川东下三叠统飞仙关组-嘉陵江组界线附近的锶同位素组成

作为化学地层学的重要分支之一,锶同位素地层学已经逐步成为全球海平面变化、造山运动、古气候和古环境等全球事件研究和对比的有效工具,根据锶同位素地层学的基本原理,在对样品进行沉积岩组构、化学成分分析和对同期海水代表性评估的基础上,测试了四川东部华蓥山地区下三叠统飞仙关组-嘉陵江组界线附近6个碳酸盐岩样品的锶同位素组成。结果表明,该界线附近的锶同位素组成与前人公布的早三叠世同期海水的锶同位素组成数据基本一致。锶同位素地层学研究的引入,可望为我国南方海相三叠系飞仙关组和嘉陵江组的年代地层学对比研究提供重要依据。     

川东下三叠统飞仙关组一嘉陵江组界线附近的锶同位素组成

作为化学地层学的重要分支之一,锶同位素地层学已经逐步成为全球海平面变化、造山运动、古气候和古环境等全球事件研究和对比的有效工具,根据锶同位素地层学的基本原理,在对样品进行沉积岩组构、化学成分分析和对同期海水代表性评估的基础上,测试了四川东部华蓥山地区下三叠统飞仙关组-嘉陵江组界线附近6个碳酸盐岩样品的锶同位素组成。结果表明,该界线附近的锶同位素组成与前人公布的早三叠世同期海水的锶同位素组成数据基本一致。锶同位素地层学研究的引入,可望为我国南方海相三叠系飞仙关组和嘉陵江组的年代地层学对比研究提供重要依据。     

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.     

锶同位素地层学研究进展

锶同位素地层学（SIS）根据地质历史中的任何时间全球范围内海水的 锶同位素组成都是均一的，海水87Sr/86Sr比值随时间变化这一基本原理，利用代表原始海水的海相碳酸盐（以及磷酸盐和硫酸盐）的87Sr/86Sr比值确定海相地层的年代，研究海平面变化，造山运动，古气候等全球事件，在地层学，沉积学，石油地质学和矿床学等领域中有着广泛的应用前景，同位素地层学已在世界范围内得到地质学家的普遍关注，并已获得迅速的发展，国内的有关研究则刚刚起步，锶同位素地层学研究的难点主要在于对样品成岩蚀变的挖掘和分析技术上，同时还需要有良好的地层学研究基础，在样品选择上应充分考虑其原始组分的抗成岩蚀变能力，锶同位素地层学的研究需要地层学家，沉积学家和地球化学家的共同努力。     

An integrated stratigraphic study across the Santonian/Campanian boundary at Bocieniec,southern Poland: A new boundary stratotype candidate

An integrated biostratigraphic (foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, crinoids), chemostratigraphic (stable carbon isotopes) and magnetostratigraphic study of the Bocieniec section (southern Poland) is presented here. The section presents a continuous and lithologically monotonous sedimentary record across the Santonian–Campanian boundary transition. A large number of macrofossil, foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil bioevents along with several well-identified carbon-isotope excursions of the upper Santonian and lowermost Campanian are documented. The base of the Campanian is well-constrained by the last occurrence (LO) of the crinoid Marsupites testudinarius, and correlates to the onset of the first δ¹³C positive peak of the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event (SCBE peak a). A presumable primary Cretaceous paleomagnetic signal highlights the potential presence of the C34N/C33R magnetic reversal although its exact position remains uncertain between peaks a and b of the SCBE. The planktic foraminifer Dicarinella asymetrica is very rare at Bocieniec but a potential LO of this important marker may be recorded in coincidence with peak b of the SCBE. The first occurrence (FO) of calcareous nannofossil Broinsonia parca parca coincides with the lower part of chron C33R and with the early Campanian pilula zone event. A large set of additional nannofossil events and benthic foraminifer events further constrain the stratigraphy of the section and along with the carbon isotopes, allows for correlation with other important sections of the Boreal realm. Although the Bocieniec section is relatively thin and condensed (5.5 m), the successive order of events and presence of all past proposed stratigraphic criteria for the Santonian-Campanian boundary makes it the most complete reference section for this interval at the European and at the global scale. Moreover, this section allows for a precise correlation of the Tethyan and Boreal domains. The Bocieniec section fulfils the geological criteria to be a potential boundary stratotype candidate for the base of the Campanian Stage.     

广西弗拉阶—法门阶之交碳同位素与分子地层对比研究

对广西 7条碳酸盐台地、斜坡和盆地相剖面的碳同位素与分子地层的对比研究表明 ,在牙形石生物地层带或偏心率轨道旋回层建立的等时地层格架内 ,跨越弗拉阶—法门阶 (F—F)之交的碳同位素组成在 1 4Ma内不具一致性 ,表现为正偏、负偏和无偏 3种模式。主要的分子化石包括正构烷烃、类异戊二烯烃、萜类、甾类 ;其母体生物源主要为海源浮游植物、浮游动物、底栖非光合作用的菌类和陆源高等植物。其中浮游植物和浮游动物是构成F—F事件期碳酸盐台地、斜坡和盆地相生物量的主体。分子地层参数及其与碳同位素的关系显示 ,F—F之交广西海域高温、高盐、缺氧、多风 ;Pr Ph与δ1 3C曲线的变化表现为负相关。地层的加积方式 (加积、进积和退积 )、堆积速率、缺氧程度、分子化石类型和丰度是影响广西F—F之交碳同位素组成变化的主要因素。退积序列、快速堆积、缺氧程度和有机质埋藏量增加通常对应δ1 3C值增加。由于分子地层参数能提供生物与环境这两大直接影响碳同位素组成的量化信息 ,因此 ,碳同位素与分子地层的对比研究对正确解释碳同位素的特征和成因具有重要意义     

Tethyan-to-boreal correlation in the Kimmeridgian using high-resolution sequence stratigraphy (Vocontian Basin,Swiss Jura,Boulonnais, Dorset)

Ammonite biostratigraphy plays a central role in the definition of Jurassic stratigraphy. Nevertheless, the strong provincialism of European ammonite species during the Kimmeridgian is a long-standing problem in correlation attempts between the boreal and Tethyan faunal realms. Moreover, the sequence-stratigraphic interpretations for northern and southern Europe given in the Jurassic chronostratigraphic chart of Hardenbol et al. in SEPM Publ. 60 (chart) (1998) are different. The present study aims to resolve this correlation problem in order to better understand the connections between the boreal and the Tethyan realms during the Kimmeridgian. A sedimentological and high-resolution sequence-stratigraphic interpretation is presented for two unpublished sections (Cras d’Hermont and Roche de Mars) in the northern Swiss Jura, where recently discovered ammonites display both boreal and Tethyan influences. Then, these sections are correlated with the same time interval in the central Swiss Jura and Vocontian Basin, which belong to the Tethyan realm. Lastly, a long-distance transect is constructed between the Vocontian Basin, Swiss Jura, northern France, and southern England, the last two areas being part of the sub-boreal realm. The main results of this work are that: (1) third-order depositional sequences, and also higher-frequency sequences, can be correlated from the Tethyan to the boreal realm; (2) the sequence-stratigraphic interpretation given by Hardenbol et al. in SEPM Publ 60 (chart) (1998) for northern Europe seems to be accurate and agrees with the sequence-stratigraphic framework established in the Swiss Jura; (3) the Late Kimmeridgian of the Swiss Jura displays boreal influences; (4) integrated high-resolution sequence-stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic studies are a valuable approach for bridging the correlation gap between northern and southern Europe.     

Constraining the age of the last marine sediments in the late Cretaceous of central south Pyrenees (NE Spain): Insights from larger benthic foraminifera and strontium isotope stratigraphy

The uppermost Cretaceous (upper Campanian–Maastrichtian) marine deposits of the central south Pyrenees host a rich larger benthic foraminiferal fauna and several rudist-rich levels. These marine deposits are directly overlain by the continental facies of the Arén and Tremp Formations, which are famous for their fossil dinosaur remains. Larger benthic foraminiferal distribution documents an important faunal turnover in all the carbonate platform environments within the photic zone, from open marine to littoral areas. Biostratigraphy indicates that this turnover occurred close to the Campanian-Maastrichtian boundary. This is also confirmed by strontium isotope stratigraphy which indicates an earliest Maastrichtian age for the appearance of the larger benthic foraminiferal assemblage constituted by Lepidorbitoides socialis, Clypeorbis mammillata, Wannierina cataluniensis, Orbitoides gruenbachensis, Siderolites aff. calcitrapoides, Fascispira colomi, Omphalocyclus macroporus and Laffiteina mengaudi. In particular, a numerical age of 71 Ma is obtained for the Hippurites radiosus level, just a few meters below the first continental deposits of the Arén sensu stricto Formation. The youngest marine sediments of the central south Pyrenees are early Maastrichtian in age. This is also an important constraint for the age of the end-Cretaceous dinosaur fossil localities of the Tremp basin.     

Maastrichtian carbon cycle changes and planktonic foraminiferal bioevents at Gebel Matulla,west-central Sinai,Egypt

Comparison between the planktonic foraminiferal bioevents from different palaeolatitudes suggests that the biostratigraphic criteria used to identify the Maastrichtian stage boundaries are problematic. A new high-resolution calibration of planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic, carbon-isotope, and sequence-stratigraphic criteria has been recorded for the first time from the Maastrichtian Sudr Formation at Gebel Matulla, west-central Sinai. The sedimentary successions allow the identification of prominent long-term carbon isotope events in the Maastrichtian, namely the negative excursion of the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), the positive excursion of the mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME), and the decline towards the Cretaceous-Palaeogene transition (KPgE). Termination of these well known δ¹³C events is associated with unconformities, created by eustatic sea-level changes, although the long duration argues for superimposed local tectonic control.     

西藏南部晚白垩世厚壳蛤的锶同位素年龄标定

沉积岩样品年龄的直接标定是沉积学与地层学研究的难点之一.由于锶在海水中的残留时间(≈106a) 大大长于海水的混合时间(≈103a), 因而同一时间全球海水的锶元素在同位素组成上是均一的, 并造成地质历史中海水的锶同位素组成是时间的函数, 这是锶同位素地层学(SIS) 的基本原理和利用锶同位素地层学进行海相地层定年的理论基础.本文根据锶同位素地层学的基本原理, 测试了西藏南部岗巴剖面上白垩统宗山组上段地层中厚壳蛤化石的锶同位素组成, 尝试对这些化石进行了年龄标定, 4个样品分别位于剖面累计厚度381, 362, 358和296m处, 其87Sr/86Sr比值分别为0.707832, 0.707769, 0.707768和0.707695, 年龄的标定结果分别是65.68, 69.34, 69.39和72.32Ma, 定年的平均误差为±1Ma左右.研究结果表明, 锶同位素地层学在海相地层定年方面具有潜在价值.      

Sr isotope chemostratigraphy of Upper Jurassic carbonate rocks in the Demerdzhi Plateau (Crimean Mountains)

The first Sr chemostratigraphic data are obtained for the Upper Jurassic carbonate sections in the Demerdzhi Plateau of the Crimean Mountains. The oncoid, microbial, and organogenic-detrital limestone varieties representing shallow-water marine microfacies of the carbonate platform served as material for these studies. The limestone samples for reconstructing the isotopic parameters of depositional environments were selected using geochemical criteria (Mn/Sr < 0.2, Fe/Sr < 1.6, Mg/Ca < 0.024) and subjected to the preliminary treatment in a 1 N ammonium acetate solution. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value in the least altered samples increases up the section from 0.70701 to 0.70710. The obtained ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values are correlated with the Sr isotope properties of belemnite rostrae characterizing the Pectinatites scitulus-Pavlovia rotunda ammonite zone in the zonal scale of the Boreal realm, Hyponoticeras hybonotum-M. ponti/B. peroni Zone in the zonal scale of the Tethyan realm, and lower part of the Dorsoplanites panderi Zone in the zonal scale for the transitional domain of the East European Platform. The Sr chemostratigraphic correlation indicates the early Tithonian age of sediments developed in the eastern part of the Demerdzhi Plateau and restricts the upper boundary of the limestone section redeposited within carbonate breccia of Mount Severnaya Demerdzhi to the terminal early Tithonian. The Sr isotope data are used for calculating the sedimentation rates for limestones. They are estimated to be at least 0.23 m/1000 years, which is an anomalously high value for pre-Quaternary carbonate platforms.     

Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy: Principles and State of the Art

The methodical basis, development, and current state of a new method of chronostratigraphic studies, i.e., strontium isotope stratigraphy (SIS), are considered. This method makes it possible to date and correlate geographically distant sedimentary sequences without involving the biostratigraphic and isotope geochronological data. SIS is based on secular variations in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the paleocean, resulting from the redistribution of the roles of two global strontium flows formed in the mantle and continental reservoirs of the Earth. Isotopic homogeneity of Sr in the paleoceans and in the linked seas leads to the fact that the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in the sea basins is individual for each geological time point and is inherited in marine chemogenic sediments under deposition of dissolved Sr as an isomorphic impurity. Low-Mg calcite and also fragments of fossilized paleontological remains buried in situ are the best minerals that are capable of retaining the Sr isotopic signature of the sedimentation environment. SIS is carried out with geochemical diagnostics of secondary alteration of the studied material and selective dissolution of the samples to produce a carbonate material that adequately reflects isotopic signature of the sedimentary basin. Interregional correlations of the Proterozoic and Cenozoic sea sediments and their relation to the SIS-based stratigraphic scale are given as an example.     

Late Cretaceous paleoenvironmental evolution of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal Basin,SW Morocco

Lithological evidence, benthic foraminiferal census counts, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner-derived elemental data were integrated with planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and bulk carbonate stable isotopes to retrace the Turonian to early Campanian paleoenvironmental evolution and sea-level history of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal basin (SW Morocco). The lower Turonian is characterized by laminated organic-rich deposits, which contain impoverished benthic foraminiferal assemblages, reflecting impingement of the oxygen minimum zone on the shelf during a sea-level highstand. This highstand level is correlated to the global transgressive pulse above the sequence boundary Tu1. The appearance of low-oxygen tolerant benthic foraminiferal assemblages dominated by Gavelinella sp. in the middle to upper Turonian indicates an improvement in bottom water oxygenation, probably linked to offshore retraction of the oxygen minimum zone during a regressive phase. This interval is marked by major regressive events expressed by a series of erosional truncations associated with the prominent sequence boundaries Tu3 and/or Tu4. Dysoxic–anoxic conditions recorded in the upper Santonian of the Tarfaya Basin coincide with the eustatic sea-level rise prior to Sa3 sequence boundary. The lower Campanian transgression, only recorded in the southern part of the Tarfaya Basin, coincided with substantial deepening, enhanced accumulation of fine-grained clay-rich hemipelagic sediments and improved oxygenation at the seafloor (highest diversity and abundance of benthic foraminiferal assemblages). Stable isotope data from bulk carbonates are tentatively correlated to the English Chalk carbon isotope reference curve, in particular the Hitch Wood Event in the upper Turonian, the Navigation Event in the lower Coniacian, the Horseshoe Bay Event in the Santonian and the Santonian/Campanian Boundary Event.     

广西钦州石炭-二叠纪深海硅质岩的锶同位素组成及其地质意义

报道了广西钦州海槽早石炭世-早二叠世深水硅质岩的锶同位素测定结果和经年代校正后的87Sr/86Sr初始值,建立了锶同位素演化曲线;通过与同时代上扬子地区台地相碳酸盐岩87Sr/86Sr比值和演化曲线的对比,研究了二者的异同和造成差异的原因。深水硅质岩和同期台地相碳酸盐岩的锶同位素演化曲线在总体特征上具有一定的相似性,反映海平面变化对其影响的一致性。玄武岩喷发等局部事件和硅质岩中无法回避的陆源碎屑的影响是造成87Sr/86Sr比值和演化曲线差异的主要原因。硅质岩锶同位素演化曲线显示,海平面上升发生于早石炭世,在晚石炭世早期达到最大值,晚石炭世晚期,海平面有所下降,在其后的早二叠世,海平面再次上升。     

Integrated biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironments of an upper Santonian - upper Campanian succession from the southern part of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Study of an upper Santonian to upper Campanian hemipelagic succession from the southern part of the Romanian Eastern Carpathians enables us to establish an integrated biostratigraphy based on planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils and to compare this record with the agglutinated foraminiferal biozonation used for the Carpathians.Benthic foraminiferal assemblages were investigated using several methods, such as agglutinated and calcareous benthic foraminiferal morphogroups, and the benthic foraminiferal oxygen index in order to determine their response to environmental parameters in the basin (correlated with sea-level maxima documented by regional sea-level curves for the Tethys). A pattern of changes in benthic foraminiferal communities associated with increased organic carbon flux and rising sea-levels can be summarized as follows in the studied succession. As sea-level begins to rise there is an increase in the proportion of calcareous benthic foraminifera at the expense of agglutinated foraminifera within the benthic assemblages (earliest Campanian, mid-late Campanian). Once sea-level rises, an increase in the elongate keeled morphotype of agglutinated foraminifera (shallower water forms) can be observed, and if sea-level remains high for an extended period (as in the early Campanian) then an invasion of both agglutinated and benthic calcareous foraminifera characteristic of outer shelf-upper slope environments take place in the basin. The variations in tubular and deep infaunal morphotypes of agglutinated foraminifera are ascribed to varying levels of organic carbon flux.     

锶同位素地层学在奥陶系海相地层定年中的应用--以塔里木盆地塔中12井为例

根据锶同位素地层学的基本原理,从国际上已有的锶同位素演化曲线建立了奥陶系87Sr/ 86Sr比值 年龄数据库。利用塔里木盆地塔中 12井海相碳酸盐的锶同位素分析结果,确定了该井中、上奥陶统和中、下奥陶统的界线,两个界线分别位于井深 5 12 0m( 87Sr/ 86Sr≈ 0.70 88,年龄为 4 6 5Ma)和 4 880m处 ( 87Sr/ 86Sr≈ 0.70 82,年龄为 4 5 5Ma),中、上奥陶统的界线为本文首次确定,中、下奥陶统的界线与前人利用牙形石资料确定的界线一致。塔中 12井的锶同位素演化曲线说明,尽管构造运动造成的盆地抬升和近地表的大气水作用影响了上奥陶统顶部碳酸盐的锶同位素组成,但塔中 12井奥陶系与上覆地层的关系基本上是连续的,奥陶系顶界的井深在 4 6 5 0m附近 ( 87Sr/ 86Sr≈ 0.70 79,年龄为4 35Ma)。     

Event Stratigraphy, Biostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic in North China

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西藏特提斯喜马拉雅海相白垩纪—古近纪生物地层与重大地质事件研究进展

地质历史时期曾发过许多对生命的演化进程造成过重大影响与制约的全球性地质事件,白垩纪—古近纪就是一个重大地质事件频发的时期。随着冈瓦纳大陆在中生代时期的解体,全球海陆格局发生了根本的变化,地球的表层和岩石圈层均发生了重大的改变,由此引发了构造运动空前活跃,发生过诸如大洋缺氧事件(OAE)、大洋富氧事件(CORBs)、白垩纪/古近纪(K/Pg)生物大灭绝事件、古新世—始新世极热(PETM)事件、印度-亚洲板块碰撞、新特提斯洋的演化及最终消亡等一系列的全球性重大地质事件。对这些重大地质事件的研究,有助于加深我们对古海洋、古地理、古环境的认识。尝试追踪和捕捉这些重大地质事件,恢复和重建古地理,其基础是建立精确的年代地层格架。西藏南部保存了中国最为完整的海相白垩纪—古近纪沉积,完整地记录了上述的全球性重大地质事件,通过对札达、岗巴、定日、亚东、江孜、萨嘎和吉隆等地区高分辨率浮游和底栖有孔虫、介形虫、钙质超微化石和放射虫生物地层学研究,可直接约束全球性重大地质事件发生的时间,并为重建新特提斯洋古海洋环境和古地理提供证据。此外,在重大地质环境突变期间生物的演化过程,也可为探明极端环境变化发生时期气候-环境-生物之间的协同演化关系提供证据。本文系统总结了课题组为主的近年来对藏南白垩纪—古近纪海相地层中微体古生物学的研究成果及重要进展,并对未来研究提出展望。     

Upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian sections of the northwestern Rostov region. Article 1. Description, paleontological assemblages, and lithobiostratigraphy

Four upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian reference sections are described in the Glubokaya and Kalitva river basins and in the Znamenka 1-A Borehole located in the northwestern Rostov region. The sections are composed of the upper Campanian Kagal??nik, Belgorod, Pavlovka, Sukhodol and lower Maastrichtian Efremovo-Stepanovka formations. They are characterized by successive stratigraphically significant macro- and microfossil assemblages: belemnites, calcareous nannoplankton, benthic foraminifers, and radiolarians. The Pavlovka and, particularly, Sukhodol formations contain a specific assemblage of coarsely-agglutinated benthic foraminifers. The first data obtained on radiolarians in upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian sections of the northwestern Rostov region revealed four assemblages, two of which were previously unknown from Upper Cretaceous sediments of the East European Platform. Most sections enclose a hiatus at the base of the Sukhodol Formation, which comprises two upper Campanian benthic foraminiferal zones. The problem of recognition of the lower Maastrichtian boundary on the East European Platform is considered in accordance with international GSSP requirements.     

Latitudinally different responses of Tethyan shoal‐water carbonate systems to the Early Aptian oceanic anoxic event (OAE 1a)

Ocean‐wide anoxic events represent intensively investigated anomalies in the global carbon cycle. Most previous research has focussed on hemipelagic and pelagic settings and on the relationship between black‐shale deposition and carbon‐isotope excursions. The study of ocean‐wide anoxic events and coeval shallow‐water settings is now increasingly seen as an interesting complementary approach, but one that is not without problems. Whereas platform drowning characterizes the Early Aptian of the northern Tethyan margin, Lithocodium–Bacinella‐rich facies and ongoing shoal‐water sedimentation at the southern Tethyan margin (Oman) bears important information on potential causes of carbon‐cycle perturbations. The present paper seeks to test the supra‐regional relevance of the Oman data by investigating coeval central Tethyan limestones. Three Lower Aptian shoal‐water sections in Istria (Croatia), deposited on the isolated Adriatic Carbonate Platform, are investigated applying chemostratigraphy (carbon and strontium) and detailed sedimentological analysis. The focus is on peritidal to lagoonal facies characterized by mass occurrences of Lithocodium–Bacinella, an enigmatic microencruster community. Lithocodium–Bacinella facies occurs predominantly in layers ranging from one to several centimetres in stratigraphic thickness, with several layers merging to metre‐thick packages. Growth fabrics within the layers include oncoidal morphotypes, lumps, interconnected patches and columns, layers and rare nodular to massive bindstone facies. These growth patterns show a remarkable regional extent and consistency over study sites distributed several kilometres apart. This widespread distribution suggests that specific Lithocodium–Bacinella morphotypes might serve as regional stratigraphic markers. The high‐resolution carbon‐isotope chemostratigraphy presented here is based on pristine rudist shells and matrix micrite samples and calibrated against strontium‐isotope data obtained from screened rudist low‐Mg calcite. The chemostratigraphic data are consistent with existing biostratigraphic data and place the studied strata at the onset of Early Aptian oceanic anoxic event 1a. Moreover, results indicate the near‐coeval nature of Lithocodium–Bacinella bloom facies in Istria and Oman. The outcomes of this study point to latitudinally different responses of Tethyan shoal‐water carbonate systems (platform drowning versus Lithocodium–Bacinella blooms) to the ocean‐wide anoxic event 1a.