Abstract
The tectonostratigraphic terrane (suspect terrane) concept has been a major catalyst in attempts to unravel the complex tectonic history of Alaska. Paleomagnetic work has suggested that the Wrangelia terrane in south-central Alaska had a paleolatitude of 32/degree/N /plus minus/ 9/degree/ in the Late Cretaceous, but was accreted to North America prior to the Eocene. A plate velocity of at least 24 cm/yr is implied by this latitude and time framework. If confirmed, this velocity will be one of the fastest plate velocities yet established. Calcareous nannofossils from the Chititu Formation, Wrangelia terrane, have been investigated in order to provide a refined biostratigraphic framework for establishing the age of paleolatitudes determined for the Chititu. Thirty-one species of nannofossils were identified in a section of the Chititu measured on MacColl Ridge. These species allow assignment of the section to the internationally recognized Reinhardties anthophorus (CC 15: late early to late Santonian) and Lucianorhabdus cayeuxii (CC 16: late santonian to earliest Campanian) biozones. Calcareous nannofossils clearly have potential for use in age determinations in Wrangellia and other Alaskan tectonostratigraphic terranes with suitable marine sedimentary sections.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
