Rare-earth elements in Oligo-Miocenic pelitic sediments from Lagonegro Basin,southern Apennines,Italy: implications for provenance and source area weathering

The Lagonegro Units are a part of the southern Apennines orogenic wedge. The age of the Lagonegro successions ranges from lower–middle Triassic to Oligo-Miocene. During late Cretaceous and Oligocene the deposition of calcareous-clastic sediments occurred interbedded with shales (Flysch Rosso Fm). During Oligocene and early Miocene, in the Mediterranean area, an important variation of the tectonic regime occurred, and siliciclastic sediments of the Numidian Basin unconformably lay on the Meso-Cenozoic units of the Lagonegro Basin. In the Lucanian Apennine, the Aquitanian–Langhian Numidian Flysch Fm overlies the Flysch rosso Fm. The shales of the Flysch rosso Fm have a peculiar geochemical fingerprint relative to typical shales of post-Archean age. The abundance of Ni and Cr is significantly higher and the HREE chondrite-normalized patterns are steep with a (Gd/Yb)_ch>2. A supply of material from the African Archean terranes could be the cause. The palaeo-weathering indices record changes at the source, reflecting variations in the tectonic regime. The oldest samples are derived from an environment in which steady-state weathering conditions prevailed, whereas the youngest samples are related to non-steady-state weathering conditions. This difference could record deformational events that affected the Mediterranean area during the Oligocene and early Miocene. The sample at the top of the studied log has very high silica content and an abundant coarse grain-sized fraction. This suggests that this sample belongs to the Numidian Flysch Fm. The geochemical proxies of this sample are different from those associated with samples from the Flysch rosso Fm, indicating that the source-area of the Numidian Flysch Fm did not include the Archean terranes.     

Mineralization and deformation of the Malanjkhand terrane (2,490–2,440 Ma) along the southern margin of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone

The Malanjkhand Cu–Mo–Au deposit, located near the northwest margin of the Malanjkhand batholith (terrane), is a strategic and significant porphyry-style deposit that experienced a protracted 50 m.y. deformational history shortly after its formation at 2,490±8 Ma (Stein et al. 2004). In a recent study, Panigrahi et al. (2004) averaged U–Pb SHRIMP zircon data from a pooled set of samples from the Malanjkhand batholith to advocate a meaningless intermediate age of ~2,476 Ma for the Malanjkhand granitoid and its Cu–Mo–Au deposit. In the northwest part of the Malanjkhand batholith, Re–Os dating of occurrence-specific molybdenite captures not only the age of porphyry-style mineralization and associated magmatism, but also elucidates a complex deformational history that extends to ~2,450 Ma. In the central part of the Malanjkhand batholith, Re–Os dating of delicate spindles of accessory molybdenite occurring with pristine muscovite in miarolitic cavities within the undeformed microgranitoid at the Devgaon Mo prospect unequivocally shows that deformation ceased at this location no later than 2,470–2,465 Ma. The deformational history recorded at the Malanjkhand deposit in the northwest most likely reflects prolonged transpressive convergence and docking of the Malanjkhand terrane with units in the poorly understood (proto) Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) along its southern margin, the Central Indian shear zone. The timing for this convergence is Late Archean–Early Paleoproterozoic.Comment on “Age of granitic activity associated with copper–molybdenum mineralization at Malanjkhand, Central India” by Panigrahi MK et al. (Mineralium Deposita 39:670–677)     

Miocene low-angle detachments and upper crust megaboudinage in the Mt. Amiata geothermal area (Northern Apennines,Italy)

Information from surface and subsurface geology (boreholes and seismic reflection lines) are used to depict the geometry of the extensional structures (low-angle normal faults and related Tuscan Nappe megaboudins) affecting the Mt. Amiata geothermal area and developed during the early stage of the extensional tectonics which affected the inner Northern Apennines and Tyrrhenian Sea from the Early-Middle Miocene. Normal faulting involved the thickened middle-upper crust after the collisional stage and, in the Mt. Amiata region, took place over relatively short periods (5-7 Ma) characterised by rapid extensional strain rates. Normal faults showing articulated geometry (flat-ramp-flat) characterised by subhorizontal detachments (flats) and synthetic ramps, caused widespread megaboudinage mainly in the sedimentary tectonic units and particularly in the Tuscan Nappe. Evaporites occurring at the base of the Tuscan Nappe, the deepest sedimentary tectonic unit of the Northern Apennines, controlled the geometry of the faults, and rift-raft tectonics may be the style of this first extensional phase. Three Tuscan Nappe extensional horses (megaboudins) have been recognised in the subsurface of the Mt. Amiata area. They are characterised, in map view, by elliptical shapes and show a mean NNW-SSE lengthening. They are delimited at the base and at the top by east-dipping flats, while their western and eastern margins coincide with east-dipping ramps. On the whole, considering their geometrical features, these megaboudins correspond to extensional horses belonging to an asymmetrical east-dipping extensional duplex system.

Rollover anticlines deformed the western ramp of the megaboudins and rotated the uppermost flat as well as all the structures previously developed, which became steeply-dipping to the west.     

The structure of the Monte Amiata volcano-geothermal area (Northern Apennines, Italy): Neogene-Quaternary compression versus extension

The tectonic evolution of the Mt Amiata volcano-geothermal area is under discussion. Some authors state that this region, as well as the hinterland of the Northern Apennines, were affected by compression from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary. In contrast, most authors believe that extension drove the tectonic evolution of the Northern Apennines from the Early Miocene to the Quaternary. Field data, seismic analyses and borehole logs have been integrated in order to better define the structural features of the continental crust in the Mt Amiata geothermal area. In this paper I propose the hypothesis that the structure of the crust in the Mt Amiata volcano-geothermal area derives from two main geological processes: (1) contractional tectonics related to the stacking of the Northern Apennines (Cretaceous–Early Miocene), (2) subsequent extensional collapse of the hinterland of the mountain chain, and related opening of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea (Early Miocene–Quaternary). Compressional and extensional structures characterise the Mt Amiata region, although extensional structures dominate its geological framework. In particular the extension produced: (a) Middle-Late Miocene boudinage of the previously stacked tectonic units; (b) Pliocene–Quaternary normal faulting which favoured the emplacement of a magmatic body in the middle-upper crust; and (c) the eruption of the Mt Amiata volcano, which gave rise to an acid and intermediate volcanic complex (0.3–0.19 Ma). The extension produced the space necessary to accommodate the Middle-Late Miocene marine and continental sediments. Pliocene and Quaternary normal and transtensional faults dissected the previous structures and influenced the Early Middle Pliocene marine sedimentation within the structural depressions neighbouring the Mt Amiata volcano. The magmatic body was emplaced at depth (about 6–7 km) during the Pliocene extension, and produced the eruption of the Mt Amiata volcano during the Late Pleistocene. This gave rise to local uplift, presently reaching about 3,000 m, as well as a negative Bouguer anomaly (−16 mgal), both centred on the Mt Amiata area. The crustal dome shows a good correspondence with the convex shape of the regional seismic marker known as the K-horizon, which corresponds to the 450°C isotherm, and the areas with greatest heat flow. This is probably a consequence of the above-cited magmatic body presently in the process of solidification. A Late Pleistocene eruption occurred along a crustal fissure striking N50° (Mt Amiata Fault), which crosscuts the crustal dome. Hydrothermal circulation, proven by the occurrence of thermal springs and gas vents (mainly CO₂ and H₂S), mainly occurs along the Mt Amiata Fault both in the northeastern ans southwestern sides of the volcano.     

Phyllosilicate injection along extensional carbonate-hosted faults and implications for co-seismic slip propagation: Case studies from the central Apennines,Italy

We document phyllosilicates occurrence along five shallow (exhumed from depths < 3 km) carbonate-hosted extensional faults from the seismically-active domain of the central Apennines, Italy. The shallow portion of this domain is characterized by a sedimentary succession consisting of ∼5–6 km thick massive carbonate deposits overlain by ∼2 km thick phyllosilicate-rich deposits (marls and siliciclastic sandstones). We show that the phyllosilicates observed within the studied carbonate-hosted faults derived from the overlying phyllosilicate-rich sedimentary deposits and were involved in the faulting processes. We infer that, during fault zone evolution, the phyllosilicates downward injected into pull-aparts (i.e., dilational jogs) that were generated along staircase extensional faults. With further displacement accumulation, the clayey material was smeared and concentrated into localized layers along the carbonate-hosted fault surfaces. These layers are usually thin (a few centimeters to decimeters thick), but can reach also a few meters in thickness. We suggest that, even in tectonic settings dominated by high frictional strength rocks (e.g., carbonates), localized layers enriched in weak phyllosilicates can occur along shallow fault surfaces thus reducing the expected fault strength during earthquakes, possibly promoting co-seismic slip propagation up to the Earth's surface.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vorticity,strain and area change in general non-isochoric 2D deformation

A scale free representation of a general non-isochoric 2D deformation is presented which is amenable to mathematical analysis. By describing deformation in 2D in terms of polar coordinates the stretching and rotational histories of linear elements separate and are easily analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. An analysis of finite strain combined with dynamical considerations allows the derivation of equations which may be used to estimate finite strain, area change and kinematic vorticity number. Numerical investigation of method developed here was carried out and it was found to perform well unless large area changes occur in combination with large components of simple shear. A re-analysis of natural data indicates the method is consistent.     

The Mesozoic continental rifting in the Mediterranean area: insights from the Verrucano tectofacies of southern Tuscany (Northern Apennines,Italy)

In the Alpine-Mediterranean region, the continental redbeds and shallow-marine siliciclastics related to the early depositional phases of the Late Permian-Mesozoic continental rifting are referred to as the most common representative of the “Verrucano tectofacies”. The Verrucano-type successions exposed in southern Tuscany are diachronous, spanning from Triassic to earliest Jurassic in age, and accumulated within the Tuscan domain, a paleogeographic region of continental crust that due to the opening of the Piedmont–Ligurian ocean formed part of the Adria passive-margin. They belong to the metamorphic Verrucano Group and the non-metamorphic Pseudoverrucano fm. Viewed overall, these Verrucano-type successions appear to manifest five episodes or pulses of an ongoing continental rifting. With the exception of the first episode that developed entirely within a terrestrial setting, each one is represented by basal Verrucano-type continental siliciclastics overlain by compositionally mixed marine deposits, which resulted from four diachronous, post-Middle Triassic transgressions. This suite of tectonic pulses produced the progressive westward widening (backstepping) of the Tuscan domain in the rifting south-Tuscany area.     

浙南龙泉地区晚侏罗世火山岩的厘定及成因探讨

浙江晚中生代大规模火山活动始于晚侏罗世还是早白垩世,长期以来存在争议。本文对浙南龙泉地区火山岩进行了锆石U-Pb定年,获得一批高精度的年代学数据,其SHRIMP锆石U-Pb和LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄集中于163～145 Ma,确认浙江晚中生代火山活动始于晚侏罗世。地球化学特征和Sr-Nd同位素特征表明这套晚侏罗世火山岩具有高硅、高钾、低磷、贫铁镁的特征,属于过铝质高钾钙碱性岩石系列。由于晚中生代太平洋板块的俯冲作用,导致了下部地壳物质(基底变质岩)广泛熔融,形成了本区晚侏罗世火山岩浆活动。为了便于表达、对比,笔者建议新建"晚侏罗世黄茅尖群"地层单位。     

内蒙古白云鄂博地区基底岩石锆石年代学及对构造背景的指示

白云鄂博地区的克拉通基底岩石主要由糜棱岩化花岗片麻岩(2588±15Ma),正长岩、花岗闪长岩(2018±15Ma)和黑云母花岗片麻岩、含石榴石蓝晶石花岗片麻岩(～1890Ma)等组成,白云鄂博超大型稀土矿床就位于华北克拉通太古代基底之上。太古代克拉通基底在早元古代中晚期(2.0Ga)又经历了一次强烈的碰撞造山运动,造成了闪长质与花岗质岩浆侵位,以及1.9Ga片麻岩相变质事件。     

Trace-element behavior during weathering of leucite in potassic rocks from the Roccamonfina volcano (Campania, southern Italy) and environmental implications

Trace-element contents in leucite and its alteration mineral phases from the Quaternary potassic rocks of the Roccamonfina volcano have been determined. The dominant weathering phase of leucite is analcite. In the early stages of the conversion process, it concentrates mainly Rb and Sr with minor amounts of Ba, Ni, V, Zn, La, Ce and Zr. At more advanced stages of the conversion process, only Rb and Y persist, while all other elements (except Cu and Cr that are essentially immobile) are lost, particularly Zn and to a lesser extent La, Ce and Nd. Besides analcite, leucite may also subordinately alter to halloysite. This probably occurs by interaction of waters of low cation/H⁺ ratio. Halloysite concentrates mainly Sr and, to a lower extent, Ba. Environmental implications are significant only for K, as the release of this element to groundwaters increases greatly the fertility of soils.     

Statistical occurrence analysis and spatio-temporal distribution of earthquakes in the Apennines (Italy)

We present two examples of statistical analysis of seismicity conducted by integrating geological, geophysical and seismological data with the aim to characterize the active stress field and to define the spatio-temporal distribution of large earthquakes. Moreover, our data will help to improve the knowledge of the “seismogenic behavior” of the areas and to provide useful information for seismic hazard evaluation.The earthquakes are described by two non-parametric statistical procedures integrating also tectonic-physical parameters to study the spatio-temporal variability.The results show that the areas are characterized by: 1) a stress regime with mainly extensional kinematics; 2) tectonic structures mainly oriented with the active stress field (S_hmin = N44° ± 18° in the southern Apennines and S_hmin = N50° ± 17° in the central Apennines); 3) cluster distribution of seismicity and 4) a high probability of earthquake occurrence (M > 5.5) in the next 10 years.     

AMS fabric and tectonic evolution of Quaternary intramontane extensional basins in the Picentini Mountains (southern Apennines, Italy)

In this work, we report the results of combined geological, structural, and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies carried out on Quaternary deposits in the Picentini Mountains, southern Apennines (Italy). The study concerns four small continental basins, Acerno, Tizzano, Iumaiano, and Piano del Gaudo, related to fluvial–lacustrine depositional environments, ranging in altitude from 600 to 1,200 m a.s.l. and strongly incised during recent time. Stratigraphic and structural analyses, integrated by low- and high-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), show that the formation of these basins has been controlled by extensional and transtensional tectonics. Most of the AMS sites exhibit a well-defined magnetic foliation parallel to the bedding planes. A well-defined magnetic lineation has also been measured within the foliation planes. In the Iumaiano, Tizzano, and Piano del Gaudo basins, magnetic lineations cluster around NNE–SSW trend and are parallel to the stretching directions inferred by structural analysis of faults and fractures. On the basis of structural, sedimentological, and high-field AMS data, we suggest a tectonic origin for the magnetic lineation, analogously to what has been observed in other weakly deformed sediments from Neogene and Quaternary extensional basins of the Mediterranean region. Our results demonstrate that onset and the evolution of the investigated basins have been mainly controlled since lower Pleistocene by NW–SE normal and transtensional faults. This deformation pattern is consistent with a prevalent NE–SW extensional tectonic regime, still active in southern Apennines, as revealed by seismological and geodetic data.     

Normal faulting, transcrustal permeability and seismogenesis in the Apennines (Italy)

Late Pliocene–Pleistocene tectonic evolution of the Apennines is driven by progressive eastward migration of extensional downfaulting superposed onto the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene compressional thrust belt. This process has led to distinct structural domains that show decreasing transcrustal permeability from conditions of pervasive mixing between deep and surface fluids in the hinterland (west) to conditions of restricted fluid circulation and overpressuring in the foreland (east). At present, the highest rates of normal faulting and the strongest seismicity occur in the area bounded by stretched, highly permeable crust to the west and thick, poorly permeable crust to the east. In this area, the seismogenic sources of the largest earthquakes (5<M_s<7) are potentially related to mature normal faults that deeply penetrate thick brittle upper crust, and act as transient high-permeability channels during seismic activity. In this framework, it is plausible that domains of overpressuring govern progressive inception of normal faulting and fluid redistribution in the crust, leading to eastward migration of the belt of maximum seismicity with time.     

Identification of the Early Jurassic mylonitic granitic pluton and tectonic implications in Namling area,southern Tibet

A number of studies revealed that the Gangdese magmatic belt of southern Tibet was closely related to the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere and Indo-Asian collision.However,pre-Cretaceous magmatism is still poorly constrained in the Gangdese magmatic belt,southern Tibet.Here,we conducted systematically geochronology and geochemistry studies on a newly-identified granitic pluton in the middle Gangdese magmatic belt(Namling area),southern Tibet.Zircon SHRIMPⅡU-Pb dating for one representative sample gives a weighted age of 184.2±1.8 Ma(MSWD=±1.11),corresponding to emplacement and crystallization age of the granitic pluton in the Early Jurassic(Pliensbachian).High SiO2(68.9-72.1 wt.%)contents and intermediate Mg#values(35-38)together suggest that the newly-identified granitic pluton was probably formed by partial melting of crustal material with minor injection of mantle-derived magma,precluding an origin from melting of metasedimentary rocks that are characterized by low Mg#and high zirconδ^18O values(>8‰).Geochemically,the newly-identified granitic pluton belongs to typical I-type granitic affinity,whereas this is inconsistent with aluminium saturation index(ASI=A/CNK ratios)and geochemical signatures.This suggests that zircon oxygen isotopes(4.30‰-5.28‰)and mineral features(lacking Al-rich minerals)are reliable indicators for discriminating granitic origin.Significantly depleted whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions and zirconεHf(t)values indicate that the granitic pluton was derived from partial melting of depleted arc-type lavas.In addition,the granitic pluton shows zirconδ^18O values ranging from 4.30‰to 5.28‰(with a mean value of 4.77‰)that are consistent with mantle-derived zircon values(5.3‰±0.6‰)within the uncertainties,indicating that the granitic pluton might have experienced weak short-living high-temperature hydrous fluid-rock interaction.Combined with the Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopes and geochemical signatures,we propose that the newly-identified granitic pluton was originated from partial melting of depleted mafic lower crust,and experienced only negligible wall-rock contamination during ascent.Integrated with published data,we also propose that the initial subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere occurred no later than the Pliensbachian of the Early Jurassic.     

Late Pleistocene to Holocene record of changing uplift rates in southern Calabria and northeastern Sicily (southern Italy, Central Mediterranean Sea)

A combination of published and new radiometric dates on uplifted Holocene fossil beaches from northeastern Sicily and southern Calabria (southern Italy) is compared with the altitude of the inner margin of the Last Interglacial (LIg) (Late Pleistocene, 124 ka) and older marine terraces in order to gain a regional-scale outline of uplift rates and their temporal changes in a region which is one of the fastest uplifting sectors of the Central Mediterranean Sea. Late Holocene radiocarbon dates from Ioppolo (southern Calabria) and Ganzirri (northeast Sicily), two newly discovered sites are here presented for the first time. The Holocene uplift rates are highest at St. Alessio and Taormina in eastern Sicily (2.4 mm/y) and at Scilla in southwestern Calabria (2.1 mm/y), two sites located across the Messina Straits and which separate the island of Sicily from mainland Italy. Uplift rates decrease towards the south and north from this centre of uplift. Late Holocene uplift rates show an apparent increase of between 64 and 124% when compared with the longer-term uplift rates calculated from the LIg highstand terraces. Furthermore, we discovered that the locations of fastest Late Pleistocene and Late Holocene uplift rates spatially coincide. To what extent the Holocene increase in uplift rates results from incomplete elastic strain release along the major extensional faults which frame the seismotectonic of the area, or indicate a true change in regional tectonic processes, is not resolved. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of uplift, with a well-defined centre that crosses the Messina Straits, and its persistence at different time-scales indicates a tight connection between wider regional processes and fault-related displacement in controlling crustal instability in this area.     

Quaternary fault segmentation and interaction in the epicentral area of the 1561 earthquake (Mw = 6.4), Vallo di Diano, southern Apennines, Italy

The main structural characteristics of the Caggiano and Polla faults, exposed in the epicentral area of the 1561 earthquake (Mw = 6.4), southern Italy, have been investigated in detail to assess their spatial and temporal properties, and to evaluate their seismogenic potential. These right stepping normal faults show an overlap of about 7 km and an across strike separation of about 4 km. The geometric relationships between the Caggiano and Polla faults, but also the displacement distribution along each fault, demonstrate that they have been strongly interacting throughout the Pleistocene. Nevertheless, geological evidence of Holocene tectonic activity was mainly recognized along the Caggiano Fault (faulted late glacial deposits) and in the southernmost part of the Polla Fault (faulted deposits of probably Late Pleistocene age). This suggests that the Caggiano Fault can be considered as the most tectonically active fault in the Vallo di Diano Fault System. By calculating Coulomb stress changes, we have constrained modes of mechanical interactions between the two faults in a scenario compatible with the 1561 earthquake. This approach allows us to argue that both the Caggiano and the Polla Faults are probably linked at depth, and part of the same seismogenic structure which may be potentially responsible for composite ruptures with magnitude ≥ 6.5.     

Focal mechanism inversion in the Giudicarie–Lessini seismotectonic region (Southern Alps, Italy): Insights on tectonic stress and strain

A set of 41 focal mechanisms (1989–2006) from P-wave first polarities is computed from relocated seismic events in the Giudicarie–Lessini region (Southern Alps). Estimated hypocentral depths vary from 3.1 to 20.8 km, for duration magnitudes (M_D) in the range 2.7–5.1. Stress and strain inversions are performed for two seismotectonic zones, namely G (Giudicarie) and L (Lessini). This subdivision is supported by geological evidence, seismicity distribution, and focal mechanism types. The available number of data (16 in G, 22 in L) does not make possible any further subdivisions. Seismotectonic zones G and L are undergoing different kinematic regimes: thrust with strike-slip component in G, and strike-slip in L. Principal stress and strain axes in each sub-region show similar orientations. The direction of maximum horizontal compressive stress is roughly perpendicular to the thrust fronts along the Giudicarie Belt in zone G, and compatible with right-lateral strike-slip reactivation of the faults belonging to the Schio-Vicenza system in zone L. On the whole, kinematic regimes and horizontal stress orientations show a good fit with other stress data from focal mechanisms and breakouts and with geodetic strain rate axes.     

藏南吉隆—萨嘎地区侏罗系两期变形的厘定及其地质意义

吉隆—萨嘎地区侏罗系陆热组和唯美组普遍经历了两期变形:早期主要表现为中—深层次的顺层剪切作用和同斜褶皱,晚期主要表现为中层次的褶皱-逆冲作用。两期变形分别代表了特提斯洋由南向北的俯冲作用以及印度-欧亚板块碰撞造山作用,其变形样式和组合方式记录了板块俯冲-碰撞造山的历史和过程。其中,早期变形使得地层发生重复,是导致该区侏罗系地层厚度大且难以与江孜、羊卓雍错地区对比的主要原因。     

Carbon-isotope records of the Early Jurassic (Toarcian) oceanic anoxic event from the Valdorbia (Umbria–Marche Apennines) and Monte Mangart (Julian Alps) sections: palaeoceanographic and stratigraphic implications

The Toarcian oceanic anoxic event ( ca 183 Ma) coincides with a global perturbation marked by enhanced organic carbon burial and a general decrease in calcium carbonate production, probably triggered by changes in the composition of marine plankton and elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This study is based on high-resolution sampling of two stratigraphic successions, located in Valdorbia (Umbria–Marche Apennines) and Monte Mangart (Julian Alps), Italy, which represent expressions of the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event in deep-water pelagic sediments. These successions are characterized by the occurrence of black shales showing relatively low total organic carbon concentrations (compared with coeval strata in Northern Europe), generally < 2%, and low hydrogen indices. On this basis, they are similar to other Toarcian black shales described from the Tethyan region. The positive and negative carbon-isotope records from the two localities permit a high-resolution correlation such that ammonite biostratigraphy information from Valdorbia can be transferred to those parts of the Monte Mangart section that lack these fossils. Spectral analyses of δ¹³C_org values and of CaCO₃ percentages from the sedimentary records of both the Valdorbia and Monte Mangart sections reveal a strong cyclic pattern, best interpreted as an eccentricity signal which hence implies a duration of ca 500 kyr for the negative carbon-isotope excursion. Based on the carbon-isotope curves obtained, the high-resolution correlation between the Italian successions and a section in Yorkshire (Northern Europe) confirms the supposition that the apparent mismatch between the dating of the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event in the Boreal and Tethyan realms is an artefact of biostratigraphy.