assemblages. In general, the studied fauna presents low diversity and abundance, with a strong dominance of spumellarians over nassellarians. The fauna is composed by the genera Paronaella, Homoeoparonaella, Praeconocaryomma, Archaeocenosphaera, Orbiculiformella, Praeparvicingula, and some unidentified spumellarians and nassellarians. According to paleobiogeographic models, the studied Toarcian–Aalenian fauna presents a mid to high latitude affinity. It is possible to infer from those data a bipolar distribution of some taxa, such as Praeparvicingula and probably Praeconocaryomma, between the Northern and Southern hemispheres since the Early Jurassic (Toarcian).     

Multiple environmental tracers for a better understanding of water flux in a wetland area (La Bassée,France)

Understanding water exchange between groundwater and streams, or groundwater/surface-water relationships, is of primary importance for solving conflicts related to water use and for restoring water ecosystems. To this end, a combination of classic geochemical tools and isotopic tools were tested on the Bassée study site, located in the alluvial plain of the River Seine, to see whether they are relevant for tracing multiple and complex groundwater/surface-water relationships. The Ca/Sr ratio associated with Sr isotopes shows contrasted values and suggests that infiltration of surface water to groundwater increases when approaching the Seine. Furthermore, stable isotopes of the water molecule indicate that water from gravel-pit lakes may infiltrate into groundwater. Tritium and CFC tools confirmed surface-water influence on the Alluvial and Chalk aquifers. This geochemical approach, tested on the Bassée site, clearly demonstrates the need of using various geochemical tools for describing groundwater/surface-water relationships, and can be conclusively addressed to other case studies for helping decision makers in their management of natural water resources.     

Palynofacies analysis and palynology of the Agua de la Mula Member (Agrio Formation) in a sequence stratigraphy framework,Lower Cretaceous,Neuquén Basin,Argentina

Variations in the sedimentary organic matter were documented throughout the Agua de la Mula Member (late Hauterivian) of the Agrio Formation, at a combined section in the type area of the Agrio Formation; the base at Agrio del Medio and the middle to top at Bajada del Agrio. A main organic-rich interval was identified in the basal Agua de la Mula Member, dominated by marine-derived Amorphous Organic Matter (AOM), coinciding with the highest Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content, between 1.4 and 3.8 wt.%, suggesting dysoxic conditions. The rest of the Member is predominantly characterized by terrestrially-derived organic matter, mainly phytoclasts, with low TOC values, around 1% or lower, indicating predominantly oxic depositional settings. By integrating stacking pattern and shell beds analysis, four depositional sequences SQ1–SQ4 were recognized. The organic-rich, finely laminated bituminous black shales of the Spitidiscus riccardii zone constitute a mayor and rapid inundation defining a Transgressive System tract (TST), related to a third order asymmetrical mesosequence dominated by a thick High System Tract (HST). It represents the most widespread and important flooding episode within the Neuquén Basin during the late Hauterivian. Inside sequences of higher frequency (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4) of probably fourth order were recognized and analysed including several ammonids zones (Spitidiscus riccardii, Crioceratites schlagintweiti, C. diamantensis and Paraspiticeras groeberi). With the exception of the oxygen-controlled, basinal and outer ramp settings indicated for the TST1, which is equivalent to the TST of a lower order sequence, and the lower TST2, respectively, the prevalence of well oxygenated, inner to middle ramp depositional environments, is suggested for the rest of the sedimentary succession and emphasized in HST of SQ2, SQ3 and SQ4. Thus, a shallowing-upward trend with improved oxygenation is recorded through the Agua de la Mula Member, reflected by decreasing TOC, AOM content and preservation state of the organic matter. Based on the whole rock fluorescence analysis of the two selected organic-rich intervals from the Spitidiscus riccardii and the lowermost Crioceratites diamantensis zones, the presence of hydrocarbons suggests a very early in situ generation.     

Survival of the thinnest: rediscovery of Bauer’s (1898) ichthyosaur tooth sections from Upper Jurassic lithographic limestone quarries,south Germany

During the late Early Cretaceous, the shallow-water domains of the western Tethys are characterized by the widespread deposition of Urgonian-type carbonates rich in rudists, corals and other oligotrophic, shallow-marine organisms. In the Helvetic Alps, the Urgonian occurrences have been dated by ammonite biostratigraphy as Late Barremian and Early Aptian. For the more proximal occurrences in the western Swiss Jura, a recent age model based on bio-, chemo- and sequence stratigraphy has been proposed, which allows for an improved correlation with the Helvetic counterparts. In order to corroborate the recently proposed age model for the Jura, a set of well-preserved rhynchonellids collected from five different lithostratigraphical formations and members (“Marnes bleues d’Hauterive”, “Marnes d’Uttins”, basal marly layers within the “Urgonien Jaune”, “Marnes de la Russille”, “Urgonien Blanc”) has been analysed for its strontium–isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr). In addition, K–Ar dating was performed on well-preserved glauconite grains from two different levels (“Marnes d’Uttins” and a basal layer within the “Urgonien Jaune”). The correlation of the Sr–isotope data set with a belemnite-based, ammonite-calibrated reference curve provides an age model which is coherent with recently published ages based on calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and the correlation of trends in chemo- and sequence stratigraphy. K–Ar dating on well-preserved glauconite grains from the “Marnes d’Uttins” and lowermost part of the “Urgonien Jaune” delivered ages of 127.5 ± 2.3 and 130.7 ± 2.6 Ma, respectively. Whereas the age of the glauconitic level near the base of the “Urgonien Jaune” is chronostratigraphically meaningful, the K–Ar age of the “Marnes d’Uttins” appears too young relative to the presently used time scale. This may be related to rejuvenation of the K–Ar chronometer due to post-depositional Ar loss, most likely during hardground formation. The ages obtained here confirm the Late Barremian age for the onset of the Urgonian platform, an age which is conform with ages obtained in the Helvetic Alps and elsewhere along the northern Tethyan margin.     

A new sediment core from the Bedoulian (Lower Aptian) stratotype at Roquefort-La Bédoule,SE France

New drill cores from the Lower Aptian historical stratotype at Roquefort-La Bédoule (SE France) provide continuous high-resolution geochemical and isotope records which closely track the onset of OAE 1a in a subtropical intra-shelf basin (South Provençal Basin). The drilling operation recovered a total of 180 m of undisturbed sediments in three holes. The lowermost 67 m correspond to the Bedoulian (core LB1) and are here analyzed in high-resolution using geochemical proxies (stable carbon isotopes, stable oxygen isotopes, and carbonate content) and foraminiferal biostratigraphy. Pervasive bioturbation through core LB1 suggests mostly oxygenated bottom water conditions with transient dysoxic episodes, as shown by higher pyrite and glauconite concentrations within the marlstones. Unprecedented resolution over the negative δ¹³C excursion preceding OAE 1a (segment C3) reveals a characteristic double trough extending over ∼5.5 m in core LB1. This long-lasting negative excursion was possibly linked to multiple pulses of enhanced CO₂ release to the atmosphere. Estimated sedimentation rates of 1.6–2 cm/kyr indicate that the negative δ¹³C excursion lasted >200 kyr, while the main positive carbon isotope shift (segment C4) had a duration of >300 kyr. Fluctuations in δ¹⁸O suggest transient episodes of climate warming and cooling at the northern margin of the Tethys or even on a more global scale prior to the onset of OAE 1a.     

Morphometric and hypsometric analysis in the Tierra Nueva Basin,San Luis Potosí, México

In areas with long periods of drought, it is essential to implement strategies to manage the available water resource. Tierra Nueva Basin is affected by this situation, consequently the farm production and livestock holdings are affected and the people don’t have access to enough water. In this paper, we propose an integrative methodology based on mathematical tools such as hypsometric and morphometric analysis applying geographic information systems. The proposal is strengthened with the aggregation of geological-structural, morphometrical, hypsometrical parameters and climatological information through a precipitation analysis provided by the National Water Commission from 1962 to 2010. According to the available data and the results obtained through the implemented proposal, an acceptable level of reliability is inferred allowing to determine areas structurally suitable for the use of surface water and its uptake. The methodology that we propose facilitates and simplifies the processes of searching and exploring locations suitable for surface water capture in arid and semi-arid zones, identifying in a qualitative and quantitative manner the optimal zone. For the case study, test-and-validation of the methodology the Tierra Nueva Basin in San Luis Potosí, México was selected. Tierra Nueva is a semi-arid site where “La Muñeca” dam is located. The results obtained in this work confirm the location of the “La Muñeca” dam as one of the most suitable areas for water collection. The methodology that we propose is a useful tool for the studies of water capturing purposes in arid and semi-arid zones.