Magnetostratigraphy of the Vallesian (late Miocene) in the Vallès-Penedès Basin (northeast Spain)

Abstract

The magnetostratigraphic analysis of the late Miocene continental deposits from the Vallès-Penedès Basin, combined with its well-documented fossil mammal record, has provided a well-resolved chronology for the upper basin infill. The study is based on the biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic cross-correlation of 12 sections throughout the alluvial sequences in the western Vallès area. The biostratigraphic framework consists of 21 mammal localities corresponding to the Mammal Neogene MN9 and MN10 units. The composite magnetic polarity sequence is based on 400 paleomagnetic sites. Correlation with the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale (GPTS) has led to an absolute dating of the faunal events and a precise chronostratigraphy of the Vallesian mammal stage in its type area. The Hipparion First Appearance Datum (FAD), at the MN8 MN9 boundary, is dated at 11.1 Ma in the Vallès-Penedès Basin. This age, compared to other radiometrically dated localities in Europe, North Africa and Turkey, is consistent with an isochronous dispersal of this equid through the Mediterranean region. A possible isochrony at a larger geographical scale (Old World, Mesogea) must await more reliable ages of the Hipparion FAD in Asia and Africa. The Cricetulodon FAD ( MN9a MN9b boundary) is dated to 10.4 Ma, in chron C5n. The Progonomys FAD ( MN9 MN10 boundary), corresponding to the intra-Vallesian faunal crisis, is dated at 9.7 Ma (C4Ar.3r). The Vallesian spans 2.4 Myr, from 11.1 Ma (C5r.1n) to 8.7 Ma (C4An) and correlates to the early Tortonian.