The Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary succession at Stevns Klint, Denmark: Foraminifers and stable isotope stratigraphy

Abstract

The Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary exposed at Stevns Klint (Denmark) provides an important location for the investigation of the end-Cretaceous event. In this work we have used a number of sections across the boundary, including the little described, expanded stratigraphic sequence at Kulstirenden which is located 7 km north of Højerup (where most published work is derived). Using stratigraphical, micropalaeontological and stable isotope ( δ 18O and δ 13C) data we have shown that there is clear evidence of shallowing in the latest Maastrichtian. Prior to, and across, the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary there are significant changes in sea water temperature, including an important cooling event in the very latest Maastrichtian. The δ 13C record in the expanded boundary clay (Fish Clay) sequence at Kulstirenden indicates a number of significant excursions of decreasing magnitude up-section. The evidence from the distribution of the foraminifers has been incorporated with previous work to develop a sequence stratigraphical interpretation for the succession that can be compared to other Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary successions in Europe.