Campanian Maastrichtian Boundary Event Research Articles

Global carbon isotopic events in a Campanian–Maastrichtian deltaic succession (Tremp-Graus Basin, Spain) and multiproxy stratigraphy for high sedimentation rate environments

The Campanian to Maastrichtian sedimentary succession of the Tremp-Graus Basin (NE Spain) is characterized by the offshore-to-prodeltaic upper Vallcarga Fm giving way to prograding deltaic units (the Aren Fm), which are overlain by transitional facies (the Grey Unit) that correspond to the basal part of the Tremp Group. This work aims to improve the stratigraphical scheme of these deposits using a new dataset of δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg, δ18O and TOC variations through time, supported by a new biostratigraphical analysis and compiling previous biostratigraphical and paleomagnetic data. The comparison of isotopic signals from marine reference sections where δ13Ccarb is well calibrated in the Tethys realm allows recognition of global isotopic events that can be used as correlative marker events. Significant high-frequency δ13C variations defined in the δ13Ccarb are identified in the studied succession despite the different sedimentary setting and some can be related to global geochemical events such as the Late Campanian Event (LCE) and the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), in good agreement with the magnetic chrons at the base of the Tremp Group, and with some new biostratigraphic constraints. From multiple geochemical and petrographic analysis of the organic matter we suggest that the geochemical signal corresponds to global changes, but at higher resolution, sedimentary dynamics are also reflected in the geochemical signals, particularly inputs of surface water in the deltaic signal.

Depositional environment and sequence stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous Aruma Formation, NE Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Campanian to Maastrichtian Aruma Formation represents a distinctive depositional system of the carbonate-dominated ramp along the Arabian plate. Sedimentologic characteristics and stratigraphic relations are integrated with carbon and oxygen stable-isotope data to interpret the depositional environments in a sequence stratigraphic framework. One siliciclastic facies association (FA1) and eight carbonate microfacies (MF 1–8) belonging to four facies belts (FB1–4) were identified. Facies characteristics support accumulations on a carbonate ramp environment that extends from offshore/outer ramp to middle and inner ramp settings. Stable-isotope data are correlated to the oscillating global sea-level curve and global excursions’ events in order to refine the sequence stratigraphy of the Aruma Formation. Carbon-isotope chemostratigraphy shows remarkable long-time excursions, which are correlated to the two global negative excursions (Late Campanian event “LCE” and Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary event “CMBE”) as well as the positive δ13 C excursion of Middle Maastrichtian event “MME” and the uppermost negative δ13 C excursion toward the K–Pg boundary. The negative shift in the δ13 C values associated with relatively positive values in the δ18 O herald three marked sea-level falls, which can be coincided with global sequence boundaries. The merged surfaces TS1/SB1 and TS2/SB2 can be correlated to the Campanian events KCa3 (80 Ma) and KCa6 (75.4 Ma), respectively. The coplanar surface TS3/SB3 matches well with the Maastrichtian event KMa3 (69.4 Ma). The positive values of δ13 C and/or negative values of δ18 O coincide with periods of maximum transgressions. The minor pulses are mostly attributed to cyclic fourth-order sequences. The established sequence stratigraphic architecture and depositional model of the outcrop data herein will be useful in regional correlations with analogous subsurface successions along the Arabian plate and enhancement of potential petroleum explorations.

Quantitative analysis of calcareous nannofossil assemblages across the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary interval at Kladorub (NW Bulgaria): preliminary results

An investigation of the variations in calcareous nannofossil abundances across the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary interval at Kladorub (NW Bulgaria) has been carried out. The section has an established detailed biostratigraphic framework, based on calcareous nannofossils, and also contains the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event. The analysis shows that the nannofloras are dominated by Prediscosphaera cretacea, followed by Watznaueria barnesiae, Micula staurophora, Arkhangelskiella spp. and Cribrosphaerella ehrenbergii.

Turonian-Maastrichtian biostratigraphy and isotope stratigraphy of the Kopet-Dagh Basin deposits, northeastern Neo-Tethys, Iran

Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and isotope stratigraphy analyses of Turonian-Maastrichtian deposits have been carried out in the western part of the Kopet-Dagh Basin. The identification of the planktonic foraminiferal assemblages has led to the recognition of twelve Upper Cretaceous zones (Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica Zone to the Contusotruncana contusa-Abathomphalus mayaroensis zone) from the Tethyan realm. The obtained stable carbon isotope profile correlates with other reference curves, revealing many Late Cretaceous events including the Hitchwood, Navigation, Light Point, East Cliff, White Fall, Late Campanian Event (LCE), Campanian-Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), Middle Maastrichtian Event (MME) and KPg Events (KPgE). The Turonian-Maastrichtian deposits of the studied area represent severe changes in sedimentation rate and several hiatuses and condensed intervals, which mostly coincide with lithological boundaries. The data indicate a general shallowing -upwards in association with the Late Cretaceous tectonics of the Kopet-Dagh Basin. The reconstruction of the age model allows a discussion of the results in terms of changes in palaeoenvironmental conditions (eutrophic vs. oligotrophic).

Response of the lacustrine flora in East Asia to global climate changes across the K/Pg boundary

The global climate during the latest Cretaceous became variable, with several global warming and cooling trends in a context of a greenhouse Earth. The responses of marine ecosystems to these climate events are relatively well known worldwide; however, lacustrine responses are poorly known due to the less frequent and discontinuous terrestrial fossil records. The relative changes in charophyte diversity in continuous lacustrine sedimentary sequences from two basins in East Asia, i.e., Songliao and Jiaolai, are considered here for the first time to establish their correlation with global climate changes during the Late Cretaceous and K/Pg boundary, compared with the well-studied south European Ibero-Armorican Island. Lacustrine deposits correlated with the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), related to a long cooling period provided a relatively low diversity in East Asia. In contrast, we detected a diverse charophyte flora in lacustrine deposits correlated with the Mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME) in East Asia in a global warming trend. A higher charophyte diversity was further found in the end-Cretaceous global warming event due to speciation under the background of latest Maastrichtian warming event (LMWE). During the LMWE, Characeae species such as Microchara cristata reduced its size significantly due to environmental stress probably related to the Deccan volcanism. On the other hand, a general tendency of increasing the gyrogonite size in new Characeae taxa has been detected in populations extracted from lower Danian deposits, probably related to stable palaeoenvironmental conditions in a global cooling context. This study represents the first attempt to correlate the response of the charophyte flora to global climate changes in permanent lacustrine systems during the three main Late Cretaceous–early Danian climatic turnovers. • Changes of charophyte flora is a sensitive proxy to record climate changes. • Characeae species reduced their size due to environmental stress. • Increasing size in new Danian Characeae taxa is related to global cooling.

Palynological record of the Cretaceous ZKD14 core (Songliao Basin, Northeast China) and its paleoclimatic significance

AbstractTo better understand the vegetation and possible paleoclimate change, we recovered a palynological record obtained from the ZKD14 core covering from the Sifangtai and Mingshui Formations in the northern Songliao Basin, northeastern China. Based on the abundance and variations in determined palynomorphs, two palynological assemblages can be distinguished, including Schizaeoisporites–bisaccate–Tricolporopollenites and Taxodiaceaepollenites–bisaccate–Tricolporopollenites. These palynological assemblages are assigned to the late Campanian–Maastrichtian stage based on the geological range of some important elements and the correlation with relevant assemblages of other areas. In this paper, we applied a sporopollen–climate transforming methodology, which uses the percentage of xerophytic and thermophilic taxa to indicate stratigraphic trends of humidity and temperature, respectively. Then two vegetation and paleoclimate phases were reconstructed based on the ecological habits of the parent plant, as well as the abundance variation in xerophytic and thermophilic taxa: (i) The vegetation type was interpreted to reflect a mixed conifer forest with varying pteridophytes landscape, presenting a hot and arid subtropic climate during the Sifangtai to lower part of member 2 of the Mingshui Formations. (ii) The vegetation type was characterized by a conifer‐dominant landscape. Accordingly, the climate turned more humid and colder during the upper part of member 2 of the Mingshui Formation. The global cooling event (Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event: CMBE) which occurred between 72.0–70.0 Ma appears to have an important influence on the climatic condition of Songliao Basin.

Late Cretaceous stratigraphy in the Mudurnu–Göynük Basin (Turkey) and inferences on sea-level change in the Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian

AbstractUpper Cretaceous strata at Göynük, northwestern Anatolia, Turkey, provide a geological record of the Campanian–Maastrichtian from the Sakarya Terrane along the active Neotethys margin. Shales and shaly marls with siliciclastic and volcaniclastic intercalations indicate a pelagic palaeoenvironment rich in planktonic and benthonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil assemblages. A composite record from the Campanian to the Maastrichtian records nannofossil standard zones UC15c (CC21) to UC20a (CC26) as well as the Globotrunanella havanensis planktonic foraminifera Zone to the Racemiguembelina fructicosa planktonic foraminifera Zone. The complete ‘mid’-Campanian to early Maastrichtian composite section can be correlated to other western Tethyan sections. The Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary is positioned between the first occurrence of the planktonic foraminifera Gansserina gansseri and the last occurrence of the nannofossil Uniplanarius trifidus. Clastic input and higher sedimentation rates constrain regional sea-level lowstands around the late Campanian calcarata Zone and the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary, corresponding to the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary event.

Calcareous nannofossil response to Late Cretaceous climate change in the eastern Tethys (Zagros Basin, Iran)

Coniacian to Maastrichtian changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages have been investigated in the eastern Tethyan Shahneshin section (central Zagros Basin, Iran). The nannofossil assemblages are mainly composed of Watznaueria spp. (avg. 54%), Retecapsa spp (avg. 7.9%), Cribrosphaerella ehrenbergii (avg. 7.7%) and Micula spp. (avg. 5.7%). Throughout the late Campanian, there is a trend to lower abundances in Watznaueria spp. together with increasing abundances of C. ehrenbergii and Arkhangelskiella cymbiformis, which are considered in this basin as the main cool-water taxa. Our results reveal that, despite a diagenetic impact on calcareous nannoflora, a number of primary paleoecological trends are preserved which depict well features of the progressive Late Cretaceous cooling. The first pronounced cooling episode occurs across the late Campanian to early Maastrichtian. The onset of pronounced cooling in the eastern Tethys appears to occur prior to the Campanian/Maastrichtian Boundary event (CMBE) δ13C negative excursion, in contrast with the Boreal realm where pronounced cooling only occurs in the early Maastrichtian, postdating the onset of the CMBE. The coincidence of this earlier cooling in the Zagros Basin with an interval characterized by a significant increase in benthic foraminifera suggests an amplified response of the assemblage due to a change to shallower environments. Hence, the late Campanian calcareous nannofossil assemblage turnover in central Zagros is either a response to an early cooling trend in the eastern Tethys or to sea-level fall or both. The mid-Maastrichtian warming and late Maastrichtian cooling episodes are also delineated in the nannofossil assemblage of Shahneshin and likely correlate with similar episodes in the Boreal Realm.

Did Late Cretaceous cooling trigger the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event?

Did Late Cretaceous cooling trigger the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event?

Did Late Cretaceous cooling trigger the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event?

The Campanian–Maastrichtian (83–66 Ma) was a period of global climate cooling, featuring significant negative carbon-isotope (δ13C) anomalies, such as the Late Campanian Event (LCE) and the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE). A variety of factors, including changes in temperature, oceanic circulation and gateway opening, have been invoked to explain these δ13C perturbations, but no precise mechanism has yet been well constrained. In order to improve our understanding of these events, we measured stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of hemipelagic sediments from the Shuqualak-Evans cored borehole (Mississippi, USA) and compared the data with previously published sea-surface temperature (SST) estimates from the same core. We found that the CMBE can be recognised, unambiguously, in the ShuqualakEvans core, and that it is associated with an interval of cooler SSTs suggesting a possible mechanistic link between palaeotemperature change and this event. Determining the precise position of the LCE in the Shuqualak-Evans core is more problematic, but it may also be associated with cooler SSTs. Our combined records of carbon cycling and SSTs compare well with other studies and provide evidence that cooling during the CMBE (and possibly LCE) was global in nature and affected surface waters, in addition to the deep-ocean. We suggest that short-term cooling drove intensification of high-latitude deep-water formation, which in turn led to changes in the ratio of carbonate to organic carbon burial that led to a negative δ13C excursion. Critically, the absence of warming during these intervals implies that the Late Cretaceous events must not have been associated with an appreciable increase in atmospheric pCO2, and was likely associated with decreased pCO2.

Dwarfism of irregular echinoids (Echinocorys) from Poland during the Campanian-Maastrichtian Boundary Event

The echinoid genus Echinocorys is one of the dominant irregular echinoid in the Cretaceous of Poland. Our analysis of the body size trends of these echinoids shows that they underwent dwarfism in the early Maastrichtian. The reduction in body size in these echinoids was likely an ecological response to the major climate perturbations connected with the Campanian-Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE) that was characterized by a long-lasting negative carbon isotope excursion and cooling. This is consistent with the fact that food limitations and cold temperatures are among the major factors decreasing growth rates in modern echinoids. So far, in the case of echinoids, the so-called ‘Lilliput Effect’ has been only recognized in the early Danian (early Paleogene) heart urchins (Atelostomata). Thus, our study shows that the reduction in the body size in echinoids was a more common biotic response to environmental stress than previously thought.

Upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian sections of northern Rostov oblast: Article 2. Depositional environments and paleogeography

The study present the results of the integrated study on the Belgorod and Pavlovka formations (upper Campanian), Sukhodol Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian), and Efremovo-Stepanovka Formation (Maastrichtian). Variations in lithological indicators and associated changes in the biotic assemblages were used to distinguish three stages in the basin evolution separated by hiatuses (Belgorod-Pavlovka, Sukhodol, and Efremovo-Stepanovka). This basin occupied the upland area in the north of the Paleozoic Donets Basin during late Campanian-early Maastrichtian times. Each stage was characterized by a specific depositional environment accompanied either by a decrease or by an increase in the terrigenous sediment supply from the Donets Basin and, possibly, Ukrainian Shield and sea-level and temperature fluctuations, as well as specific paleobiogeographic relations. During the Belgorod-Pavlovka stage, the basin was characterized by relatively deep-water environments, with warm waters and normal salinity, and predominantly carbonate sedimentation. The Sukhodol stage was marked by terrigenous sedimentation, a predominance of the agglutinated foraminiferal forms, and abundant radiolarians, which occurred during a marine regression and overall cooling. This stage corresponds to the global “Campanian-Maastrichtian boundary event.” The first half of the Efremovo-Stepanovka stage was marked by resumed carbonate sedimentation, warming, transgression, and deepening of the basin, which were replaced by a renewed regression at the end of this time interval.

Maastrichtian carbon cycle changes and planktonic foraminiferal bioevents at Gebel Matulla, west-central Sinai, Egypt

Comparison between the planktonic foraminiferal bioevents from different palaeolatitudes suggests that the biostratigraphic criteria used to identify the Maastrichtian stage boundaries are problematic. A new high-resolution calibration of planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic, carbon-isotope, and sequence-stratigraphic criteria has been recorded for the first time from the Maastrichtian Sudr Formation at Gebel Matulla, west-central Sinai. The sedimentary successions allow the identification of prominent long-term carbon isotope events in the Maastrichtian, namely the negative excursion of the Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), the positive excursion of the mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME), and the decline towards the Cretaceous-Palaeogene transition (KPgE). Termination of these well known δ13C events is associated with unconformities, created by eustatic sea-level changes, although the long duration argues for superimposed local tectonic control.

Campanian‐Maastrichtian ocean circulation in the tropical Pacific

The Pacific Ocean is the largest water body on Earth, and circulation in the Pacific contributed significantly to climate evolution in the latest Cretaceous, the culmination of a period of long‐term cooling. Here, we present new high‐resolution late Campanian to Maastrichtian benthic and planktic foraminiferal stable isotope data and a neodymium (Nd) isotope record obtained from sedimentary ferromanganese oxide coatings of Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1210B from the tropical Pacific Ocean (Shatsky Rise). These new records resolve 13 million years in the latest Cretaceous, providing insights into changes in surface and bottom water temperatures and source regions of deep to intermediate waters covering the carbon isotope excursions of the Campanian‐Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE) and the Mid‐Maastrichtian event (MME). Our new benthic foraminiferal δ18O and Nd isotope records together with published Nd isotope data show markedly parallel trends across the studied interval over a broad range of bathyal to abyssal water depths interpreted to reflect changes in the intensity of deep‐ocean circulation in the tropical Pacific. In particular, we observe a three‐million‐year‐long period of cooler conditions in the early Maastrichtian (72.5 to 69.5 Ma) when a concomitant change toward less radiogenic seawater Nd isotope signatures probably marks a period of enhanced admixture and northward flow of deep waters with Southern Ocean provenance. We suggest this change to have been triggered by intensified formation and convection of deep waters in the high southern latitudes, a process that weakened during the MME (69.5 to 68.5 Ma). The early Maastrichtian cold interval is closely related to the negative and positive carbon isotope trends of the CMBE and MME. The millions‐of‐years long duration of these carbon cycle perturbations suggests a tectonic forcing of climatic cooling, possibly related to changes in ocean basin geometry and bathymetry.

High-resolution carbon-isotope stratigraphy across the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary at Shatsky Rise (tropical Pacific)

The Campanian–Maastrichtian transition is characterized by a negative carbon-isotope excursion, the so-called Campanian–Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), thought to have been triggered by climatic cooling and sea-level fall. This event is known from stable isotope datasets around the world, but little is known about the causal mechanisms of the proposed cooling or the exact timing of this event. A tool both to enhance our knowledge about this event and to highlight the relative timing between the cooling and the proposed sea-level fall, is high-resolution carbon-isotope stratigraphy. In this study, an upper Campanian–Maastrichtian high-resolution carbon-isotope record from bulk carbonates of Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1210B at Shatsky Rise is presented. The new carbon-isotope record shows a number of distinct variations on short and longer time scales, which can be calibrated with age-diagnostic planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton datum levels. This detailed biostratigraphically calibrated carbon-isotope stratigraphy can be correlated with the carbon-isotope record of Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 305 (∼500m deeper in palaeodepth than Hole 1210B). One result of this correlation is the detection of two major hiatuses at Site 305 associated with the lower and upper part of the CMBE. As possible mechanisms for these hiatuses, we discuss the effects of erosion as a result of mass wasting and/or of changes in the strength of bottom currents. By reducing stratigraphic uncertainties our new correlation proves the usefulness of biostratigraphically calibrated carbon-isotope stratigraphy, even for time intervals of small changes in the global carbon cycle as in the late Campanian–Maastrichtian. The new carbon-isotope record of Hole 1210B may serve in future as a reference for detailed calibration and correlation with other well-established δ13C records from shelf seas and open-ocean settings. This will help to enhance our understanding of ocean-climate processes associated with the CMBE.

Global correlation of Upper Campanian - Maastrichtian successions using carbon-isotope stratigraphy: development of a new Maastrichtian timescale

Carbon-isotope stratigraphy has proven to be a powerful tool in the global correlation of Cretaceous successions. Here we present new, high-resolution carbon-isotope records for the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Maastrichtian stage at Tercis les Bains (France), the Bottaccione and Contessa sections at Gubbio (Italy), and the coastal sections at Norfolk (UK) to provide a global δ13C correlation between shelf-sea and oceanic sites. The new δ13C records are correlated with δ13C-stratigraphies of the boreal chalk sea (Trunch borehole, Norfolk, UK, Lagerdorf-Kronsmoor-Hemmoor section, northern Germany, Stevns-1 core, Denmark), the tropical Pacific (ODP Hole 1210B, Shatsky Rise) and the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean (DSDP Hole 525A, ODP Hole 690C) by using an assembled Gubbio δ13C record as a reference curve. The global correlation allows the identification of significant high-frequency δ13C variations that occur superimposed on prominent Campanian-Maastrichtian events, namely the Late Campanian Event (LCE), the Campanian-Maastrichtian Boundary Event (CMBE), the mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME), and the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition (KPgE). The carbon-isotope events are correlated with the geomagnetic polarity scale recalculated using the astronomical 40Ar/39Ar calibration of the Fish Canyon sanidine. This technique allows the evaluation of the relative timing of base occurrences of stratigraphic index fossils such as ammonites, planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils. Furthermore, the Campanian-Maastrichtian boundary, as defined in the stratotype at Tercis, can be precisely positioned relative to carbon-isotope stratigraphy and the geomagnetic polarity timescale. The average value for the age of the Campanian-Maastrichtian boundary is 72.1 ± 0.1 Ma, estimated by three independent approaches that utilize the Fish Canyon sanidine calibration and Option 2 of the Maastrichtian astronomical timescale. The CMBE covers a time span of 2.5 Myr and reflects changes in the global carbon cycle probably related to tectonic process rather than to glacio-eustasy. The duration of the high-frequency δ13C variations instead coincides with the frequency band of long eccentricity, indicative of orbital forcing of changes in climate and the global carbon cycle. © 2012 Gebruder Borntraeger, Stuttgart, Germany.