Late Jurassic sea-level fluctuations in NW Switzerland (Late Oxfordian to Late Kimmeridgian): closing the gap between the Boreal and Tethyan realm in Western Europe

In Late Jurassic times, the Swiss Jura carbonate platform occupied the transition between the Paris Basin and the Tethys and thus connects the Boreal and Tethyan realm. Up to now, the lack of index fossils in the Reuchenette Formation prevented a reliable correlation between both areas (its sediments are characterised by a prominent sparseness of index fossils). Now, seven recently in situ collected species of ammonites helped to establish a new sequence-stratigraphical frame for the platform sediments of the Reuchenette Formation in NW Switzerland. Based on biostratigraphical data, five third-order sedimentary sequences were assigned to the Late Oxfordian to Late Kimmeridgian. The upper three third-order sequences correspond to the Boreal sequences Kim3–5 of Hardenbol et al. (1998). The deduced large-scale sea-level fluctuations match those from other European regions (Spain, Russia). This biostratigraphically based sequence-stratigraphical frame is a prerequisite to refine correlations within a wider area covering the Swiss Jura and parts of adjacent France and Germany. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at     

Palaeogeographic and stratigraphic distribution of mid-late Oxfordian foraminiferal assemblages in the Prebetic Zone (Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain)

Middle-Upper Oxfordian assemblages of foraminifera in the Prebetic Zone (Betic Cordillera, SE Spain) were analysed at the genus level to determine their composition, relative abundance, diversity, and dominance, as well as the size of the specimens. A relationship has been established between lithofacies, palaeogeography and composition of foraminiferal assemblages, the former two also determining the stratigraphic record of these microfossil assemblages. Two assemblages of foraminifera serve to identify relatively distal and proximal areas in the Prebetic shelf. The distal assemblage is characterized by higher diversity, specimens of greater size, and more abundant planktic and agglutinated forms. Benthic forms include Ophthalmidium, Epistomina and colonies of encrusting foraminifera. The proximal assemblage shows lower diversity, lower abundance of planktic forms, Epistomina and encrusting nubeculariids, and a greater abundance of spirillinids and Reofax. On the whole, planktic foraminifera decrease upwards in the studied succession, which, together with decreasing nodularity, could be related to system tract conditions previously proposed for Oxfordian deposits in the southern palaeomargin of Iberia.     

Sequence stratigraphy and carbonate platform organization of the Devonian Santa Lucia Formation, Cantabrian Mountains, NW-Spain

In this paper, the sedimentology and the stratigraphic architecture of the Devonian Santa Lucia Formation in the Cantabrian Mountains of NW-Spain are described. The Santa Lucia Formation consists of 11 different facies that can be attributed to peritidal/lagoonal, intertidal and subtidal facies associations. These facies associations are arranged in small-scale sedimentary cycles. Three different settings of small-scale sedimentary cycles are recognized: intertidal/supratidal, shallow subtidal/intertidal and subtidal cycles. These cycles reflect spatial differences in the reaction of the depositional system to small-scale relative sea-level changes. Small-scale stratigraphic cycles are stacked into seven medium-scale cycles that in turn are integral parts of three larger-scale cycles. Most of the Santa Lucia Formation (sequences 2–6) forms one major large-scale cycle, whereas sequences 1 and 7 are part of an underlying and an overlying cycle, respectively. Eustatic sea-level changes exerted major control on the formation of these large-scale sequences, whereas the medium-scale cycles seem to be co-controlled by regional tectonism and eustasy. Small-scale cycles seem to be the product of high frequency, eustatic sea-level changes. During the deposition of the Santa Lucia Formation, the morphology of the carbonate platform changed from a gently south-dipping ramp to a rimmed shelf and back to a gently dipping ramp.     

The Upper Cretaceous belemnite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Praeactinocamax plenus</Emphasis> (Blainville, 1827) from Lower Saxony (Upper Cenomanian,northwest Germany) and its distribution pattern in Europe

Occurrences of the Upper Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous) belemnite Praeactinocamax plenus from the plenus Bed of northwest Germany (Söhlde-Loges working quarry near Salzgitter, Lower Saxony) are documented and described for the first time on the basis of two in situ finds. The find horizon and its surrounding beds are re-evaluated in a sequence stratigraphical context. In contrast to the interpretations of other authors, the plenus Bed is seen as a pelagization event in a parasequence of transgressively stacked beds, delimited by two significant erosion surfaces below and above. The exclusive occurrence of P. plenus in the top part of the plenus Bed and its absence from the post-plenus Bed succession, in the equivalent of which (higher part of the Plenus Marls Member) it is very common in southern England (Anglo-Paris Basin), is explained by ecological factors in stratigraphically complete sections (intra-shelf depressions) and by gaps in the stratigraphic records in swell settings. The distribution pattern of P. plenus suggests a preference for nearshore settings and a demersal mode of life.     

New data (smaller foraminifers and correlation with depositional sequences) on the Las Llacerias section (Late Pennsylvanian,Cantabrian Mountains,NW Spain)

New sedimentological and paleontological information on the uppermost Moscovian and Kasimovian strata of the Las Llacerias section, a succession exposed in the Picos de Europa region (Cantabrian Mountains) that is considered to bear interest for the global correlation of the Upper Pennsylvanian subsystem, are presented. Based on sedimentological studies, three stratigraphic intervals can be established which record three successive episodes in the evolution of the carbonate platform. The study of the environmental evolution and sea-level fluctuations, as well as biostratigraphic fusulinoidean information, allow the correlation of this section with the synorogenic deposits of the Gamonedo-Cabrales area (northern Picos de Europa region). It is recognized that in the Las Llacerias strata, 7 of the 11 depositional sequences of the latter area are represented. The taxonomy and distribution of smaller foraminifers, a fossil group never studied before in this section, have been analysed. Data obtained show the presence of, at least, 30 genera. In some cases (Syzrania aff. bulbosa, Tezaquina, Mesolasiodiscus, Pseudotaxis and Hemidiscus), their record in the Las Llacerias section significantly extends the stratigraphic genus or species range. The potential role of Protonodosaria and Nodosinelloides species, as well as the acme of Hemigordius schlumbergeri for the correlation of the Kasimovian deposits is reinforced within this study.     

Cenomanian rudist-dominated shelf-margin limestones from the panormide carbonate platform (Sicily, Italy): Facies analysis and sequence stratigraphy

Summary Sedimentological, paleontological and sequence analyses of Cenomanian limestones in Sicily reveal the facies architecture and dynamics of a Mid Cretaceous rudistdominated platform margin from Western Tethys. The studied deposits outcrop near Palermo, as part of a large structural unit of the Sicilian Maghrebids. They belong to the Panormide carbonate platform, a Mesocenozoic paleogeographic domain of the African margin. The lateral continuity of the beds along three nearly parallel E-W outcrop sections allowed the recording of cm/dm thick lithological and faunal variations. Nine main lithofacies associations have been recognised along about 200 m of subvertical strata. Their vertical and lateral organisation points to a transition from highenergy shelf-margin rudist patches and shoals to more internal lagoonal-tidal environments over a short distance. The lithofacies evolution and stacking pattern along the three sections made it possible to define elementary cycles, composite cycles and larger-scale sequences with a dominant shallowing-upward trend. Their hierarchical organisation implies that sea-level fluctuations were an important factor in their formation. The cycles are characterised by a great variation in facies as a result of transgressive-regressive events in different sectors of the inferred Cenomanian shelf. Subtidal cycles typical of the shelf margin (4–10 m-thick) are particularly well identifiable. They are made of large Caprinidae and Sauvagesiac rudstone-to-floatstone (about 2/3 of the total thickness), capped by rudist-conglomerates, often organised into 3–5 fining-upward amalgamated beds and showing, in places, effects of surface-related diagenesis. In more internal shelf areas the cycles consist of Caprinidae-Radiolitidae floastone grading up into amalgamated beds of angular bioclastic rudstone/grainstone. Alternations of foraminifer/ostracod mudstone/wackestone and bioclastic grainstone/fine-rudstone, capped by loferites and/or by other emersion-related overprintings, characterise the cycles formed in the peritidal zones. these cycles are stacked into three incomplete depositional sequences. The sequence boundaries have been identified by the abrupt interposition of peritidal cycles in subtidal rudist-rich cycles, with evidence of brief subaerial exposure.     

The onset of major Northern Hemisphere glaciations and their impact on dinoflagellate cysts and acritarchs from the Singa section, Calabria (southern Italy) and DSDP Holes 607/607A (North Atlantic)

The climatic deterioration related to the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciations (circa 2.52 Ma B.P.) must have lead to reorganization and relocation of species associations and may have enhanced species turnover. The present study investigates how this deterioration affects the dinoflagellate cyst and acritarch assemblages from two locations, DSDP Site 607 (North Atlantic) and the Singa section (southern Italy). The records from these locations cover the interval from 2.8 to 2.2 Ma with at least a 5 ka resolution and they have been correlated to the Milankovitch periodicities on a cycle to cycle basis by means of integrated high resolution stable isotope, calcium carbonate, foraminiferal, palynological and magnetostratigraphical datasets. In the present study this high resolution stratigraphic framework is used for a detailed correlation of events occurring in each of the depositional sequences. It also enables further assessment of the palaeoenvironmental preferences of some dinoflagellate cyst forms. Comparison of the two palynological records reveals a close correspondence in the timing of major assemblage changes and extinction events, confirming their Milankovitch cycle based correlation. A close link between periods of Northern Hemisphere cooling (at oxygen isotope stages 110, 104 and 100-96) and increased dinoflagellate cyst turnover appears to be present for both DSDP Site 607 and the Singa section. The turnover events can also be recognized in the records of planktic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton. Comparison of the Singa section with Site 607 and with other time equivalent marine palynological data sets, shows that some oceanic taxa respond similarly over a large area. The biostratigraphical implications are discussed. Notably the last occurrence of Invertocysta lacrymosa appears to be a valuable marker for isotope stage 110 in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.     

Late Pleistocene and Holocene chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) from Uruguay: Palaeobiogeography and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction in mid latitudes of the southwestern Atlantic

Here we present a revision of the fossil record of chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) of Late Pleistocene and Holocene marine deposits of Uruguay and discuss their potential for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Chitons were recorded as isolated valves in bivalve- and gastropod-rich assemblages. They are represented by the species Chaetopleura angulata (Spengler), C. isabellei (d’Orbigny), C. asperrima (Gould) and Ischnochiton striolatus (Gray). The last two species are recorded for the first time as fossils not only in Uruguay but also in South America. Exclusively recorded for the Late Pleistocene is the warm water species I. striolatus, whose current southern range limit is located in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Higher temperatures than at present are inferred for the Uruguayan coast during the Late Pleistocene, probably driven by the southward influence of the warm Brazilian Current along the eastern margin of South America. Chitons from Holocene deposits show a wider geographic distribution along the Uruguayan coast in comparison to current distributions. They are recorded where an estuarine and eurihaline fauna lives today, which suggests the former existence of marine conditions. This is explained by the westward displacement of the marine front in the Uruguayan coast during the Holocene transgressive events. Chitons have proven to be useful palaeoenvironmental proxies for the reconstruction of salinity and temperature trends in the Uruguayan coast during the climatic oscillations of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. As such, their patterns of distribution are related to the recent physical evolution of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.     

Biostratigraphical precisions on the Early Serpukhovian (Late Mississippian), by means of a carbonate algal microflora (cyanobacteria, algae and pseudo-algae) from La Serre (Montagne Noire, France)

The microbial-dominated part of a Late Mississippian (Early Carboniferous) carbonate olistolite at La Serre (Montagne Noire, southern France) yielded interesting algae and pseudo-algae. The constituents are well known cyanobacteria (not described) and different representatives of poorly known or new species: cyanobacteria: Aphralysia capriorae, Hedstroemia (?) serrana n. sp., Dasycladales: Paraepimastopora sp., Nanopora sp., Cabrieropora pokornyi and E. occitanica, Anatoliporaceae: Richella incrustata, Caulerpales: Poncetellina (?) sp., questionable Archaeolithophyllaceae: Hortonella sp., Archaeolithophyllaceae: Neoprincipia with Neopricipia fluegeli, Neoprincipia petschoriaeformis n. sp., Neoprincipia claviformis n. sp. and Archaeolithophyllum ex gr. lamellosum; pseudo-algae Aoujgaliida: Stacheoidella spissa, Ungdarella uralica, and Fasciellidae: Fasciella and Praedonezella, with both polymorph species: Fasciella kizilia, and Praedonezella ex gr. cespeformis. This carbonate microflora is dated as Early Serpukhovian (Pendleian) by its association with the foraminifera Janichewskina, “Biseriella” and “Warnantella”. This dating is confirmed by the little more advanced algal assemblage, compared to the Latest Visean (Brigantian) assemblages from Montagne Noire (e.g. Japhet, Castelsec), and more primitive than the Late Serpukhovian (Arnsbergian) of Ardengost (Pyrenees). The importance of the calcifoliid pseudo-algae—Fasciella, Praedonezella, and Calcifolium (although this latter is locally lacking)—is suggested for the biozonation of the Visean/Serpukhovian boundary.     

Nutritional condition, starvation status and growth of early juvenile Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) related to prey distribution and feeding in the nursery ground

The nutritional condition and protein growth rates of Japanese temperate bass larvae and juveniles were studied in relation to prey distribution and feeding habits in the nursery grounds in Chikugo estuary, Ariake Sea, Japan. Samples were collected from a wide spatial area covering the nursery grounds of the fish in March and April 2003. Food habits of the fish were analyzed by examining the gut contents. Fish condition was evaluated by using RNA/DNA ratio and other nucleic acid-based indices and protein growth rates. The nucleic acid contents in individually frozen larvae and juveniles were quantified by fluorometric method. Two distinguished feeding patterns, determined by the distribution of prey copepods, were identified along the nursery ground. The first pattern showed the dependency of the fish on the calanoid copepod Sinocalanus sinensis, which was the single dominant prey in low saline upper river areas and the second pattern involved a multi-species dietary habit mainly dominated by Acartia omorii, Oithona davisae and Paracalanus parvus. Values of RNA, DNA, total protein, growth rates and for all the nucleic acid-based indices were higher in upstream areas than in the downstream areas. The proportion of the starving fish was higher in the downstream areas than in the upstream areas. Condition of juvenile sea bass was not equal throughout the nursery grounds; fish in the upper river were in better condition than those in the lower estuary. We speculated that utilization of S. sinensis, which appears a suitable prey item and provide a better foraging environment in the upstream nursery ground, is one of the key factors for early survival and growth of Japanese temperate bass larvae and juveniles in the Chikugo estuary.     

Apical callus formation and plant regeneration controlled by plant growth regulators on axenic culture of the red alga Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Axenic cultures of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Bird et Oliveira) Fredericq et Hommersand (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) were established in ASP12‐NTA solid medium (0.4% agar and 1.0% sucrose) supplemented with plant growth regulators to evaluate the effects on apical callus formation and plant regeneration. Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) and 6‐benzylaminopurine (BA) were added individually or in combinations (IAA : BA) over a range of concentrations from 0.5 to 5 mg L^?1. Growth of apical and intercalary segments was stimulated by high concentrations of 2,4‐D (5 mg L^?1) and a high IAA to BA ratio (IAA : BA = 5:1 mg L^?1) respectively. Apical calluses were originated from divisions of apical and cortical cells located at apical regions of thallus segments and lateral branches. Low concentration of IAA (0.5 mg L^?1) or a high IAA to BA ratio (IAA : BA = 5:1 mg L^?1) were the optimal treatments for inducing apical callus formation in apical segments, while high concentration of IAA (5 mg L^?1) stimulated the highest callus induction rate in intercalary segments. Conversely, equal parts IAA and BA (IAA : BA = 1:1 mg L^?1) and low concentration of 2,4‐D (0.5 mg L^?1) stimulated growth of apical calluses from apical and intercalary segments, respectively. Two processes of regeneration were observed: direct regeneration (upright axis originated from cells of proximal region of intercalary segments) and indirect regeneration (adventitious plantlet originated from cells of apical calluses). Direct regeneration was promoted significantly by treatment with a low IAA to BA ratio (IAA : BA= 1:5 mg L^?1), and treatments with IAA (0.5 mgL^?1) or 2,4‐D (0.5 or 5 mg L^?1) significantly stimulated the elongation of upright axis. Plant growth regulators are essential to inducing indirect regeneration, and a high concentration of IAA (5 mg L^?1) and BA (5 mg L^?1) were the optimal treatments for inducing the regeneration of plantlets from apical calluses in apical and intercalary segments, respectively. Regenerating plantlets grew into plants morphologically similar to those formed from germinating spores, and became fertile after 6 weeks. The results suggest that auxins and cytokinins are involved in developmental regulatory processes in G. tenuifrons. The regeneration process from calluses in species of Gracilariales was observed for the first time in the present study. The culture system described for G. tenuifrons could be useful for micropropagation and for biotechnological applications in agarophytic algae.