Calpionellids and calcispheres from the upper Jurassic-lower Cretaceous deposits in the Resita-Moldova Noua zone, Southern Carpathians, Romania

An assemblage of calpionellids and calcispheres identified in five lithostratigraphic units allows the identification of eight biozones in the upper Oxfordian-Hauterivian interval. Since the biozonation according to calpionellids has already been accurately defined by Pop (1974, 1989) for the Marila Limestones and Crivina Marls, the novelty of our approach resides mainly in the extension of this biozonation to the over- and underlying lithostratigraphic units using calcispheres. The possibility of micropalaeontologically delimiting the Valea Aninei Limestones is extremely significant, since the age of these limestones has been estimated so far only by their geometrical setting in the lithostratigraphic sequence of formations in the area.     

The Valanginian history of the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform (Southern Carpathians,Romania): Evidence for emergence and drowning of the platform

Lower Cretaceous successions that crop out in the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform (Southern Carpathians, Romania) preserve records of the Valanginian events in different settings of the platform. The integrated sedimentological, biostratigraphical, geochemical and mineralogical analysis of the upper Berriasian–Valanginian successions reveal successive stages in the evolution of the carbonate platform: (a) pre-drowning stage of the shallow-shelf and slope settings of the platform; (b) subaerial exposure and karstification; and (c) incipient flooding and drowning of the carbonate platform. Following the subaerial exposure, starting in the middle early Valanginian, the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform experienced a drowning phase documented by iron oxyhydroxides, phosphate and glaucony mineralized discontinuity surface and glaucony-rich sediments disposed on the discontinuity surface. Recognition of the diachronous intra-Valanginian discontinuity surface within the studied successions is based on clear evidences (facies contrast, depositional and diagenetic features, biostratigraphic and taphonomic data, and geometrical relations). The negative–positive carbon isotope excursion is correlated with the global perturbations of the carbon cycle related to the Valanginian “Weissert” episode, and it is documented for the first time in the shallowest parts of the Getic Carbonate Platform. Tectonic activity and eustatic sea-level fluctuations were most probably the main factors that led to fault-block tilting, local emersion and subsequent drowning of the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform during the Early Cretaceous. We infer that the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform was affected by late Berriasian–early Hauterivian extensional tectonics that could be related to the Neo-Cimmerian movements with effects generally recognized in the northern peri-Tethyan areas.     

Biostratigraphic and isotopic record of the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Ohaba-Ponor section (SW Haţeg, Romania)

The middle Cenomanian–lower Turonian deposits of Ohaba-Ponor section (Southern Carpathians) were studied from biostratigraphic and isotopic points of view. Both the qualitative and semiquantitative nannofloral analyses, as well as the stable isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) data support significant palaeoenvironmental changes in the investigated interval. Two δ¹³C positive excursions were recognized: (1) an excursion up to 1.8‰ (PDB) within the middle/late Cenomanian boundary; (2) an excursion up to 2.2‰ (PDB) in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval. The oldest δ¹³C positive excursion recorded (placed within the Acanthoceras jukes-brownei/Eucalycoceras pentagonum Ammonite Zone boundary interval, and in the NC11 Calcareous Nannofossil Zone respectively) could be assigned to the middle Cenomanian Event II (MCEII). During the above-mentioned event, significant increase in abundance of Watznaueria barnesae, followed by successive blooms of Biscutum constans and Eprolithus floralis, were observed. The youngest δ¹³C positive excursion was identified in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval (in the NC12 and lower part of the NC13 Calcareous Nannofossil Zones). Even the amplitude of this δ¹³C positive excursion is lower in the Ohaba-Ponor section, as generally reported, this may represent the regional record of the OAE2. The successive peaks of the nannofossils Biscutum constans, Zeugrhabdotus erectus and Eprolithus floralis indicate episodes of cooler surface water and high fertility, which preceded and lasted the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event. Additionally, fluctuations of δ¹⁸O values between −2 and −6‰ suggest also cooler conditions within the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval.     

The Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary in the Apulco area by means of calpionellids and calcareous dinoflagellates: An alternative to the classical Mazatepec section in eastern Mexico

A detailed bed-by-bed sampling within the Pimienta and the Lower Tamaulipas Formations from a section in the Apulco area (Puebla State, Eastern Mexico), allows the delimitation of the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary. The Late Tithonian was identified by the presence of calpionellids of the Crassicollaria Zone (Colomi Subzone) and calcareous dinocysts of the Proxima Zone. The Tithonian/Berriasian boundary was placed at the acme of Calpionella alpina (small forms) between samples MZT 45–46. The Berriasian was divided into two main units, namely the Calpionella Zone, further subdivided into the Alpina, Ferasini and Elliptica subzones, and the Calpionellopsis Zone, within which only the Oblonga subzone was identified. The vertical distribution of calpionellids and their assemblages in the biozones of this Mexican section fit those from other Tethyan areas.     

The fossil record (calcareous nannofossils and foraminifers) in single intervals of the Upper Cretaceous flysch sequence of the West Carpathians, Czechoslovakia

Studies of calcareous nannofossils and microfossils and their distribution in different intervals of the flysch rhythms in the Kloko ník brook in the Bílé Karpaty Unit of the Magura Group of nappes in the West Carpathians gave the following results. The highest species diversity of calcareous nannofossils was found in the lower parts of the Bouma Te hemipelagic intervals. The Campanian marker species Ceratolithoides aculeus and Aspidolithus parcus were found in practically all layers studied. A stratigraphically important foraminiferal fauna was obtained from the upper parts of the Bouma Te intervals, including the Campanian-Maastrichtian planktic foraminifers Globotruncana arca and Globotruncanita stuartiformis. In the non-calcareous pelagites, agglutinated species with a range from the Late Cretaceous to the Paleogene dominate.     

Response of deep-sea ostracod assemblages to Late Cretaceous palaeoceanographical changes: ODP Site 689 in the Southern Ocean

Twenty-six deep-sea ostracod species are described from the late Campanian to late Maastrichtian of ODP Site 689 in the Southern Ocean. Three are described as new:Cytherelloidea megaspirocostata,Agulhasina sudoceanicaandPennyella foveolata. Correspondence analysis identified three faunal sample groups. The first is mainly characterised byA. sudoceanica,Kirthesp. andCytherellasp. This is replaced, first temporarily (betweenc. 71 and 69 Ma) by a group mainly characterised byArgilloeciaspp. andC. megaspirocostata, possibly a consequence of a short-lived global palaeoceanographic event marked by increased ventilation and cooling of intermediate waters at site 689. It then reappears before finally being replaced by a third group largely characterised byEucytherecf.circumcostata,P. foveolataandDutoitella mimicaDingle. This final change is coeval with a marked increase in the faunal density of ostracods, probably owing to an increase in food supply. However, the oxygen isotopic records of benthonic foraminifera suggests that the replacement of the first ostracod group by the third is a result of the long term Maastrichtian cooling of intermediate waters at high latitudes. This replacement is also coeval with a gradual change in benthonic foraminiferal assemblages at site 689. It is suggested, therefore, thatPennyellaandDutoitellahad a greater potential of adapting to successively colder palaeoceanographical conditions thanAgulhasina. The former genera have a cosmopolitan deep-sea distribution today.     

Palynological and geochemical response to environmental changes in the Lower Cretaceous in the Outer Western Carpathians; a record from the Silesian unit, Czech Republic

Rich dinoflagellate cyst assemblages recorded from the Vendryne Formation, Tesin Limestone, and Hradiste Formation of the Silesian unit, Czech Republic are presented. The results of a qualitative and quantitative study of dinoflagellate cysts are presented and discussed. Age-assessment of the sediments based on 86 species suggests a Late Tithonian to Early Berriasian age for the Vendryne Formation and a Late Berriasian (Otopeta Ammonite Zone) to the basal part of the Late Valanginian (Verrucosum Ammonite Zone) age for the Tesin Limestone. Pelitic flyschoid sediments of the Hradiste Formation belong to the Late Valanginian - Early Hauterivian age. Quantitative palynological study and carbon isotope analysis were applied to understand the change from the grey clays to dark grey clays sedimentation. The dinoflagellate cyst assemblages show deposition in a shallow-sea environment. An increasing amount of sporomorphs towards the overlying layers (they are the most abundant in the Hradiste Formation) shows a growing supply of terrestrial material at the same time. The values of δ¹³C increased significantly from a level of 0.43 or 0.75-1.81‰ in the Late Valanginian. This change probably indicates an increase in organic matter storage and perturbation of the carbon cycle connected with the dark grey clays sedimentation.     

Paleomagnetism of the earliest Cretaceous to early late Cretaceous sandstones, Khorat Group, Northeast Thailand: Implications for tectonic plate movement of the Indochina block

A total of 400 samples (33 sites) were collected from the earliest Cretaceous to early Late Cretaceous sandstones of the Khorat Group in the Indochina block for paleomagnetic study to unravel the tectonic evolution of the region. The sites were adopted from 3 traverses located in the northern edge of the Khorat Plateau, northeastern Thailand. Results indicate that almost all the sandstones exhibit similar magnetic values with an average declination (D) = 31.7°, inclination (I) = 30.3°, λ = 59.7°,  = 190.9°, K = 54.4, and A₉₅ = 3.7 at reference point 17°30′N and 103°30′E. The calculated paleolatitude points are inferred to deviate from the present latitude point by 1.2 ± 2.3°. Only the lowermost part of the Cretaceous sandstones can pass a positive fold test at 95% confidence level. The relationship between the virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) of Cretaceous rocks of the Indochina plate in Thailand and those of the South China plate advocate that there is a major displacement of Indochina along the northwest-trending Red River and associated faults by about 950 ± 150 km with a 16.0–17.0° clockwise rotation relative to the South China plate during earliest Cretaceous times. Paleomagnetic results of the early Late Cretaceous Indochina plate point to a 20–25° clockwise rotation relative to the present occurring since very Late Cretaceous (65 Myrs)–Early Neogene times which may be due to the collision between India and Asia.     

A late Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstruction from Agua Caliente,southern Belize,linked to regional climate variability and cultural change at the Maya polity of Uxbenká

We report high-resolution macroscopic charcoal, pollen and sedimentological data for Agua Caliente, a freshwater lagoon located in southern Belize, and infer a late Holocene record of human land-use/climate interactions for the nearby prehistoric Maya center of Uxbenká. Land-use activities spanning the initial clearance of forests for agriculture through the drought-linked Maya collapse and continuing into the historic recolonization of the region are all reflected in the record. Human land alteration in association with swidden agriculture is evident early in the record during the Middle Preclassic starting ca. 2600 cal yr BP. Fire slowly tapered off during the Late and Terminal Classic, consistent with the gradual political demise and depopulation of the Uxbenká polity sometime between ca. 1150 and 950 cal yr BP, during a period of multiple droughts evident in a nearby speleothem record. Fire activity was at its lowest during the Maya Postclassic ca. 950–430 cal yr BP, but rose consistent with increasing recolonization of the region between ca. 430 cal yr BP and present. These data suggest that this environmental record provides both a proxy for 2800 years of cultural change, including colonization, growth, decline, and reorganization of regional populations, and an independent confirmation of recent paleoclimate reconstructions from the same region.     

青藏高原南羌塘荣玛晚侏罗世闪长岩:班公湖——怒江特提斯洋向北俯冲产物

班公湖—怒江特提斯洋的演化一直以来备受关注,对于其俯冲极性存在不同认识。报道在青藏高原南羌塘荣玛地区新发现的晚侏罗世闪长岩年代学、地球化学和锆石Hf同位素特征。LA-MC-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄结果表明,岩石形成于149.7±0.8Ma,时代为晚侏罗世。岩石呈富碱,低Mg O、TFe O、Ca O,富集轻稀土元素和Rb、Th、U、K等元素,亏损Ta、Nb、P、Ti等元素。锆石εHf(t)值为正值,并且具有较大的变化范围(+4.26~+9.29),指示岩浆来源于幔源和壳源岩浆的混合。结合区域地质背景认为,荣玛地区晚侏罗世闪长岩为班公湖—怒江特提斯洋向北俯冲所引起的幔源和壳源岩浆混合作用的产物。     

拉萨地块西段尼雄地区早白垩世晚期花岗闪长岩的成因及构造意义

青藏高原拉萨地体中西部广泛发育白垩纪岩浆岩,为探讨青藏高原新生代之前的地质演化历史提供了重要线索。然而其成因及构造背景还存在不同的认识,严重阻碍了青藏高原演化历程的反演工作。本文对藏西措勤县尼雄地区的一套花岗闪长岩进行了详细的年代学和全岩地球化学分析,结果表明,尼雄花岗闪长岩的SiO₂含量为65.24%～67.61%,Na₂O/K₂O为0.91～3.93,铝饱和指数（A/CNK）为0.94～1.14,属I型钙碱性岩石。它们富集轻稀土元素（LREEs）和大离子亲石元素（LILEs,如Rb、Th等）,亏损重稀土元素（HREEs）和高场强元素（HFSEs,如Nb、Ta等）,轻重稀土分馏明显[（La/Yb）_N =7.6～12.2],具有弱-中等的负Eu异常（δEu为0.6～0.9）。两个花岗闪长岩样品中获得的岩浆锆石U-Pb定年结果分别为119.7 Ma和120.5 Ma,代表了尼雄地区的花岗闪长岩为早白垩世晚期岩浆活动的产物。综合研究表明,这套花岗闪长岩主要来源于古老下地壳物质的重熔,并伴有同期幔源岩浆的加入和混合。它们可能是雅鲁藏布江新特提斯洋壳岩石圈北向俯冲的产物。     

Nature and significance of a Cambro-Ordovician high-K, calc-alkaline sub-volcanic suite: the late- to post-orogenic Motru Dyke Swarm (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

The Motru Dyke Swarm intrudes the Precambrian Danubian basement of the Southern Carpathians (Romania). It is a marker of a sub-volcanic event that occurred during the early Palaeozoic (Cambrian to Ordovician). The geographical distribution of dykes on a ∼2,000 km² area is heterogeneous; several areas of high dyke density have been the subject of a detailed petrological and geochemical study. Taken altogether, the 150 samples define a single complete magmatic series, from basaltic andesite to rhyolite. Whole-rock major element variations show a medium- to high-K, calc-alkaline magmatic suite. The compositional variations and the general decrease of trace element contents (both compatible and incompatible, including REEs) from basaltic andesite to rhyolite are consistent with 1) the fractionation of the observed phenocryst assemblages, Ca-amphibole (Ti-pargasite to magnesiohornblende) followed by intermediate plagioclase, clinopyroxene and accessory biotite and quartz and 2) the absence of lower and/or upper crustal contamination. Trace elements diagrams display typical arc patterns (LILE, Pb and LREE enrichment and relative depletion in Nb-Ta, Zr-Hf and Ti). The Th/U, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios are constant and close to the mantle values throughout the whole series, which argues that the parental magma was generated from a single and homogeneous enriched lithospheric mantle source. The field regional evidence implies that melting occurred during a late- to post-orogenic period of lithospheric extension, and thus took place quite lately after the cessation of Pan-African subduction.     

Integrated biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene succession in the northern Moldavidian Domain (Eastern Carpathians,Romania)

This study of the upper Maastrichtian to Danian sedimentary succession from the northern part of the Romanian Eastern Carpathians (Varniţa section) aims to establish an integrated biostratigraphy based on calcareous nannofossils, organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) and foraminiferal assemblages, and to reconstruct the depositional environments of the interval. The stratigraphic record across the studied section is incomplete, considering that an approximately 16 m thick strata interval from the top of the Maastrichtian to lowermost Danian cannot be analyzed due to a landslide covering the outcrop. The upper Maastrichtian is marked by a succession of biostratigraphic events, such as the First Appearance Datum (FAD) of the nannoplankton taxon Nephrolithus frequens and FAD of the dinocyst species Deflandrea galeata and Disphaerogena carposphaeropsis, and the Last Appearance Datum (LAD) of Isabelidinium cooksoniae in the lower part of the section. These bioevents are followed by the LAD of the Dinogymnium spp. and Palynodinium grallator dinocyst markers in the top of the Maastrichtian deposits analyzed. In terms of foraminiferal biostratigraphy, the upper Maastrichtian Abathomphalus mayaroensis Zone is documented in the lower part of the studied section. Some bioevents, such as the bloom of the calcareous dinoflagellate genus Thoracosphaera and the FAD of the organic-walled dinocysts Damassadinium californicum, Senoniasphaera inornata, Xenicodinium lubricum and X. reticulatum suggest an early Danian age for the middle part of the section. From the Danian deposits in the Varniţa section, we describe a new organic-walled dinocyst species, Pentadinium darmirae sp. nov., which is until now the only species of the Pentadinium genus discovered in the Paleocene. The occurrence of the global Danian dinocyst marker Senoniasphaera inornata in the top of the section, suggests an age not younger than middle Danian (62.6 Ma) for the analyzed deposits.The palynofacies constituents, as well as the agglutinated foraminiferal morphogroups, used to reconstruct the depositional environments, show that the late Maastrichtian sediments were deposited in an outer shelf to distal (bathyal) environment, followed by a marine transgression during the Danian.     

Contribution to the biostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous in eastern Serbia: Upper Hauterivian Orbitolinidae from the Kamenica 1 section,Kurilovo anticline

Upper Hauterivian deposits in the Kurilovo area, Kamenica 1 section, NE of Niš, are described based of abundant and diverse orbitolinids. So far, the interval was assigned to the Barremian–Aptian on the geological map. Such a new age assignment results from the first detailed study carried out on the orbitolinid fauna contained in the Lower Cretaceous (upper Hauterivian) shallow-water limestones of eastern Serbia. The upper Hauterivian is documented on the basis of two key stratigraphic markers, specifically Valserina primitiva and Paleodictyoconus beckerae.In addition to these late Hauterivian index fossils, the studied section bears orbitolinids having a larger stratigraphic distribution: Cribellopsis neoelongata, Cribellopsis thieuloyi?, Montseciella glanensis, Orbitolinopsis debelmasi, Orbitolinopsis cf. debelmasi, Orbitolinopsis sp., Paleodictyoconus cuvillieri, Paleodictyoconus cf. cuvillieri, Paleodictyoconus cf. beckerae, Paleodictyoconus cf. actinostoma, Paleodictyoconus sp., Paracoskinolina? jourdanensis, Paracoskinolina cf. hispanica, Urgonina alpillensis, Valserina sp. The microfossil assemblage includes other foraminifers such as Charentia cuvillieri, Mayncina bulgarica, Nautiloculina cretacea, Pfenderina globosa, Pseudocyclammina cf. lituus, Pseudolituonella gavonensis, Ammobaculites sp., Bolivinopsis sp., abundant trocholinids, various miliolids, other foraminifers and sparse algae which will be presented separately.     

柴达木旺尕秀煤矿东南晚侏罗世—早白垩世风成砂古风向及古地理意义

柴达木盆地是我国西部地区的主要含油气盆地之一,对其油气勘探和基础地质研究工作已有70余年的历史,取得了大量研究成果,但柴达木中生代原型盆地恢复及构造演化等问题仍存在着诸多争议,影响了盆地的油气勘探进程。项目组对现今柴达木盆地周缘中生代地层开展沉积学、岩石学、沉积相分析等综合地质调查研究,在位于德令哈至都兰国道旺尕秀煤矿东南10 km山沟内原白垩系犬牙沟组地层中,发现一套滨浅湖相风成砂沉积。对其进行1∶100沉积构造厘定和岩石特征剖面实测研究后发现,剖面上发育典型的大型板状斜层理、颗粒流(grain flow)和下降流(fall flow)风成砂构造,并且伴生大量虫迹(traces)、潜穴(burrows)、泥裂和液化弯曲层理潜水位线之下的滨浅湖相沉积构造。同时采集大量组板状交错层理、斜层理等沉积构造古风向产状数据,室内利用古风向数据校正、玫瑰花图绘制进行系统研究,结果显示犬牙沟组风成砂沉积时期应盛行西风和西北风,与中国北方晚侏罗世—白垩纪时期区域研究资料一致。犬牙沟组垂向上显示了风成与水成交互—风成主导—水成主导的变化趋势,表明干湿波动性气候的存在。前人研究认为风成沉积是重要的油气储层,柴达木中生代盆地新发现的一套滨浅湖相风成砂沉积,对于盆地油气勘探有着重要的意义,且能为柴达木中生代盆地原型盆地恢复及构造演化研究提供帮助。     

An Important Spreading Event of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous: Evidence from Zircon U‐Pb SHRIMP Dating on Diabase in Nagarzê, Southern Tibet

Abstract Widely distributed in Gyangzê‐Chigu area, southern Tibet, NW‐ and nearly E‐W‐trending diabase(gabbro)‐gabbro diorite dykes are regarded as the product of the large‐scale spreading of the late Neo‐Tethys Ocean. In order to constrain the emplacement age of these dykes, zircons of two samples from diabases in Nagarzê were dated by using the U‐Pb SHRIMP method. Two nearly the same weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages were obtained in this paper, which are 134.9±1.8 Ma (MSWD = 0.65) and 135.5 ± 2.1 Ma (MSWD=1.40), respectively. They not only represent the crystallization age of the diabase, but also documented an important spreading event of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous. This dating result is of great significance to reconstruct the temporal framework of the late Neo‐Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.     

安徽铜陵铜官山矿区中生代侵入岩的形成过程——岩浆底侵、同化混染和分离结晶

对安徽铜陵铜官山矿区的小铜官山岩体进行了SHRIMP锆石U-Pb定年,并对天鹅抱蛋山岩体及其辉长岩和闪长岩包体进行了全岩主量元素和稀土元素以及锶 钕同位素分析,结合对区内老庙基山和小铜官山岩体及其辉长岩和闪长岩包体的岩石学和地球化学资料的综合整理,讨论了这些岩体及其包体的成因。小铜官山岩体的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年龄为(139.5±2.9 ）Ma,表明它属于长江中下游晚侏罗世-早白垩世岩浆作用的产物。辉长岩和闪长岩包体具有低w(SiO₂)(52.03%~54.61 %）、w(Al₂O₃)(12.87%~14.43 %)和全碱含量w(Na₂O+K2O)(5.26%~6.30 %）, 但高w(MgO)(5.41%~11.66 %）的特征;寄主岩与此相反,具有高w(SiO2)(59.97%~64.44 %）、w(Al₂O₃)(16.43%~17.59 %）和全碱含量(6.67%~8.25 %）,但低w(MgO)(1.52%~2.50 %）的特征。辉长岩和闪长岩包体的稀土元素总量为165.70×10^-6~190.40×10^-6,寄主岩的稀土元素总量为166.12×10^-6~185.95×10^-6,二者十分相近,它们的稀土元素球粒陨石标准化配分模式也十分相似。但辉长岩和闪长岩包体的轻、重稀土比值为3.39~4.27,明显小于寄主岩的轻、重稀土比值(4.86~5.94）。辉长岩和闪长岩包体具明显的正铕异常,而寄主岩具有弱负铕异常。从辉长岩到寄主岩,ε Nd (t) 从-4.9~-9.9减小到-11.4~-11.9,(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_o 从0.706 4~0.707 3增加到0.707 2~0.708 4。上述资料表明,铜陵铜官山矿区晚侏罗世-早白垩世侵入岩及其辉长岩和闪长岩包体可能是由基性到中酸性岩浆通过幔源岩浆底侵、同化混染和分离结晶过程形成的,而基性到中酸性岩浆则是由底侵的玄武岩浆与不同量的中下地壳物质发生一系列复杂的相互作用形成的。     

The Late Jurassic Tithonian, a greenhouse phase in the Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous 'cool' mode: evidence from the cyclic Adriatic Platform, Croatia

Well‐exposed Mesozoic sections of the Bahama‐like Adriatic Platform along the Dalmatian coast (southern Croatia) reveal the detailed stacking patterns of cyclic facies within the rapidly subsiding Late Jurassic (Tithonian) shallow platform‐interior (over 750 m thick, ca 5–6 Myr duration). Facies within parasequences include dasyclad‐oncoid mudstone‐wackestone‐floatstone and skeletal‐peloid wackestone‐packstone (shallow lagoon), intraclast‐peloid packstone and grainstone (shoal), radial‐ooid grainstone (hypersaline shallow subtidal/intertidal shoals and ponds), lime mudstone (restricted lagoon), fenestral carbonates and microbial laminites (tidal flat). Parasequences in the overall transgressive Lower Tithonian sections are 1–4·5 m thick, and dominated by subtidal facies, some of which are capped by very shallow‐water grainstone‐packstone or restricted lime mudstone; laminated tidal caps become common only towards the interior of the platform. Parasequences in the regressive Upper Tithonian are dominated by peritidal facies with distinctive basal oolite units and well‐developed laminate caps. Maximum water depths of facies within parasequences (estimated from stratigraphic distance of the facies to the base of the tidal flat units capping parasequences) were generally <4 m, and facies show strongly overlapping depth ranges suggesting facies mosaics. Parasequences were formed by precessional (20 kyr) orbital forcing and form parasequence sets of 100 and 400 kyr eccentricity bundles. Parasequences are arranged in third‐order sequences that lack significant bounding disconformities, and are evident on accommodation (Fischer) plots of cumulative departure from average cycle thickness plotted against cycle number or stratigraphic position. Modelling suggests that precessional sea‐level changes were small (several metres) as were eccentricity sea‐level changes (or precessional sea‐level changes modulated by eccentricity), supporting a global, hot greenhouse climate for the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) within the overall ‘cool’ mode of the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.     

山东郯城和江苏东海早白垩世晚期恐龙足迹化石新发现及古环境*

首次在山东郯城早白垩世晚期地层中发现恐龙足迹化石,分属蜥脚类和兽脚类恐龙足迹,足迹大小差异较大。通过对山东省郯城县新发现的2处恐龙足迹化石点和江苏省东海县南古寨恐龙足迹化石点的对比研究,探讨了足迹类型、大小、速度与足迹深度的关系,发现同等条件下,蜥脚类恐龙足迹通常较兽脚类足迹深,而蜥脚类恐龙足迹深度随着足迹大小的增加有变深的趋势;波痕、雨痕和泥裂等沉积构造以及足迹回填和叠覆现象对足迹化石保存形态和细节有较大影响,而构造变形对足迹形态和行迹并无明显影响,但高角度的构造变形会加速差异风化,使足迹化石更易暴露而被破坏。对研究区古环境与古生态的研究表明,早白垩世晚期研究区经历了水体逐渐变浅、气候由湿到干并伴随短暂间歇性干旱的过程,沉积环境由河湖演变为三角洲前缘、并逐渐过渡到三角洲平原,生态环境逐渐恶化,动植物由兴而衰、逐渐减少。     

Calpionellid zonation of the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition in North-Atlasic Tunisia. Updated Upper Jurassic stratigraphy of the ‘Tunisian trough’ and regional correlations

The analysis of calpionellid associations from jebels Amar and Jédidi sections in North-Atlasic Tunisia provides, for the first time, a precise biozonation of the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition succession. In the light of the new data obtained and considering recently published results, the age of Upper Jurassic formations is clarified, allowing correlations with the Tunisian ‘Dorsale’ and the North–South Axis successions. Within the Maghrebides' range, sections from the external zones correlated to the Tunisian successions are quite distinctive from their equivalent in the internal zones. Both have evolved in different palaeogeographic domains related to the early structuration of the northwestern and southwestern Tethys margins. To cite this article: M. Boughdiri et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).