Maastrichtian Research Articles

The assessment of potential source rocks of Maastrichtian Araromi formation in Araromi and Gbekebo wells Dahomey Basin, southwestern Nigeria

Drilled core samples of the Araromi Formation in the eastern Dahomey basin penetrated by Araromi and Gbekebo exploratory wells were investigated to establish the source rocks potentials in the onshore area of the basin. The sediments are of Maastrichtian age deposited in the shallow marine environment with varying thicknesses.Rock-Eval data of forty seven (40) shales give Total Organic Carbon (TOC) range of 0.50–4.78 wt%, Hydrogen Index (HI) value range of 1 - 327mgHC/gTOC, Tmax values from 398 °C–437 °C and Source Potential (SP) values range from 0.01 - 14.56kgHC/ton of rock. The maceral compositions of the shales are liptinite (av. 26.0%), abundance vitrinite (av. 38.1%) and inertinite (av. 35.9 %) with vitrinite reflectance (VRo) ranging from 0.51 - 0.68 %Ro. Hydrocarbons and biomarkers results reveal a bimodal n-alkane envelope between (nC16 and nC18) and (nC27 and nC29) suggesting organic matter of mixed origin of algae and higher plant generally in the two well. The Significant contribution of marine algae in the deeper part of Gbekebo well was observed by the presence of C30 24-n-propyl cholestane (%C30 sterane range from 0.45 to as high as 5.23%).Integration of the Rock-Eval, organic petrology and biomarkers data reveal that the kerogen constituents of the source rocks in Araromi well are mainly Type II/III, III and IV with a high amount of inertinite constituents suggesting they have been reworked. Type II and II/III kerogen derived from marine algae are better preserved in the deeper part of Gbekebo well located more southerly in the basin than in the Araromi well. The source rocks are generally immature to marginally mature and hydrocarbon exploration effort should be targeted towards Gbekebo well area where we have more promising potential source rocks capable of generating more hydrocarbons essentially at a deeper depth.

Phylogeny of a new gigantic paravian (Theropoda; Coelurosauria; Maniraptora) from the Upper Cretaceous of James Ross Island, Antarctica

A description with phylogenetic analyses is provided for Imperobator antarcticus, gen. et sp. nov., an early Maastrichtian, basal paravian (Theropoda; Maniraptora) from the Naze Peninsula, James Ross Island, Antarctica. In 2003, researchers uncovered the remains of a theropod later referred to Dromaeosauridae. Dromaeosaurids are a clade of maniraptorans including well-known members such as Velociraptor and Deinonychus. The specimen displays a case of gigantism in paravians, a condition best documented in the dromaeosaurids Achillobator, Austroraptor, Dakotaraptor, and Utahraptor. In addition to certain morphological traits that differ from the dromaeosaurid norm, the smooth surface of the distal metatarsal II prevents referral of the ‘Naze Theropod’ to dromaeosaurids (ginglymoidy of the distal surface of metatarsal II being considered an unambiguous synapomorphy of dromaeosaurids). The specimen also lacks a hypertrophied ungual of the second pedal digit, and is surprisingly small in comparison with those of equivalently sized dromaeosaurids such as Utahraptor. A heuristic search and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis were performed, providing the first phylogenetic analyses of this enigmatic theropod. Both analyses support a placement of this taxon within Paraves, a clade which includes Dromaeosauridae, Troodontidae, and Avialae (birds). Despite previous referral to ‘Deinonychosauria,’ placement near or within any of the three major paravian subclades could not be retained. We also offer the first biostratigraphic placement of the Campanian–Maastrichtian, non-avian Antarctic dinosaurs and can, with confidence, determine the contemporaneous nature of the latest Cretaceous, dinosaur fauna in Antarctica.

Campano-Maastrichtian paleoenvironment, paleotectonics and sediment provenance of western Anambra Basin, Nigeria: Multi-proxy evidences from the Mamu Formation

This article presents the results of a high-resolution evaluation of the sedimentological, mineralogical, palynofacies, and geochemical aspects of the Mamu Formation aimed at deciphering the sediment provenance, as well as the prevailing paleoenvironmental, paleoclimatic and paleotectonic conditions that occurred during the late Campanian-middle Maastrichtian age in the less studied western section of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria. Four measured sections exposed in Uzebba (composite), Auchi, Okpekpe, and Imiegba were investigated using sedimentological (outcrop studies and laser diffraction particle size analysis), mineralogical (XRD), geochemical (ICP-MS and XRF) and palynofacies techniques. Seven lithofacies were identified and grouped into central basin, marsh, bay, barrier, beach, and washover fan facies association as well as meandering fluvial-tidal channel facies association interpreted as indicative of a tidally influenced wave dominated estuarine paleoenvironment. In addition, mineralogical and palynofacies characterization revealed the heterogeneous nature of the dark mudstone lithofacies, varying from a more proximal low salinity phytoclast and quartz dominated marsh and bay mudstones to a more distal higher salinity palynomorph and clay dominated central basin accumulating deep-water mudstones. Consistent with recent Campano-Maastrichtian paleogeographic and paleoclimatic models we observed a dominance of kaolinite, a high chemical index of alteration above 90%, and a predominantly low index of compositional variability values (<1%), which signifies mineralogical maturity of the sediments due to sediment recycling and intensive chemical weathering under humid tropical paleoclimate. Furthermore, trace and major element discriminant plots revealed a felsic-intermediate provenance for the sediments under passive margin paleotectonic regime, which is in agreement with the regional distribution, geology, and geochemistry of the pre-Santonian rocks and the Precambrian basement rocks in the area.

Northern Cedar Mountains Red Beds, Tooele County

Recent mapping for the Tooele 30' x 60' quadrangle geologic map revealed more information about interesting exposures of red beds cropping out in an 11-mile (18-km) swath along the northwestern flank of the Cedar Mountains (Clark and others, 2017, 2019 in review). They are unusual because such rocks are seldom preserved in northwestern Utah, an area known for thick thrust sheets of Paleozoic marine carbonate and sandstone. These rocks were first mapped by Robert Maurer for his Ph.D. dissertation on the geology of the Cedar Mountains (Maurer, 1970). He called them North Horn (?) Formation and noted the presence of fresh-water snails (Gyraulus sp.) that a paleontologist said were probably of late Paleocene or Eocene age. The North Horn Formation is considered Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian age) to Paleocene or Eocene (~70 to 60 Ma) in age. However, recent detrital zircon analysis from sandstone in the unit suggest a much older age, with the youngest grains (maximum depositional age) of 117 Ma, or Early Cretaceous, Aptian (UGS and O’Sullivan, 2017). Two samples of gray mudstone taken for fossil pollen in the unit did not produce any usable material. Inspection of these rocks by Don DeBlieux (Utah Geological Survey paleontologist) revealed no bone or other biological material at this location.

Mid Campanian‐Lower Maastrichtian magnetostratigraphy of the James Ross Basin, Antarctica: Chronostratigraphical implications

AbstractThe James Ross Basin, in the northern Antarctic Peninsula, exposes which is probably the world thickest and most complete Late Cretaceous sedimentary succession of southern high latitudes. Despite its very good exposures and varied and abundant fossil fauna, precise chronological determination of its infill is still lacking. We report results from a magnetostratigraphic study on shelfal sedimentary rocks of the Marambio Group, southeastern James Ross Basin, Antarctica. The succession studied covers a ~1,200 m‐thick stratigraphic interval within the Hamilton Point, Sanctuary Cliffs and Karlsen Cliffs Members of the Snow Hill Island Formation, the Haslum Crag Formation, and the lower López de Bertodano Formation. The basic chronological reference framework is given by ammonite assemblages, which indicate a Late Campanian – Early Maastrichtian age for the studied units. Magnetostratigraphic samples were obtained from five partial sections located on James Ross and Snow Hill islands, the results from which agree partially with this previous biostratigraphical framework. Seven geomagnetic polarity reversals are identified in this work, allowing to identify the Chron C32/C33 boundary in Ammonite Assemblage 8‐1, confirming the Late Campanian age of the Hamilton Point Member. However, the identification of the Chron C32/C31 boundary in Ammonite Assemblage 8‐2 assigns the base of the Sanctuary Cliffs Member to the early Maastrichtian, which differs from the Late Campanian age previously assigned by ammonite biostratigraphy. This magnetostratigraphy spans ~14 Ma of sedimentary succession and together with previous partial magnetostratigraphies on Early‐Mid Campanian and Middle Maastrichtian to Danian columns permits a complete and continuous record of the Late Cretaceous distal deposits of the James Ross Basin. This provides the required chronological resolution to solve the intra‐basin and global correlation problems of the Late Cretaceous in the Southern Hemisphere in general and in the Weddellian province in particular, given by endemism and diachronic extinctions on invertebrate fossils, including ammonites. The new chronostratigraphic scheme allowed us to calculate sediment accumulation rates for almost the entire Late Cretaceous infill of the distal James Ross Basin (the Marambio Group), showing a monotonous accumulation for more than 8 Myr during the upper Campanian and a dramatic increase during the early Maastrichtian, controlled by tectonic and/or eustatic causes.

Environmental footprints of the early Maastrichtian cooling – The record of benthic foraminifera from northern Germany

The upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian interval from the white chalk of the Kronsmoor section (northern Germany) has been a target of various studies on benthic foraminifera and benthic macroinvertebrates. The results of these studies are in part contradictory, as foraminifera suggest decreasing fertility throughout the early Maastrichtian, whereas macroinvertebrates imply increasing food supply.In order to elucidate this discrepancy, we re-studied benthic foraminiferal assemblages from Kronsmoor. This section provides a continuous upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian succession with well-preserved foraminifera. Benthic assemblages are highly diverse and abundant. Common foraminifer species include Bolivina incrassata, Cibicidoides voltzianus, Gyroidinoides umbilicatus, Osangularia cordieriana, Sitella laevis and Stensioeina pommerana. Only a few variations in diversity or in morphogroup composition have been observed throughout the studied interval. Some individual taxa (e.g., B. incrassata, Cibicidoides spp.), show a trend of decreasing abundances, whereas others (Cibicides beaumontianus, G. umbilicatus) increase. The relatively stable composition of benthic morphogroups suggests that there were no severe palaeoenvironmental disruptions in the western Chalk Sea such as excess eutrophication or oxygen depletion. Modest palaeoecological shifts are indicated by the variation patterns of individual taxa such as G. umbilicus (increasing organic influx), C. beaumontianus (bottom water circulation) and Bolivinoides spp. (cooling).

Canalispina iapygia gen. et sp. nov.: The last Siderolitidae (Foraminiferida) from the upper Maastrichtian of southern Italy

Siderolitid larger benthic foraminifera are widespread and abundant microfossils in high-energy shallow-water Tethyan carbonate platform facies of Campanian – Maastrichtian age. The more evolved representatives of this group, placed in the genus Siderolites, are characterized by a complex canal system and by canaliculate spines. For these characters they have been often compared to recent calcarinids. The specific name Siderolites calcitrapoides has been almost invariantly used for all Maastrichtian siderolitids with spines. In this paper we give the first accurate description of the siderolitids occurring in the Maastrichtian carbonate platform facies of the Salento Peninsula (southeastern Apulia) and of the Pachino area (southeastern Sicily). The architecture of the test of these siderolitids differs considerably from that of true S. calcitrapoides. For these morphotypes we erect the new taxon Canalispina iapygia gen. et sp. nov. The new taxon developed longer and more robust spines by changing the architecture of the canal system and by embodying the base of the spines within the chambers. Biostratigraphy and strontium isotope stratigraphy support a late Maastrichtian age for the studied material, indicating that Canalispina iapygia gen. et sp. nov., represents the last step in the evolution of siderolitids before the extinction of the group at the Cretaceous-Paleocene boundary.

U-Pb detrital zircon constraints on the depositional age and provenance of the dinosaur-bearing Upper Cretaceous Wadi Milk formation of Sudan

Cretaceous continental deposits in Sudan have long been recognized as important archives of continental vertebrate fossils in central Africa. A number of different sedimentary units including the Wadi Milk, Shendi and Kababish formations from northern and central Sudan are known to yield dinosaur and other vertebrate fossils. The ages of these deposits are poorly constrained, and traditionally assumed to be of Albian to Santonian age based on biostratigraphic evidence. However, recent palynological analyses suggest a Campanian–Maastrichtian age for the Shendi Formation. Not only are the ages of these units poorly resolved; but stratigraphic correlations within and between them and similar aged units in central Africa, remains tenuous. To address these issues a detailed sedimentary fingerprinting and provenance analysis was conducted on the putatively correlative Shendi and Wadi Milk formations using sandstone petrography and a multifaceted detrital zircon investigation combining U-Pb geochronology, Lu-Hf isotope analysis and trace element geochemistry. The objective was to provide constraints on the age of deposition, sediment sources and paleofluvial drainage patterns. Based on laser ablation ICP-MS U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology of 18 sandstone samples (>1400 detrital zircons), we identified a population of six Late Cretaceous zircons from the Wadi Milk Formation yielding a maximum depositional age of 79.2 ± 2.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.65, probability 0.62). Specifically, these data restrict the depositional age to Campanian or younger for the Wadi Milk Formation, which significantly refines our understanding of the age of this unit and its fauna. The Lu-Hf-isotope and trace element analyses of the remainder of the dated zircons show a provenance dominated by Neoproterozoic crustal sources and minor Paleoproterozoic and Archean sources for both units, which we interpret as being sourced from the Arabian-Nubian Shield to the south and southeast of the study area. These findings, coupled with the recently updated biostratigraphic age of the Shendi Formation, confirm that both units are correlative to one another and were probably deposited synchronously by north-north westerly flowing fluvial system draining into the Tethys Sea during the Late Cretaceous.

The Stratigraphic, Palaeobiogeographic and Phylogenetic Significance of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aquilapollenites&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Angiosperm evolved and diversified during Cretaceous. During this course of evolution and radiation, various pollen of uncertain origin had evolved. Aquilapollenites represents the early stock of angiosperms attaining its acme with respect to diversity and dominance during Campanian and Maastrichtian age. It was globally present (except Antarctica) however more dominant in northern hemisphere (Canada, North America, Sakhlain Oblast and China). In India, the Aquilapollenites sp. is present in Maastrichtian aged deposits. The pollen affinity has been associated with Loranthaceae and Santalaceae plant families. Here, a comparative description of all the Aquilapollenites sp. comprising a wide range of morphological diversity has been discussed. The wider morphological diversity and ecological adaptability of Aquilapollenites sp. infer that it is globally significant and warrants a more detailed study.

A new species of dercetid (Teleostei, Aulopiformes) from the type Maastrichtian of southern Limburg, the Netherlands

AbstractOn the basis of dissociated and scattered skull bones and several types of scutes and scales of a single, large-sized individual, a new species of dercetid is recorded from the lower to middle portion of the Maastricht Formation (upper Gronsveld, Schiepersberg or Emael members) as formerly exposed at ’t Rooth quarry near Bemelen, east of Maastricht, the Netherlands. This new taxon,Pelargorhynchus grandisn. sp., the fifth dercetid recorded to date from the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage, is characterised by the presence of both large, smooth scutes and small ornamented scales, by the degree of curvature of skull bones, the presence of unfused premaxillae and the lack of teeth.

New plesiosaurid material from the Maastrichtian type area, the Netherlands

Abstract Here we report on a newly collected, well-preserved vertebral centrum of a plesiosaur from the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage in southern Limburg. The specimen is interpreted as a caudal vertebra that originated from an osteologically immature or juvenile individual, as evidenced by the position of the pedicular facets, the presence of a notochord pit and the absence of fused neural arches. It adds to the meagre record of sauropterygians in the area.

Preservation of a heavily bored belemnite rostrum from the upper Maastrichtian of north-east Belgium

The robust calcite rostra (or guards) of belemnites were attractive substrates for some boring organisms in the Mesozoic. The rostra of belemnitellid coleoids are common at certain levels within the Gulpen and Maastricht formations of the extended type area of the Maastrichtian Stage (Upper Cretaceous) in the south-east Netherlands and north-east Belgium. A range of episkeletozoans have been reported from these substrates hitherto. A new specimen preserved as a natural mould in flint from the province of Liège, north-east Belgium, is distinctive, preserving a dense three-dimensional infestation of long, slender, unbranched and unsculptured borings of constant diameter, Trypanites? isp. These may be the spoor of polychaetes. Variations in diameter between borings suggests that the traces in this specimen may represent four separate infestations.

First record of palynomorph assemblages from the Arshad Sandstone (Late Cretaceous), Sirte Basin, north-central Libya

This paper presents the first record of identifiable palynomorph assemblages from the Arshad Sandstone, Sirte Basin, north-central Libya. Ninety core samples from five different wells were macerated to isolate palynomorphs, but 78 samples turned out to be barren. Among the 12 productive samples, the preservation of palynomorphs was generally poor to fair, limiting identifications at species level. However, despite these limitations workable assemblages were recovered from a few productive samples. Since palynomorph preservation is poor, many forms could only be identified at the generic level and some were unidentifiable. A few stratigraphically significant dinoflagellate cysts were identified at the species level. Palynomorph diversity is fairly high including both terrestrial (angiosperm and gymnosperm pollen grains, spores, algal and fungal remains) and marine (dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs and foraminiferal remains) forms. The lithology of the Arshad Sandstone is quite diverse; variables include very hard and silicified sandstones, massive shales, sandy dolomites, and dolomitic sandstones. Characteristically all these sediments are massive, very hard, and occasionally bioturbated. No identifiable or datable macro- or mega-fossils are known from this stratigraphic unit, and previous attempts to isolate palynomorphs have been unsuccessful. The present palynological study indicates that these sediments were deposited in diverse environments ranging from nearshore terrestrial to shallow marine (inner shelf). Dinoflagellate cyst species indicate that the Arshad Sandstone is of Campanian–Maastrichtian age.

Offshore pile load tests in Chalk to support the design of jacket foundations

Iberdrola developed the 350 MW Wikinger offshore windfarm (OWF) in the German Baltic Sea where ground conditions are mainly dominated by deposits of the Upper Quaternary series and post-glacial deposits overlying Cretaceous Upper Chalk (low-density, grade A1/A2) of Maastrichtian age and at some locations with Paleogene Limestone (high-density to very high density, grade A1/A2). Current pile design methods for open tubular steel piles in Chalk highlighted significant design uncertainties for open tubular piles that would lead to unnecessarily conservative pile dimensions of 70 m embedded length or longer for the 70 four-legged jacket wind turbine support structures and the six-legged offshore substation. For mainly axially loaded piles, German legislation requires the execution of dynamic pile load tests on production piles at a minimum of 10% of wind turbine generator locations immediately following pile installation. This practice offers no opportunity for pile design optimisation. If positive, the pile tests can confirm design assumptions, but risk costly delays in OWF commissioning if the dynamically ‘measured’ capacities fall below design requirements. After careful consideration of costs and benefits, and with the clear advantages of eliminating ambiguity of test results, it was decided that offshore tests at the Wikinger OWF offered the best return on investment regarding foundation design optimisation, assurance and certification. To address these concerns, in advance of final design, offshore dynamic and fully autonomous static pile load tests were commissioned. These were completed 10 weeks after pile driving on 50%-downscaled piles with penetrations of up to 31 m in water depths of around 40 m. This paper provides an overview of the test results and how they were applied in detailed design and validated during construction through dynamic pile tests. Lessons learned are shared and conclusions are drawn regarding on-site offshore pile test results and their transfer into the foundation design and planning process.

The Madenli (Central Taurides) Upper Cretaceous platform carbonate succession: Benthic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and platform evolution

The Upper Cretaceous succession in the Madenli area (western Central Taurides, Southern Turkey) consists of platform carbonate rocks deposited in entirely peritidal environments, which are sensitive to sea level changes driven by global eustasy, but also strongly affected by local and regional tectonics. It includes economically important bauxite deposits. Previous works suggest different ages for bauxite formation ranging from the Albian to the Santonian. Benthic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and facies analysis of the Madenli and Doğankuzu outcrop sections allow for a more precise dating of the platform emersion periods. The footwall limestones of the bauxite deposits consist of well-bedded limestones (Unit-1), which contain a benthic foraminiferal assemblage (BFA) including mainly Biconcava bentori and Pastrikella biplana, Chrysalidina gradata (BFA I), assigned to the middle-upper Cenomanian. In the Madenli section, the first bauxite deposit occurs in the upper part of Unit-1 as a layer interbedded with pinkish sparitic and dolomitic beds (subunit-1a) deposited in supratidal environment. Subunit-1a is stratigraphically equivalent to the Doğankuzu and Mortaş bauxite deposits considered as karst-related, unconformity-type deposits. The hanging-wall limestones of the bauxite are represented by the massive limestones (Unit-2) starting locally with either the upper Cenomanian characterized mainly by the presence of Pseudolituonella reicheli or upper Campanian comprising mainly Murciella cuvillieri and Moncharmontia apenninica (BFA II). There is no field evidence of a discontinuity surface at the contact between the lower part of Unit-2, including BFA I, and the upper part of Unit-2, including BFA II. This contact is defined as a paraconformity indicating a stratigraphic gap from the Turonian to the early Campanian. The top of Unit-2 is truncated by another discontinuity surface associated with a minor bauxite deposit. The overlying Unit-3 is characterized by well-bedded, rudist-bearing limestones topped by laminated and dolomitized limestones organized in shallowing upward cycles. It is assigned to the upper Maastrichtian based on the presence of Rhapydionina liburnica (BFA III) and rudist assemblage. A third emersion period of the platform corresponds to the early Maastrichtian.

Palaeoenvironmental signature of the Late Campanian-Early Maastrichtian benthonic foraminiferal assemblages of Kurdistan, Northeast Iraq

The Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the Shiranish Formation of Kurdistan region (NE- Iraq) are placed into three temporally distinct assemblages that are interpreted to reflect environmental changes, principally involving factors associated with paleodepth. In stratigraphic succession the assemblages are: the Lenticulina macrodiscus-Lenticulina pseudosecans Assemblage (Late Campanian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the lower and upper parts of the Bolivinoides decoratus subzone within the Bolivinoides decoratus benthic foraminiferal biozone; the Gavelinella monterelensis-Gavelinella stephensoni Assemblage (Late to Latest Campanian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the uppermost part of the Bolivinoides decoratus and B. laevigatus subzones within the Bolivinoides decoratus benthic foraminiferal biozone; and the Coryphostoma incrassata gigantea-Praebulimina carseyae-Loxostomum eleyi Assemblage (Early Maastrichtian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the Bolivinoides miliaris and B. draco benthic foraminiferal biozones. The foraminiferal assemblages are interpreted as representing outer shelf to middle slope environments, between ca 200 m to at least 600 m water depth, with maximum water depths in the Late Campanian, followed by shallowing into the Early Maastrichtian. The most likely control mechanism for shallowing sea level was the beginning of southern Neo-Tethys Ocean closure at this time. Almost manifesting the turnover from pre-flysch facies to the overlying flysch facies within Kurdistan foreland basin. Such variation in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages controlled essentially by the interactions between the palaeobasin configuration and sea level changes from the Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian.

A bioclast-based astronomical timescale for the Maastrichtian in the type area (southeast Netherlands, northeast Belgium) and stratigraphic implications: the legacy of P.J. Felder

AbstractThe present paper, dedicated to the legacy of local geologist–engineer Peter Jozef (Sjeuf) Felder, who died in 2009, confirms his view that bioclasts constitute a valuable tool in the correlation of outcrops and borehole cores across the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage in the vicinity of Maastricht. His approach of interpreting changes in bioclast contents as having been influenced by Milankovitch cyclicity has here been applied successfully to the entire sedimentary complex of Maastrichtian (latest Cretaceous) age in the study area. In the present approach, results are corroborated by index fossils, mainly dinoflagellate cysts but also calcareous nannofossils, which allow correlation with the Stevns-1 core reference section in eastern Denmark. With the exception of local remnants ofBelemnella obtusaZone age, the Maastrichtian Stage in its type area encompasses the last 4.6 Ma of the Cretaceous Period (i.e. theBelemnella sumensis/Acanthoscaphites tridensZone up to the K/Pg boundary). P.J. Felder's bioclast analyses have enabled the detection of twelve 400 kyr eccentricity cycles of Milankovitch cyclicity in the area. However, the section is not continuous; there is a hiatus ofc.700 kyr between the Gulpen and Maastricht formations at the ENCI-HeidelbergCement Group quarry. In addition, smaller hiatuses, usually in the range of several 20 kyr cycles, have been detected in the upper Maastricht Formation.

The dismantling of the Apulian carbonate platform during the late Campanian – early Maastrichtian in Albania

The Apulian carbonate margin is widely preserved across the Adriatic domain and has been extensively studied in the south of Italy. In Albania, Oligocene–Pliocene fold-and-thrust tectonics led to widespread exposure of the Apulian Platform and associated Ionian Basin carbonates. However, the portion linking the platform to the basin is missing, preventing a direct reconstruction of the platform margin. Syn-sedimentary folding and faulting are recognized in the uppermost part of both the platform and basinal/slope series. Mass transport deposits (MTDs) occur within the platform succession incorporated into well-bedded intertidal (stromatolites) to shallow-subtidal (rudist packstones) sedimentary sequences. They display significant lateral variability which is accompanied by both rigid and soft deformation structures. Spectacular slumps made up of sediment density flow deposits are recognized in the adjacent Ionian Basin. The lateral extent of basal shear surfaces, syn-sedimentary faults and folds evidenced in the Ionian Basin points toward multiple regional tectonic triggering events affecting the Apulian Platform margin at that time. Bio- and chrono-stratigraphic analyses suggest that the triggers occurred during the late Campanian – early Maastrichtian. Beyond the obvious interest from a stratigraphic point of view, the study of these events recording the dismantling of the Apulian carbonate platform allows for a better understanding of the triggering mechanisms and the sedimentary characteristics of MTDs and slumps at a basinal scale.

Maastrichtian to early Paleocene sea level changes and climatic evolution on the southeastern Tethys margin

Abstract An integrative multi proxy approach based on lithology, microfacies, bulk rock composition, total organic carbon (TOC), and δ13Ccarb was used to estimate southeastern Tethys sea level fluctuations during the deposition of the Maastrichtian-Danian oil shales in Jordan. Clay mineral assemblages were used as proxies to determine climatic variation induced sediment supply during the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (K/Pg) interval. The results from two cores (OS-02, Jafr Basin, southeast Jordan; OS-28 Azraq-Hamza Basin, central-east Jordan) reveal four major intervals of distinctive bulk rock composition reflecting sea level changes. Interval I (earliest Maastrichtian) with a low sea level and the formation of dolomites and a high detrital quartz input predates the oil shales. Intervals II and III in core OS-02 and interval II in core OS-28 represent the highest relative sea level following the Early Maastrichtian sea level rise on the Arabian Platform. Intervals III (core OS-02) and II (core OS-28) coincide with the highest organic matter deposition. Interval IV (core OS-02) and intervals III and IV (core OS-28) relate to the sea level regression-transgression cycle in the latest Maastrichtian through Danian and are marked by a large drop in the TOC content. Increased terrestrial influx during sea level lows is evident from two peaks/intervals of major negative δ13Ccarb values in core OS-28. Based on clay mineralogy it can be differentiated between warm/humid, warm/cool seasonally alternating, and cool/arid climates. When bulk rock composition is used as a sea level proxy, clay mineral assemblages from both cores reveal the dominance of warm and humid climate or, alternatively, warm/cool seasonal alternations during high sea levels (II and III core OS-02; II and IV core OS-28), while periods of arid and cool climate correspond to lower sea levels. The sea level changes and climatic variations deduced from the Jordanian oil shale successions are in agreement with the long term variations from the Egyptian Western Desert sections (southeastern Tethys), and the Tunisian El-Kef section (southweastern Tethys). Moreover, the sea level changes identified relate to the regional changes on the Arabian platform during the Maastrichtian-Danian.

Ontogeny and taxonomy of the hadrosaur (Dinosauria, Ornithopoda) remains from Basturs Poble bonebed (late early Maastrichtian, Tremp Syncline, Spain)

The lower Maastrichtian site of Basturs Poble (southern Pyrenees, Spain) is the first hadrosaur bonebed reported from Europe. It is an accumulation of disarticulated lambeosaurine skeletal elements, possibly belonging to Pararhabdodon isonensis. The sample shows high intraspecific morphological variability among many skeletal elements, suggesting the need for caution in choosing characters for phylogenetic analyses. Juvenile to adult individuals are represented in the sample, while hatchling remains are absent. Bone histology reveals that juveniles are over-represented and that the youngest individuals represented by tibia specimens were two years old. Adult individuals, with tibiae 550–600 mm long, were 14–15 years old when they died. However, individual variation in tibia length at skeletal maturity occurs within the sample, so individual maturity cannot be assumed on the basis of bone size alone. The Basturs Poble bonebed occurs within the upper part of the C31r magnetochron. Thus, lambeosaurine hadrosaurids were already present and abundant in the Ibero-Armorica Island at the end of the early Maastrichtian and P. isonensis spans the upper part of the lower Maastrichtian to the upper part of the upper Maastrichtian (upper part of C31r-lower part of C29r).