The record of mid Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events from the Ionian zone of southern Albania

Along the Sopoti section of Mali Gjere mountain are found two distinct mid-Cretaceous marly-shaly-siliceous intervals that occur near the top of the Vigla Limestone Formation (Aptian-Albian) of the Ionian zone in southern Albania. The lower interval is relatively rich in carbonate content (36% CaCO₃ on average) and radiolaria (10% on average). It contains black shale levels rich in organic matter (up to 8.5% total organic carbon (TOC)) of marine origin, which did not experience any strong thermal maturation as suggested by their very low T_max values. The age of the lower interval is latest Barremian to Early Aptian based on its calcareous nannofossil and radiolarian assemblages. It is therefore regarded as the equivalent of the Fourcade Level of Greece, reflecting the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a). The upper interval is richer in both carbonate content (60% CaCO₃ on average) and radiolaria (20% on average) but it is practically devoid of any preserved organic matter. Its age straddles the Aptian-Albian boundary based on integrated biochronologic data of dinoflagellates, calcareous nannofossils and radiolaria. It is tentatively considered as the sedimentary expression of OAE1b (sensu Leckie et al., 2002) in the Ionian zone of Albania. The presence of large Assipetra nannoliths in both shaly-siliceous intervals and the relative abundance of radiolaria suggest that their accumulation took place during periods of higher productivity in the Ionian zone of Albania.     

Integrated quantitative biostratigraphy of the latest Tortonian-early Messinian Pissouri section (Cyprus): An evaluation of calcareous plankton bioevents

A quantitative study was performed on planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils of the astronomically dated Late Miocene Pissouri section (Cyprus). Our results confirm the reliability of well-known planktonic foraminiferal events as Catapsydraxparvulus LO (Last Occurrence), sinistral coiling change of Globorotaliascitula, Globorotaliamiotumida group FRO (First Regular Occurrence), Globorotalianicolae FO (First occurrence) and LO, sinistral coiling change of Neogloboquadrinaacostaensis and also of several important calcareous nannofossil events (Amaurolithusprimus FO, Amaurolithusdelicatus FO, Reticulofenestrarotaria FO and FCO). Integrated planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton data contribute to an enhanced time resolution of the Tortonian - early Messinian interval in the Levantine basin, and contribute to detailed correlations throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, we compare methodologies commonly used in calcareous plankton biostratigraphy, and shortly outline sources of bias that can influence the results of stratigraphic studies.     

The Radiolarian biotic response during OAE2. A high-resolution study across the Bonarelli level at Bottaccione (Gubbio, Italy)

In order to improve our understanding of the radiolarian biotic response and the palaeoceanographic changes associated with the Late Cenomanian oceanic anoxic event (OAE2), a high-resolution radiolarian study was carried out across the Bonarelli level at its typical locality (Bottaccione section, central Italy). Our results confirm that a drastic radiolarian faunal change took place during the OAE2. The radiolarian turnover took place within the median part of the Bonarelli level, associated with an interval of high organic matter preservation, but relatively low values of silica. Therefore, this part constitutes a critical period in the evolutionary history of Radiolaria. A synthesis of all data available in the Umbria-Marche basin suggests that the lower part of the Bonarelli level (and underlying limestones) records mainly radiolarian extinctions (ca. 41%), while its upper part (and overlying limestones) records mainly first occurrences (ca. 35%). Our results improve understanding of the paleoecology of the family Saturnalidae, which would seem to prefer oligotrophic environments.     

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the Thomel Level (OAE2) in the Lambruisse section, Vocontian Basin, southeast France

The Thomel Level of the Lambruisse section in the Vocontian Basin (southeast France), which is marked by intercalations of black shales and organic-rich marls, accumulated during the oceanic anoxic event 2 (OAE2) occurring in the Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) boundary interval. Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic investigation of this interval revealed a total of five nannofossil zones, corresponding to the UC3-UC8 zones (Middle Cenomanian-Middle Turonian) as defined by Burnett. Biostratigraphically important taxa observed in the section include Cretarhabdus striatus, Axopodorhabdus albianus, Lithraphidites acutus, Corollithion kennedyi, Helenea chiastia, Quadrum gartneri, Q. intermedium, Eiffellithus eximius, Eprolithus octopetalus and E. eptapetalus. The two nannofossil events commonly used in the delineation of the C-T boundary, namely the LO of H. chiastia and the FO of Q. gartneri, occur less than 2 m apart in the studied section. These two bioevents define the limits of the UC6 nannofossil Zone and occur within the Whiteinella archaeocretacea foraminifer Zone. Previous litho- and chemostratigraphic analyses indicate that the δ¹³C profile of the section corresponds well with changes in lithofacies and fluctuations in the total organic carbon (TOC) and calcium carbonate content of the section. Initial increase in the δ¹³C values occurs within the UC3-UC4a undifferentiated zone, coinciding with the onset of the deposition of the organic-rich sediments of the Thomel Level and a drastic decline in the CaCO₃ values. The plateau of high δ¹³C values, on the other hand, occurs within the UC5 zone, between the LO of C. kennedyi and the LO of H. chiastia (and FO of Q. gartneri). This interval of high δ¹³C values also corresponds to the interval of high TOC and low CaCO₃ values. The integrated nannofossil, planktonic foraminifer and δ¹³C data provide a precise biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic framework of the C-T boundary in the Lambruisse section that can be used in future studies in the Vocontian Basin and allow correlations with other well-studied C-T boundary sections.     

Sedimentary response to basin inversion: Mid cretaceous-early tertiary pre- to syndeformational deposition at the Areif El Naqa anticline (Sinai, Egypt)

Summary The Areif El Naqa domal anticline in northeastern Sinai is part of the ‘Syrian Arc’ which represents an intraplate orogen that has been formed since the late Cretaceous by inversion of an older half-gaben system as a consequence of the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. The here studied pre- and syn-deformational Upper Albian to Lower Eocene sedimentary succession in the anticline was formed under shallow marine to hemipelagic conditions resulting in predominantly carbonate lithologies with only subordinate siliciclastic intercalations. The depositional history at Areif El Naqa has been reconstructed in terms of sequence stratigraphy on the basis of detailed sedimentological, biostratigraphical, and paleoecological investigations of ten sections including comparisons with age-equivalent successions further north and south as well as published data. Following a late Triassic-early Cretaceous extensional period, tectonically rather quiet conditions prevailed during deposition of the Albian-Turonian successions. Inversion started around the Coniacian. Three main phases of uplift have been determined for the Areif El Naqa anticline on the basis of evidence from lateral facies and thickness changes, local development of pronounced hiatuses, and in comparison to the sequence stratigraphic development in the tectonically quiet region of central east Sinai. The first major compressional phase is interpreted to have taken place in Coniacian-early Santonian times. It is characterized by pronounced facies and thickness changes which were documented in an earlier study byBartov et al. (1980). Nevertheless, inter-regional sea level changes still controlled deposition at Areif El Naqa during this period. The second pulse of tectonic uplift is indicated for the late Campanian-early Maastrichtian. This is based on siliciclastic deposits which are interpreted as having been reworked from older siliciclastic rocks uplifted in the anticlinal core. The third compressional pulse is inferred to be of middle Paleocene to early Eocene age as evidenced by a major hiatus in sections on the northern anticlinal flank. The uplift history at Areif El Naqa has been compared with the tectonic development in other parts of the Syrian Arc and in general seems to reflect major movements which occurred throughout the anticlines of the fold belt.     

Vegetation history of Lago Battaglia (eastern Gargano coast,Apulia, Italy) during the middle-late Holocene

A pollen and charcoal record from Gargano (southern Italy) provides new information on the vegetation history and environmental change in southern Italy during the middle to late Holocene. The chronological framework is provided by six AMS radiocarbon dates carried out on plant macroremains. Pollen diagrams record a Mediterranean vegetation along the coastland and a stable mixed oak forest at higher elevations between ca. 5900 and 4200 cal b.p. A sharp and dramatic fall of tree pollen concentrations and a change in fire frequencies occurred from approximately 4200 cal b.p. suggesting a climate change towards drier conditions. This event is coherent with regional and extra-regional palaeoclimatic records that suggest that a mid-Holocene dry period was experienced in southern Italy, southern Spain, and perhaps further afield. Human impact on vegetation seems to have occurred since about 2700 cal b.p.     

Late Albian Dinosaur Tracks from the Cratonic (Eastern) Margin of the Western Interior Seaway,Nebraska, USA

At least 22 tridactyl dinosaur tracks, poorly preserved in various degrees of expression, have recently been found at an exposure in the Dakota Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Albian) in Jefferson County, Nebraska. These tracks generally have broad, blunt digits and a broad posterior margin. The largest of the tracks measures 57 cm in length and 58 cm in width. All of the tracks lie within a stratigraphic horizon of 40 cm or less, but they do not form a single trackway. We interpret the trackmakers to have been ornithopods.

The Jefferson County tracks are in a well-cemented sandstone with oscillation ripples, at a stratigraphic level between two well-established sequence boundaries. Channel forms and lateral accretion units are common in the stratigraphic interval enclosing the tracks, and the site is interpreted as a bar or sand flat in a tidally influenced river.

The Jefferson County tracks are only the second known occurrence of large Mesozoic tetrapod tracks east of the Rocky Mountain Front-High Plains Margin, including the Black Hills of South Dakota, west of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and north of the Gulf Coastal Plain. Further, this paper is the first documentation of in situdinosaur fossils from the Nebraska-Iowa area.     

Note on Sestrosphaera liasina (Pia, 1920) from the Lowermost Jurassic of Malga Mandrielle (type-locality, Southern Alps - Italy)

New paleontological data on Sestrosphaera liasina (Pia) based on material collected in the type-locality, Malga Mandrielle (Italian Southern Alps) are supplied. All the features of the alga are reexamined; the occurrence in the stalk region of an unusual primary lateral inner swelling is confirmed. The structure formed by the inner enlarged portion of the laterals is here indicated as inner pseudocortex. A new diagnosis of S. liasina is proposed and a lectotype is chosen from Pia's material. Finally, a paleontological reconstruction is supplied taking into account all the main biometrical values.     

Calcareous nannofossils and foraminifers herald the Messinian Salinity Crisis: The Pollenzo section (Alba, Cuneo; NW Italy)

During the Messinian, the Mediterranean area experienced fast and prominent paleoenvironmental changes, culminating in the so-called Messinian Salinity Crisis, with the deposition of the evaporitic series. This work investigates the micropaleontological assemblages in the pre-evaporitic sediments of the Sant’Agata Fossili Marls (SAF) of the Pollenzo section (Cuneo area, North Western Italy). A semiquantitative analysis is carried out on the upper part of the marly and pelitic sediments of the SAF underlying the first gypsum bed, ascribed to the Vena del Gesso Fm. (VDF). The studied interval belongs to the planktonic foraminifer Globorotalia conomiozea Zone and “non distinctive Zone” of Iaccarino and to the calcareous nannofossil MNN11b/c Zone of Raffi et al. (1998, 2003) ( [Raffi et al., 1998] and [Raffi et al., 2003]). Decrease of diversity and abundance of the foraminifer and calcareous nannofossil assemblages is recorded 12 m below the VDG and clearly reflects environmental stress. From bottom to top, six paleoecological events are recorded: (1) the first peak abundance of “small” Reticulofenestra and the last recovery (LR) of planktonic foraminifers; (2) the peak abundance of Pontosphaera japonica and the last recovery of warm water taxa Discoaster spp.; (3) the last recovery of benthic foraminifers; (4) the co-occurring peak abundances of Helicosphaera carteri and Sphenolithus abies, and the last recovery of warm water taxa Amaurolithus spp.; (5) the second peak of “small” Reticulofenestra; (6) the definitive disappearance of calcareous nannofossils. These paleoecological events describe a progressive isolation of the basin from the world ocean and increasingly stressed environment (LR planktonic foraminifers; LR Discoaster spp.), increasing dysoxic to anoxic conditions at the sea floor (LR benthic foraminifers), shallowing of the water column (peak of H. carteri), increasing salinity in surface waters (peak of S. abies), and enhanced nutrient concentration in surface waters (peak of “small” Reticulofenestra); these are related to paleoenvironmental changes predating gypsum deposition at Pollenzo and affecting the whole Mediterranean basin.     

Response of calcareous nannofossil assemblages to paleoenvironmental changes through the mid-Pleistocene revolution at Site 1090 (Southern Ocean)

Quantitative study on calcareous nannofossil assemblages has been performed in high time resolution (2–3 kyr) at the Ocean Drilling Program Site 1090. The location of this site in the Southern Ocean is crucial for the comprehension of thermohaline circulation and frontal boundary dynamics, and for testing the employ of nannoflora as paleoceanographical tool. The chronologically well constrained investigated record spans between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 35 and 15, through an interval of global paleoclimate and paleoceanographical modification also known as mid-Pleistocene revolution (MPR). Measures of ecological (Shannon–Weaver diversity and paleoproductivity) and dissolution indices together with spectral and wavelet analyses carried out on the acquired time series provide valuable information for interpretation of data in terms of paleoecology and paleoceanography. Assemblages are mainly represented by dominant small Gephyrocapsa, common Calcidiscus leptoporus s.l., Coccolithus pelagicus s.l., Gephyrocapsa (4-5.5 μm), the extinct Pseudoemiliania lacunosa and Reticulofenestra spp. (R. asanoi and Reticulofenestra sp.). Morphotypes discriminated within Calcidiscus leptoporus s.l. and Coccolithus pelagicus s.l., reveal that they may have had different ecological preferences during Pleistocene with respect to the present. The composition and fluctuation in nannofossil assemblage and their comparison with the available Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and C-org curves suggest a primary ecological response to paleoenvironmental changes; relationships to different surface water features and boundary dynamics, as well as to different efficiencies and motions of the intermediate and deep water masses have been inferred. A more northward position of Subantarctic Front (SAF) during most of the Early Pleistocene record has been highlighted based on assemblage composition characterised by common Calcidiscus leptoporus s.l., Coccolithus pelagicus s.l., medium Gephyrocapsa (4–5.5 μm), and by the rarity or absence of Umbilicosphaera spp., Rhabdosphaera spp., Pontosphaera spp., Oolithotus fragilis. Exceptions are the more intense interglacials MIS 31, 17, and probably MIS 15, when a southward displacement of frontal system occurred, coincident with peaks in abundance of Helicosphaera spp. and Syracosphaera spp. Higher nutrient content and more dynamic conditions occurred between MIS 32 and MIS 25, in relation to shallower location of nutrient-rich Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) core and to reduction of glacial–interglacial variability. A nannofossil barren interval is coincident with the known stagnation of South Atlantic deep water circulation during MIS 24, when North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) was reduced or suppressed and an enhanced northward deep penetration of the more corrosive Circumpolar Deep Water (CPDW) took place. An event of strong instability in nutricline dynamics characterised the transition MIS 23–22 as suggested by sharp fluctuations in paleoproductivity proxies, linked to major changes in oceanographic circulation and to the first distinct increase of larger ice volumes at this time. From MIS 21 upward the nannofossil variations seem to be primarily controlled by glacial–interglacial cyclicity and temperature fluctuations. The cyclic fluctuation recognised in nannofossil abundance seems to be linked to orbitally-forced climatic variation, primarily to the obliquity periodicity recorded in the patterns of C. leptoporus intermediate (5–8 μm) and C. pelagicus pelagicus (6–10 μm); however no obvious and linear relations may be always observed between nannoflora fluctuation and Milankovitch parameters, suggesting more complex and unclear relationships between nannofossils and environmental change.     

The Messinian reef complex of the Salento Peninsula (southern Italy): Stratigraphy, facies and paleoenvironmental interpretation

Summary An integrated study of the early Messinian reef complex cropping out along the eastern coast of the Salento Peninsula (southern Italy), including stratigraphy, facies analysis and paleoecological aspects, is here presented. Fourteen facies types belonging to three main facies associations (back reef and shelf, shelf-edge, slope) have been recognized. They document a wide spectrum of depositional environments, reef building organisms and growth fabrics, in response to depth and other environmental factors in different parts of the reef complex. The biotic structure of the reef is also described and discussed in detail. It consists of different types of reef building organisms and of their bioconstructions (mainlyPorites coral reefs,Halimeda bioherms and vermetidmicrobial “trottoirs”), that differ in composition and structure according to their position on the shelf edge-toslope profile. Results indicate that the reef complex of the Salento Peninsula has strong similarities with the typical early Messinian reefs of the Mediterranean region. However, the recognition of some peculiar features, i.e. the remarkable occurrence ofHalimeda bioherms and of vermetid-microbial “trottoirs”, gives new insights for better understanding reef patterns and development of the reef belt during the Late Miocene in the Mediterranean.     

Dasycladalean green algae from the Upper Triassic of Mt. Rotonda (Verbicaro Unit, Calabria-Lucania Border, Southern Italy)

Summary A rich and diverse dasycladalean algae association is described from the Upper Triassic succession of Mt. Rotonda (Calabria-Lucania border, Southern Italy). This association consists of:Neoteutloporella rajkae n.sp.,Griphoporella bechst?dti n.sp.,Physoporella zamparelliae n.sp.,Spinaporella andalusica Flügel & Flügel-Kahler, 1984,S.? granadaensis Flügel & Flügel-Kahler, 1984,Chinianella? sp.,Gyroporella sp.,Griphoporella? sp. andPhysoporella aff.leptotheca. Neoteutloporella rajkae n.sp. is characterised by an undulated calcareous skeleton with short acrophore primary laterals bearing a tuft of 4–6 elongate, segmented, trichophore secondary laterals. This species allows to extend back to the Upper Triassic the stratigraphic range of the genusNeoteutloporella, previously known only from Upper Jurassic levels. Griphoporella bechst?dti n.sp. has a cylindrical calcareous skeleton and primary laterals only, consisting of a thin proximal part followed by a swollen portion that pinches out distally and finally opens outward with a cup-like swelling. Physoporella zamparelliae n.sp. is characterised by a calcareous skeleton made by partly welded thin individual sheaths enclosing the laterals. The laterals are piriferous, vertically compressed, roughly triangular both in vertical and in verticillar section. In some specimens they end with a spine-like thin apophysis. This species confirms that the typical Middle Triassic genusPhysoporella survived up into the Norian. The dasycladalean algal association of the Norian of Mt. Rotonda shows some similarities with the algal association found in the Upper Triassic of the Betic Cordillera whereas it is markedly different from the rich association occurring in the Upper Triassic of Sicily and of the Northern Calcareous Alps. This pattern is coupled with a different composition of the platform margin communities: microbial/serpulids bioconstructions in the Upper Triassic of the Calabria-Lucania border and of Alpujarridevs. Dachstein-type reefs in Sicily and the Northern Calcareous Alps. This indicates that the palaeoceanographic and palaeogeographic conditions controlled both the development of the different platform margin and of the different algal assemblages.     

Dasycladales from the Upper Maastrichtian of Salento Peninsula (Puglia, southern Italy)

Summary A rich dasycladalean assemblage, mainly consisting of new taxa, has been discovered in upper Maastrichtian coarse bioclastic limestones of shelf margin facies cropping out along the southeastern coast of Salento peninsula (Puglia, Southern Italy). It consists of 8 species grouped into 6 genera:Cymopolia decastroi Parente 1994;C. barattoloi Parente, 1994;Zittelina fluegeli n.sp;Jodotella koradae (Dieni, Massari & Radoicic, 1983) nov. comb.;Barattoloporella salentina n. gen. n. sp.;Morelletpora dienii n. sp.;Neomeris spp. (two different species). Zittelina fluegeli n. sp. is characterized by an ovoid thallus with calcification made by a calcareous wall enveloping only the proximal part of the branches (except in basal whorls) and by closely packed, and partly coalescent, calcified ampullae arranged all around the median and distal portion of branches. The transferral ofNeomeris (Larvaria) koradae Dieni, Massari & Radoicic, 1983 into the genusJodotella, with the new combinationJodotella koradae, is proposed on the basis of new observations on the number and arrangement of fertile ampullae. The new genusBarattoloporella, type-speciesBarattoloporella salentina n. gen. n. sp., is erected for dasycladalean algae characterized by a segmented thallus. Each segment consists of: a) basal and apical sterile whorls made by primary branches only, b) central fertile whorls made by primary branches bearing in terminal position one fertile ampulla and one or two secondary branches. morelletpora dienii n. sp. is characterized by a segmented thallus with barrel shaped to pear shaped repetitive elements, consisting of simple whorls of first order branches only. Shape of the branches varies from regularly phloiophorous to more or less differentiated in a stalk and a swollen portion, with or without a subterminal constriction. This is by far the most diverse dasycladalean assemblage ever found in the Maastrichtian. Its diversity supports the conclusion that, within the Late Cretaceous, the Maastrichtian represents a maximum in dasycladalean diversity. Its taxonomic composition strenghtens the hypothesis that dasycladaleans were hardly affected by K/T mass extinction.     

Distribution of recent foraminiferal assemblages near the Ombrone River mouth (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages in 127 samples, collected at water depth, ranging between 15 and 184 m on the Southern Tuscany continental shelf off the Ombrone River were analysed. Statistical analyses (Cluster and Principal Component Analysis) performed on the 48 most abundant species (>5%) and sedimentological data led to the identification of three clusters related to the size of grain sediment (sand, silt or clay). Q-mode cluster analysis singled out six groups, corresponding to six distinct foraminiferal assemblages: a typical infralittoral assemblage (15-39 m) on sandy silt, clayey silt or silty clay, dominated by Ammonia and Elphidium species, with Eggerelloides scabrus, Rectuvigerina phlegeri and Valvulineria bradyana; a second assemblage (24-78.5 m) associated with vegetated environments or sandy bottoms (Elphidium crispum, Rosalina bradyi, Asterigerinata mamilla, Neoconorbina terquemi, and Tretomphalus concinnus); a third assemblage recognised between 30 and 90 m water depth and characterised by the dominance of the opportunistic species V. bradyana (related to silty bottoms), with Bulimina marginata, R. phlegeri, Ammonia inflata and Ammonia beccarii as other common taxa; an upper circalittoral assemblage (70-100 m) on silty clays, containing B. marginata, Cassidulina carinata and V. bradyana; a lower circalittoral assemblage (95-177 m) on clayey bottoms, with B. marginata, Textularia bocki and Uvigerina mediterranea; and finally, a second lower circalittoral assemblage (104-184 m) on clayey sediments, dominated by two Uvigerina species (U. mediterranea and Uvigerina peregrina), with Sphaeroidina bulloides and B. marginata. The typical V. bradyana assemblage, characterised by relatively low diversity and high dominance, marks the most eutrophicated area running parallel to the coast. The spatial distribution of assemblages is closely associated with sea-bottom sedimentary environments and bathymetry but it is also probably influenced by the outflow of the Ombrone River. The composition, structure and distribution of V. bradyana assemblage suggest an environmental model, useful for paleogeographic reconstruction in areas characterised by a river mouth and a closed morphological setting typical of a nutrient-trap.     

High-resolution intra- and interbasinal correlation of the Danian-Selandian transition (Early Paleocene): The Bjala section (Bulgaria) and the Selandian GSSP at Zumaia (Spain)

The Danian-Selandian (D-S) boundary has been identified for the first time in the Black Sea coast at Bjala (Bulgaria) based on a new integrated bio-, magneto- and cyclostratigraphic study. Several correlation criteria as established for the basal Selandian GSSP from Zumaia (Basque Basin) are evaluated. Noteworthy, is the almost complete lack of calcareous nannoplankton species Braarudosphaera bigelowi in the Bulgarian sections, a sharp decrease of which was indicated as suitable criteria for defining the D-S boundary as it occurred both at Zumaia and in the classical locations of the North Sea basin. Conversely, the second evolutionary radiation of the calcareous nannofossil genus Fasciculithus together with the occurrence of Fasciculithus tympaniformis that define the NP4/NP5 zonal boundary seem to be reliable criteria to approximate the D-S boundary. In detail, however, the best approach is to integrate biostratigraphic data within a magnetostratigraphic and/or cyclostratigraphic framework. Refinements on the placement of chron C27n at Zumaia and robust bed-by-bed correlation between several Basque sections and Bjala indicates that the D-S boundary is located 30 precession cycles (~ 630 ky) above C27n. In addition to the precession-related marl-limestone couplets and 100-ky eccentricity bundles recognized in the studied sections, expression of the stable 405-ky long eccentricity allows direct tuning to the astronomical solutions. A correlation of the land-based sections with previously tuned data from ODP Site1262 from the Southern Atlantic is challenged. Our choice is consistent with original tuning at Zumaia but shifts one 100-ky cycle older previous tuning from Site 1262 along the interval above C27n. Under the preferred tuning scheme the D-S boundary can be given an age of 61.641 ±0.040 Ma on the La04 orbital solution.     

Deciduous teeth of the Neandertal mandible from Molare Shelter, near Scario (Salerno, Italy)

Excavations at hearth levels at the Molare Shelter in 1985 yielded the mandible of a 3-4-year-old child. The associated lithic artifacts recovered with it are Mousterian. Its features, although quite archaic, are within the known range of variation of Neandertals. Four deciduous molars are still preserved in the mandible. They were compared with other known specimens, which date to the Middle and Upper Pleistocene. The metrical characteristics are surprisingly primitive, within the range of variation of Homo erectus, or at least within that of European Pre-Neandertals, more so than within the variability of typical Neandertal specimens. On the other hand, the morphological characteristics, except for a few that are decidedly plesiomorph, are predominantly Neandertal.     

Earliest Zanclean age for the Colombacci and uppermost Di Tetto formations of the “latest Messinian” northern Apennines: New palaeoenvironmental data from the Maccarone section (Marche Province, Italy)

The occurrence of planktonic foraminifers in the latest Messinian deposits (uppermost Di Tetto Formation and Colombacci Formation) of the Marche Province (Apennine foredeep, Italy) has stimulated a debate since the 1970s. An earlier palynological study of the entire Maccarone section revealed a pronounced, and a sudden increasing frequency of saccate pollen grains which indicates more distal conditions, and thus a transgression. At first attributed to tectonic activity, this transgression is now interpreted as representing the Zanclean marine transgression after the discovery of Ceratolithusacutus, the calcareous nannofossil marker of the earliest Zanclean in the Mediterranean Sea. Evidence from marine dinoflagellate cysts and planktonic foraminifers supports this result. The Colombacci Formation and uppermost part of the Di Tetto Formation (i.e. the entire p-ev2 stratigraphic unit) belong to the earliest Zanclean. The so-called Lago Mare no longer has a regional chronostratigraphic sense, and should be understood as the invasion of Paratethyan organisms via surface waters owing to a connection at high sea-level between the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Paratethys (Dacic Basin). A new robust environmental reconstruction of the northern Apennine foredeep is proposed, which respectively considers the effects of tectonics and Mediterranean eustasy.     

The onset of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) at Sites 1209 and 1210 (Shatsky Rise, Pacific Ocean) as recorded by planktonic foraminifera

High-resolution biostratigraphic and quantitative studies of subtropical Pacific planktonic foraminiferal assemblages (Ocean Drilling Program, Leg 198 Shatsky Rise, Sites 1209 and 1210) are performed to analyse the faunal changes associated with the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) at about 55.5 Ma. At Shatsky Rise, the onset of the PETM is marked by the abrupt onset of a negative carbon isotope excursion close to the contact between carbonate-rich ooze and overlying clay-rich ooze and corresponds to a level of poor foraminiferal preservation as a result of carbonate dissolution. Lithology, planktonic foraminiferal distribution and abundances, calcareous plankton and benthic events, and the negative carbon isotope excursion allow precise correlation of the two Shatsky Rise records. Results from quantitative analyses show that Morozovella dominates the assemblages and that its maximum relative abundance is coincident with the lowest δ¹³C values, whereas subbotinids are absent in the interval of maximum abundance of Morozovella. The excursion taxa (Acarinina africana, Acarinina sibaiyaensis, and Morozovella allisonensis) first appear at the base of the event. Comparison between the absolute abundances of whole specimens and fragments of genera demonstrate that the increase in absolute abundance of Morozovella and the decrease of Subbotina are not an artifact of selective dissolution. Moreover, the shell fragmentation data reveal Subbotina to be the more dissolution-susceptible taxon. The upward decrease in abundance of Morozovella species and the concomitant increase in test size of Morozovella velascoensis are not controlled by dissolution. These changes could be attributed to the species' response to low nutrient supply in the surface waters and to concomitant changes in the physical and chemical properties of the seawater, including increased surface stratification and salinity.Comparison of the planktonic foraminiferal changes at Shatsky Rise to those from other PETM records (Sites 865 and 690) highlights significant similarities, such as the decline of Subbotina at the onset of the event, and discrepancies, including the difference in abundance of the excursion taxa. The observed planktonic foraminifera species response suggests a warm–oligotrophic scenario with a high degree of complexity in the ocean structure.     

Paleocene reefs on the Maiella Platform Margin, Italy: An example of the effects of the cretaceous/tertiary boundary events on reefs and carbonate platforms

Summary Reef facies, reef types and their biotic associations in the Maiella platform margin (central Italy) provide qualitative evidence for a significant reef decline across the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary, and indicate two phases of reef recovery during the Paleocene. Rudists dominated the reef community until the latest Cretaceous. A significant sea-level fall around the time of the K/T boundary is documented by a truncation surface associated with emersion. During sea-level highstands in the Danian to Early Thanetian and, more extensively, during the Late Thanetian, coral-algal patch-reefs grew along the platform margin and top. Already in the Danian to Early Thanetian, the reef communities were more diverse and the constructional types more evolved than previously known from this time. Differences between the Danian to Early Thanetian coral association, the Late Thanetian association, and Late Cretaceous coral faunas may have ecological or evolutionary causes. Repeated emergence produced a complex diagenetic history in the Danian to Lower Thanetian limestones. All Paleocene reefs were displaced by gravitative redeposition. Coral-algal reefs are less important in the Early to mid Eocene, when alveolinid foraminifera dominated on the Maiella shelf. Reefs on the Maiella platform diversified and attained large sizes in the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene, as known from other Mediterranean platforms. The external controls on the Late Cretaceous to Oligocene evolution and demise of reef communities that are most easily demonstrated with our data are sealevel fluctuations and climate change. We propose that the change in reef biota and reef types across the K/T boundary and during the Early Tertiary were important causes of the parallel changes in platform growth style.