Argiles De Research Articles

Diverse Lophoctenium burrows from the Upper Devonian (Famennian V and VI) of Algeria

Three ichnospecies of Lophoctenium (L. comosum, L. richteri and L. cf. haudimmineri) are reported from the Upper Devonian Argiles de Marhouma Formation (southwestern Algeria) for the first time. This formation contains a diverse assemblage of trace fossils belonging to the Nereites ichnofacies. We describe three ichnospecies of Lophoctenium that correspond to three different feeding strategies among the diverse ichnofauna of the Argiles de Marhouma Formation. The strategy of L. comosum evidences food-rich sediments as it maximises the amount of collected food per foraged distance. The strategy of L. richteri is probably most efficient for feeding in slightly less nutrient rich sediment, but gives the opportunity to discover more prolific feeding sites by moving on longer distances. The strategy with a straight central burrow and probes on both sides of the main burrow with long interspaces (L. cf. haudimmineri) was presumably used in the least food rich sediment. It seems that the Lophoctenium was widespread in the Devonian, but restricted to seas surrounding Gondwana.

Climate-controlled organic matter accumulation as recorded in the Upper Jurassic Argiles de Châtillon Formation, a shallow-marine counterpart of the Kimmeridge Clay Formation

AbstractMudstones from the Argiles de Châtillon Formation exposed in the Boulonnais region of Northern France represent a proximal lateral equivalent of the organic-rich Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The Argiles de Châtillon Formation is composed of two subunits that straddle the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian boundary. Each subunit contains an organic-rich interval. The two conspicuous organic-rich intervals have been linked to either periods of high sea level or greenhouse warming. Here, we use palynology to further understand climate and environmental mechanisms that drove organic matter enrichment. We use bulk organic carbon isotope records (δ13Corg) to correlate the Boulonnais sections with those of the Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The palynological results suggest that the stratigraphically lower organic-rich interval (Kimmeridgian) was deposited under suboxic to anoxic stratified conditions. A large-scale climate shift from cooler/humid to warmer/arid conditions marked the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian boundary, influencing organic matter enrichment in the stratigraphically higher organic-rich interval (Tithonian). In contrast with the lower organic-rich interval, there are no indications of stratified conditions for the higher organic-rich interval. Within this thicker organic-rich interval, cyclic variations in amorphous organic matter distribution, total organic carbon and δ13Corgtrends on a 2 m scale are observed. They co-occur with fluctuations of the palynological assemblages, indicative of more humid versus arid climate conditions, likely alternating on a ∼100 kyr eccentricity timescale. Our results show that under the most humid phases of these overall arid climate conditions, sulfurization of carbohydrates was the dominant control on organic matter preservation. This climate-controlled process that drives organic matter enrichment in the Tithonian can be recognized on a basin-wide scale.

Stratigraphic Modelling of the Lower/Middle Oxfordian (Upper Jurassic) Outer Ramp Deposits from the NE Paris Basin (France)

We investigate herein the lateral and vertical lithological heterogeneities of the Lower/Middle Oxfordian deposits (“Terrain à Chailles” and “Marnes des Eparges” formations) in the north-eastern Paris Basin. This new detailed stratigraphic framework documents the evolution at high resolution of an outer ramp based on regional correlations in order to constrain the evolution of petrological properties between the clayey “Argiles de la Woëvre” Formation and the more calcareous “Marnes et Calcaires à Coraux de Foug Formation. The “Argiles de la Woëvre” Formation is targeted for the deep storage of nuclear waste in north-eastern France. Nine wells are correlated over the “Zone of Interest for Further Research” (ZIRA), defined by the French agency for radioactive waste management (Andra), with a resolution of 0.5–1.0 m. The architecture and the age control of these formations have been refined, revealing that the “Terrain à Chailles” Formation is characterised by a regular slightly inclined sedimentation gently deeping in the SW direction and shows a lithological evolution from silty claystones to an increased occurrence of its calcareous content towards the top (Lower Oxfordian, uppermost mariae and cordatum ammonite zones). The above “Marnes des Eparges” Formation, characterised by claystone limestone alternations, is assigned to the Middle Oxfordian (plicatilis ammonite zone), deposited during a slightly enhanced subsidence phase in the SE part of the basin and documented and associated with onlaps geometries on the more proximal areas. However, this change in geometry does not affect petrological properties over ZIRA, as this is not accompanied by lithological changes. The environmental factors controlling petrological heterogeneities over ZIRA are also discussed. The stepwise increase in the carbonate content and the decrease in the detrital content towards the Lower to Middle Oxfordian deposits was likely triggered by a climate change towards drier conditions, modulated by sea level changes on a ramp morphology. A major condensation phase encompassing most of the Lower Oxfordian cordatum ammonite zone is also highlighted. The occurrence of a maximum regressive surface associated with gentle slope topography is a probable trigger for condensation. Changes in geometries are, however, associated with the activity of the Metz Fault, which potentially had an influence on the subsidence rates of the basin at that time.

Oxfordian plug-shaped trace fossils from northwestern Algeria

Plug-shaped trace fossils B. perata, B. hemispherica, Bergaueria isp., Calycraterion samsonowiczi, Conostichus ornatus and Conostichus isp. are found in the middle-upper Oxfordian fine-grained sandstone of the Argiles de Saïda Formation (northwestern Algeria). Except for the trace Calycraterion which is interpreted as an annelid trace, these traces correspond to distinct behaviours of sea anemones, and their occurrence within tempestite deposits is influenced by a stress factors in a storm-dominated environment. The abundance of these plug-shaped trace fossils suggests that the upper Jurassic siliciclastic shelves with fine-grained soft clastic substrate were colonised by actinarian sessile benthos.

A diverse ichnofauna and its palaeoenvironmental significance from the Upper Jurassic Argiles de Saïda Formation (Northwestern Algeria)

ABSTRACT Forty-three ichnospecies belonging to 30 ichnogenera are described from the Upper Jurassic Argiles de Saïda Formation (north-western Algeria), which consists of mixed shallow marine siliciclastic-carbonate sediments. The ichnological analysis reveals that the majority of the ichnoassemblages are represented by non-graphoglyptid traces dominated by Bergaueria isp., Ophiomorpha isp., O. rudis, Neonereites biserialis, N. triserialis. Furthermore, Chondrites isp., Palaeophycus isp., Phycosiphon isp., Planolites isp., Protovirgularia isp., Scolicia isp. and Thalassinoides isp. are common ichnotaxa. Ancorichnus isp., Archaeonassa isp., Gordia isp., Helminthoidichnites isp., Helminthopsis isp., Nereites isp., Ophiomorpha annulta, Oravaichnium isp., Oravaichnium hrabei, Protovirgularia dichotoma, Rutichnus rutis, Thalassinoides suevicus are rare, whereas, Chondrites targionii, Nereites irregularis, Neonereites uniserialis, Ptychoplasma excelsum, Spongeliomorpha isp., Taenidium isp., Taenidium serpentinum, ?Tubulichnium isp. and Zoophycos isp. are rare to scarce ichnotaxa. The graphoglyptid assemblage has very low diversity with only three ichnotaxa which are Megagrapton isp., Megagrapton submontanum and Scolicia strozzii. The described ichnoassemblages are assigned to the Cruziana to Cruziana-Nereites ichnofacies transition.

Famennian (Late Devonian) ammonoids from the Ouarourout section (Saoura Valley, Algeria)

In North Africa, the ammonoids constitute an important part of the Devonian marine macro-invertebrates. New material has been recently collected in the ‘Argiles de Marhouma’ Formation from several sections located near Béni-Abbès in the Saoura Valley (Ougarta Mountains, Algerian Sahara). Red nodular limestones (i.e., ‘griotte’ facies) characterize this formation rich in ammonoids. The assemblages from the Ouarourout section are composed of Goniatitida and Clymeniida constituting 30 species and 19 genera belonging to 11 families, with Cyrtoclymenia, Erfoudites, Kosmoclymenia, Planitornoceras, Platyclymenia, and Prionoceras, as the most abundant genera. The taxonomic comparison and the biostratigraphic correlations are made by considering the assemblages recorded in the Anti-Atlas of Morocco, which are very close to those observed in Algeria. In the Ouarourout area, the ‘Argiles de Marhouma’ Formation contains middle and late Famennian ammonoid assemblages and three biostratigraphic intervals can be identified: Planitornoceras, Platyclymenia and Medioclymenia.

Storm-induced concentration of sulfurized, marine-origin, organic matter as a possible mechanism in the formation of petroleum source-rock

Abstract Black shales, though laminated, are not systematically synonymous with quiet conditions of deposition. A number of papers report about black shales yielding sedimentary structures echoing relatively high hydrodynamic conditions. Here we examine two sedimentary sequences pertaining to the Late Jurassic Argiles de Châtillon Formation of the Boulonnais area (Northernmost France), each of them including a meter-thick black-shale horizon. The two laminated black shales contain sulfurized (i.e., organic S-rich) organic matter, reaching a maximum of 9%. However, some differences set the two black shales apart. The lower one was deposited under calm, suboxic to anoxic, bottom-water conditions (the « classic » way); the upper black shale was deposited under oxic, agitated bottom-water conditions, not compatible with stable sulfidic conditions required for organic-matter sulfurization. The upper black shale experienced hydrodynamically-induced concentration of sulfurized, recalcitrant organic matter of marine origin. The sulfurized organic matter could be preserved and quantitatively accumulated owing to its non-putrescible nature, leading to the formation of a potential hydrocarbon source rock. The association of pyrite inclusions with sulfurized organic matter probably modified the hydrodynamic behavior of organic particles. The storm-induced remobilization and concentration of sulfurized organic matter implies that the “sulfurization factory” operated in proximal, shallow environments such as estuaries, mud flats or mangrove environments. Such a model is in agreement with findings from modern coastal/shelf environments (notably mangroves) and fully transposable to many other sedimentary situations of any geological time period.

Small-scaled lateral variations of an organic-rich formation in a ramp-type depositional environment (the Late Jurassic of the Boulonnais, France): impact of the clastic supply

We studied a potential petroleum source rock deposited in a clastic-dominated ramp environment: the Argiles de Châtillon Formation (Kimmeridgian-Tithonian, Boulonnais area, northern France). The formation was deposited along a proximal-distal gradient on this ramp affected by synsedimentary fault movements. A sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical study was conducted to decipher the distribution patterns of sedimentary parameters along such a depth increase over the ramp. It comes out that smectite distribution unexpectedly mimics the lateral depth evolution despite the good floatability of the mineral. It is also observed that the Argiles de Châtillon could accumulate noticeable amounts of organic matter in spite of paleoenvironmental conditions that were not specifically prone to organic matter preservation and burial (sedimentation rate, mineral particle grain size, productivity, oxygenation level…). Conversely, reactive iron, when being present in limited abundance, must have allowed sulfide ions to react with organic molecules instead of forming iron sulfides, which fostered organic matter preservation and accumulation. This protecting role of organic sulfide incorporation (additional to other favorable factors) cannot exist if reactive iron is relatively abundant. Lastly, our results (still fragmentary) suggest that smectite minerals could carry reactive iron, which would have occasionally hampered organic-matter preservation.

Oxfordian brachiopods from the Saïda and Frenda mountains (Tlemcenian Domain, north-western Algeria)

Five brachiopod species are reported from two middle to upper Oxfordian (Late Jurassic) outcrops, situated in the Saida and Frenda mountains (Tlemcenian Domain, north-western Algeria) and belonging to the heterochronous (Callovian to Oxfordian, locally to the Kimmeridgian) Argiles de Saida Formation (Saida Clay Formation). The upper Oxfordian (probably Dichotomoceras bifurcatus Zone) outcrop A yielded Dictyothyris kurri and Loboidothyridoidea indet. The middle Oxfordian (Liosphinctes plicatilis Zone, Cardioceras vertebrale Subzone) outcrop B yielded Monticlarella rollieri , Karadagithyris boullierae sp. n., and Zittelina sp.; this is the first report of the last-mentioned genus from Africa. Karadagithyris boullierae sp. n. is a link between previously known Bajocian to Bathonian (Callovian?) Karadagithyris s.s. and Tithonian to Lower Cretaceous species, formerly segregated as Svaljavithyris ; the latter is considered herein as synonym of Karadagithyris . It is characterised by a plano-uniplicate anterior commissure and a suberect beak. The adult loop of Zittelina is confirmed as bilacunar (kingeniform) and not diploform (campagiform). The bulk of the assemblages comprises small and either smooth or finely ornamented species and thus represents a low-energy environment. The lack of modern revisions of the reported species in their type areas is the reason why only Dictyothyris kurri may be used as an index species for the middle to late Oxfordian.

New Late Devonian phacopid trilobites from Marhouma, SW Algerian Sahara

Late Devonian phacopid trilobites of the SW Algerian Sahara are recognised as being the most diversified in cratonic North Gondwana. The first trilobites in the Frasnian of Algeria were discovered in the Marhouma S section near Beni Abbes: the new genus Chlupacops with two species Ch. laticeps gen. et sp. nov. and Ch. aff. cryphoides (Richter&Richter) are described from the uppermost part of the Cheffar el Ahmar Formation of mid-Frasnian age. The latter taxon is compared with the type material of Ch. cryphoides (Richter&Richter) from Sessacker (Rhenish Slate Mts). New occurrences of lower Famennian phacopids in the “Argiles de Marhouma” Formation comprise the new genus Enigmapyge with its type species E. marhoumensis gen. et sp. nov., two species of Trimerocephalus: T. mahboubii sp. nov. and T. caecus (Gurich), two species of Trifoliops: Tr. cronierae sp. nov. and Tr. trifolius (Osmolska). In the middle Famennian, pygidia of Dianops cf. algeriensis Cronier were discovered. With the exception of the latter all taxa of the Marhouma S section can be assigned to conodont zones. The Algerian Late Devonian phacopids comprise predominantly blind or reduced-eyed taxa of basinal offshore environment. They are closely related to contemporaneous occurrences on the epicontinental margins of Laurussia as well as in Gondwana derived terranes and as such bear witness of the absence of oceanic barriers.

Isolated theropod teeth from the Middle Jurassic of Niger and the early dental evolution of Spinosauridae

Four isolated theropod teeth from the ?Bathonian “Argiles de l'Irhazer” in Niger are described. The teeth were found in association with the holotype of the basal sauropod Spinophorosaurus nigerensis. These specimens have been assigned to two different taxa by independent analyses, such as direct comparison with teeth previously described in the literature, discriminant and morphometric analyses from metric characters, and cladistic and cluster analyses from discrete characters. The results suggest that three teeth share affinities with those of Megalosauridae and Allosauridae, belonging most likely to the former. The fourth tooth might be from a member of the stem group Spinosauridae. If so, this would be the oldest representative of this clade. This tooth shows a combination of characters that are unusual in typical spinosaurid teeth (crown moderately compressed labiolingually and curved distally with minute denticles on the carina and a deeply veined enamel surface texture without apicobasal ridges). T...

Depositional environment and Ichnology (Nereites ichnofacies) of the Late Devonian Sahara region (SW Algeria)

The late Famennian strata of the Marhouma outcrop, located in the Saoura (Algerian Sahara), consist of two formations: the Argiles de Marhouma Formation and the overlying Gres de Marhouma Formation. The former is characterized primarily by fine-grained turbidite successions, intersperse with griotte limestones bearing a pelagic fauna. There is a wide variety of trace fossils in the lower part of the formation: Chondrites, Helminthopsis, Ichnyspica, Megagrapton, Neonereites, Nereites irregularis, Nereites jacksoni, Nereites missouriensis, Palaeophycus, Paleodictyon, Phycodes, Planolites beverleyensis, Protopaleodictyon submontanum, and Thalassinoides suevicus. The hydrodynamics of the depositional environment as well as the associated trace fossils indicate the Nereites ichnofacies. The depositional conditions indicate a basinal environment in a mesodistal area. The upper coarser formation is composed of two members. The lower member consists of alternating turbidites, green clay and thin sandstone, with slumps, debrites, olistoliths, and synsedimentary faults. There are some visible fossil traces that may point to the Zoophycos ichnofacies. It marks the slope deposits of a submarine deep-sea fan that completes the Devonian megasequence. The upper member of the second formation starts with a transgressive muddy deltaic system that formed during platform construction. It is followed by iterative sequences of muddy and sandstones layers deposited on a storm-dominated platform that emerged at the beginning of early Tournaisian time. The distributions of fossil traces and sediments are indicative of bathymetric fluctuations. A major fluctuation, probably due to tectonic instability, is recorded as early as in the basal part of the Argiles de Marhouma Formation, which indicates the beginning of the Eovariscan phase.

First occurrence of a phacopid trilobite faunule from the Upper Devonian of Saoura Valley, Algeria and biodiversity fluctuations

AbstractPhacopid trilobites are relatively widespread in Devonian deposits of north Gondwana and some have been collected from several sections of the Saoura Valley in SW Algeria. New occurrences of phacopids assigned to Trimerocephalus, Dianops and Phacops sensu lato are described from this area and comparisons are made with closely allied species from Morocco and Europe. The trilobite assemblages of the ‘Argiles de Marhouma’ Formation are considered to be Frasnian–Famennian in age. These new occurrences have been integrated into an analysis of Upper Devonian phacopid biodiversity. Diversity fluctuations reflect environmental changes, bioevents and stratigraphic turnovers throughout the Upper Devonian. Peak diversity was attained after the post-Kellwasser event.

The Braincase of the Basal Sauropod Dinosaur Spinophorosaurus and 3D Reconstructions of the Cranial Endocast and Inner Ear

BackgroundSauropod dinosaurs were the largest animals ever to walk on land, and, as a result, the evolution of their remarkable adaptations has been of great interest. The braincase is of particular interest because it houses the brain and inner ear. However, only a few studies of these structures in sauropods are available to date. Because of the phylogenetic position of Spinophorosaurus nigerensis as a basal eusauropod, the braincase has the potential to provide key evidence on the evolutionary transition relative to other dinosaurs.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe only known braincase of Spinophorosaurus (‘Argiles de l'Irhazer’, Irhazer Group; Agadez region, Niger) differs significantly from those of the Jurassic sauropods examined, except potentially for Atlasaurus imelakei (Tilougguit Formation, Morocco). The basisphenoids of Spinophorosaurus and Atlasaurus bear basipterygoid processes that are comparable in being directed strongly caudally. The Spinophorosaurus specimen was CT scanned, and 3D renderings of the cranial endocast and inner-ear system were generated. The endocast resembles that of most other sauropods in having well-marked pontine and cerebral flexures, a large and oblong pituitary fossa, and in having the brain structure obscured by the former existence of relatively thick meninges and dural venous sinuses. The labyrinth is characterized by long and proportionally slender semicircular canals. This condition recalls, in particular, that of the basal non-sauropod sauropodomorph Massospondylus and the basal titanosauriform Giraffatitan.Conclusions/Significance Spinophorosaurus has a moderately derived paleoneuroanatomical pattern. In contrast to what might be expected early within a lineage leading to plant-eating graviportal quadrupeds, Spinophorosaurus and other (but not all) sauropodomorphs show no reduction of the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear. This character-state is possibly a primitive retention in Spinophorosaurus, but due the scarcity of data it remains unclear whether it is also the case in the various later sauropods in which it is present or whether it has developed homoplastically in these taxa. Any interpretations remain tentative pending the more comprehensive quantitative analysis underway, but the size and morphology of the labyrinth of sauropodomorphs may be related to neck length and mobility, among other factors.

Ichnology and sedimentology of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation (Callovo-Oxfordian) of the Djebel Brame (Tiaret, Algeria)

Abstract The focus of this note is an ichnological study of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation (Callovo-Oxfordian) in the Djebel Brame, a region representing the eastern extremity of the Tlemcenian domain and marked by rhythmic clay-sandstone sedimentation. From a lithostratigraphic viewpoint, the formation is composed of two units with a distinct sequential organization and trace fossil content. These deposits are characterized by weak to moderate bioturbation, eleven ichnogenera were found: Bergaueria, Chondrites, Diplichnites, Megagrapton, Neonereites, Nereites, Ophiomorpha, Palaeophycus, Rhizocorallium, Taenidium and Thalassinoides. The basal unit is mainly characterized by fine sediments organized into small turbiditic sequences. Most of the beds are around one centimeter thick except for the conglomerate layer, channelized by the debris flow. This layer is heterometric and polygenic. The soles of the beds are generally marked by flute and groove casts, proof of their erosion by the currents. Most of these siliciclastic beds are organized around a repetitive model, with a massive base and flat, parallel and/or wavy laminae at the summit. Occasionally there are also beds of complex ripple marks, fluid escape structures and convoluted laminae. This sedimentation was deposited in an offshore environment, below the storm action influence threshold. Most of ichnogenera are associated with episodic silica-clastic deposits. The disappearance of Bergaueria and Diplichnites ichnogenera corresponds to the period when the basal conglomerate layer was established, and constituted stressful conditions for the organisms responsible for the two traces. Conversely, above this level, the appearance of Taenidium and Thalassinoides seems to correspond to a colonization by opportunistic endobenthic organisms. The weak hydrodynamism of the depositional environment, as well as the associated trace fossils content, point to the distal part of the Cruziana ichnofacies. The other, coarser, unit is an alternation of greenish clays, carbonate rocks and occasionally slumped sandstone. It is dominated by storm sequences. The more proximal summit shows shoreface deposits marked by phases of emersion. As well as episodes of storms and oolitic deposition, there are, at the top of this unit, deposits from a reefal environment (“Subreefal Layer”). These are indicative of shallow depths. Observable trace fossil content points to the most proximal part of the Cruziana ichnofacies. The trace fossil distribution and sedimentology both reveal hitherto undisclosed bathymetric fluctuations. A major fluctuation, most likely due to tectonic instability, was recorded before the second sequence was established. These results call for the biostratigraphic and structural study of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation in the Tlemcenian domain.

Late Tournaisian (Carboniferous) brachiopods from Mouydir (Central Sahara, Algeria)

AbstractA small‐sized brachiopod fauna, representing an orthid, rhynchonellid and spiriferid community which lived in a low‐energy environment, is reported from the lower part of the Argiles de Teguentour and was collected around Oued Tamertasset (or Temertasset) and Oued Habadra in north‐western Mouydir (Algerian Sahara). Associated goniatites indicate an early Late Tournaisian age (Pericyclus–Progoniatites assemblage). Thirteen brachiopod species belonging to 12 genera and 5 orders (Productida, Orthida, Rhynchonellida, Athyridida and Spiriferida) are described. Mouydirhynchus is proposed as a new rhynchonellid genus and the species Rhipidomella prolifica, Mouydirhynchus quietus and Eomartiniopsis mouydirensis are new. The other described taxa are the following: Chonetipustula? sp., strophalosioid gen. et sp. indet., Schizophoria sp., trigonirhynchiid gen. indet. sp. A, trigonirhynchiid gen. indet. sp. B, Hemiplethorhynchus? sp., Coveenia? sp., Crurithyris cf. fissa, Punctothyris? sp., and elythid gen. et sp. indet. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Processes and rate of retreat of the clay and sandstone sea cliffs of the northern Boulonnais (France)

Retreat of the clay and sandstone cliffs of the northern Boulonnais (France) has been quantified using stereophotogrammetry. The low retreat rate of this coastal strip — 0.08 m/yr between 1939 and 2003 — is far less than that encountered on chalk and clay-chalk cliffs of either side of the Channel, and even less than a previous estimate of 0.17 m/yr regularly quoted in management studies. The retreat rate is closely related to shore platform morphology and dynamics. The shore platform presents 1) a steeply sloping ramp due to the accumulation of flat calcareous megaclasts that reduce marine erosion; 2) upstanding bare platform surfaces, related to tectonic deformation; and 3) thick platform-beaches trapped in troughs. In all three cases, the reflective behaviour of the nearshore protects the cliff foot from the incoming waves. Two critical eroding segments are the result of changes in the platform sedimentary budget. Around Cran Poulet, and between Plage de la Sirène and Pointe de la Courte Dune, the retreat rate is up to 0.25 and 0.15 m/yr, respectively. At Cran Poulet, recession has been facilitated by the extraction of pebble for more than half a century, whereas erosion of the beach at la Sirène is probably linked to severe erosion of the coastline in the adjacent Wissant Bay. Mass movements on the cliff face are essentially shallow-seated translational slides along with small debris falls and mudflows. The instability of the Argiles de Châtillon is greatly diminished by their sandy and silty texture and by the presence of interstratified solid shelly limestone beds that allow steep slopes to develop in rather weak material. The ‘vertical erosion antecedent’ is the erosional mode of the cliff, and its reduced efficiency explains the slow recession of the cliff. This study will help to determine the long term evolution of the Boulonnais coast.

Early diagenesis of marine organic-matter and magnetic properties of sedimentary rocks: the role of iron limitation and organic-matter source organisms

Abstract The magnetic parameters of sedimentary rocks can record accurately tectonic and climatic influences upon sedimentary processes, when they are not altered during diagenesis. This paper is focused on the possible alteration of the primary magnetic-susceptibility signal during early diagenesis of marine organic matter (OM). In the late Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Argiles de Châtillon Formation (Fm.) of the Boulonnais area (northern France – lateral time equivalent of the distal organic-rich sediments of the Kimmeridge Clay Fm. of Dorset), the organic content is dominated by amorphous OM (AOM), either brown or orange, originating from selective preservation or sulphurisation, respectively. Total sulphur content correlates well with orange + brown AOM abundance, and organic S content correlates well with orange AOM abundance. The magnetic signal of these claystones and paper shales is dominantly carried by clay minerals. The magnetic susceptibility vs. brown-AOM abundance relationship shows a clear correlation. Furthermore, if the part of the magnetic-susceptibility signal linked to the lithoclastic fraction of the sediments is removed from the total signal, a positive correlation is also drawn between the brown-AOM abundance and the ‘excess’ magnetic susceptibility. The cause for this resides in the iron-sulphide abundance. The presence of both types of AOM implies that intense sulphate reduction took place and that the HS−/H2S released reacted with either organic molecules (orange AOM dominating the palynofacies) or reactive iron (brown AOM dominating). When reactive iron was abundant enough and when sulphate reduction-induced sulphide ions could react with it, iron sulphides could form and this sediment component (present now as pyrite) influences the magnetic-susceptibility signal. The type of dominating source organisms (phytoplankton) may condition the reactivity of OM towards sulphide ions. This may influence iron-sulphide formation, and in turn the sediment magnetic signal.

Identification des zones biostratigraphiques méditerranéennes dans le Pliocène du Cap-Bon (Tunisie)

The Nabeul-Hammamet series analysis allows to recognize the six biozona known in the Mediterranean realm, as specified by Cita (1975a). These are: the Sphaeroidinellopsis subdehiscens BANNER & BLOW acme biozone equivalent to MPL1; the Globorotalia margaritae margaritae BOLLI & BERMUDEZ interval zone (= MPL2); the Globorotalia margaritae BOLLI & BERMUDEZ , Globorotalia puncticulata (DESHAYES), concurrent range zone (= MPL3); the Sphaeroidinellopsis subdehiscens BANNER & BLOW interval zone (= MPL4); the Globigerinoides elongatus (D’ORBIGNY) interval zone (= MPL5); the Globorotalia inflata (D’ORBIGNY) interval zone (= MPL6). There is no similarity between these biozones and those established by Berggren and al. (1995) for the atlantic and the indo-pacific realms. The MPL1, MPL2, MPL3 and MPL4 zones are especially englobed in argillaceous and yellow sandy lithological units specified in north-eastern Tunisia, such as ‘Argiles des Potiers’, ‘Sables Jaunes de Nabeul’ and ‘Argiles de Sidi Barka’. These units are together equivalent to the Raf-Raf Formation developed towards the North, in the Bizerte area. Besides, the MPL5 and the MPL6 zones are included in sands and sandstones composing the Hammamet unit, equivalent to the Porto-Farina Formation.

Découverte d'une faune de vertébrés dans l'Oligocène inférieur de Vayres-sur-Essonne (bassin de Paris, France) : biodiversité et paléoenvironnement

The new rich vertebrates deposit from the Lower Oligocene, at Vayres-sur-Essonne (Essonne, France), contains 34 marine and seven continental taxa, 17 taxa being recorded for the first time from the Paris Basin. The richness of the ichtyofauna is higher than in anyone of the Parisian Oligocene deposits and equals the one of the ‘Argiles de Boom’ (Belgian Rupelian). Its affinities with the septentrional ichtyofauna is confirmed, meridional elements being rare. The terrestrial fauna, the oldest known from stratotypical Stampian (base of the Upper Stampian) shares affinities with the one of Montalbán and attests the occurrence of nearly freshwater environments. To cite this article: D. Merle et al., C. R. Palevol 1 (2002) 111–116.