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1

High resolution ammonite stratigraphy of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation (Lower Jurassic: Sinemurian-Lower Pliensbachian) in south-west England, UK

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Page K.

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tom Vol. 7, no. 1

19-29

EN

The "Lower Lias" mudrocks of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation inWest Dorset coast are world famous for their ammonite faunas, which range from mid Lower Sinemurian (Semicostatum Chronozone) to Lower Pliensbachian (topmost Davoei Chronozone) in age. The succession includes significant non-sequences, however, and as certain other intervals yield only crushed and relatively poorly preserved material, much of the sequence of ammonite faunas of this interval in south-west England has remained poorly understood. Inland, however, although it has been realised for many years that some of the missing horizons reappear, the Formation is very poorly exposed and as a consequence little has been known about its detailed stratigraphy and palaeontology. The systematic recording over 40 years by Mr H.C. Prudden (Montacute) of temporary excavations in East Somerset (around 20 km north of the Dorset coast), combined with material collected by others from similar exposures has now, however, revealed a virtually complete sequence of ammonite faunas through the interval represented by the Formation including from many of the which are missing on the Dorset coast. In particular, only one subchronozone remains to be conclusively proven in the region, the terminal Sinemurian, Aplanatum Subchronozone (Raricostatum Chronozone). This faunal succession is correlated with that on the coast to provide a detailed synthesis of the sequence of ammonite biohorizons in the region, which is correlated with a contemporary Standard Zonation and high-resolution biohorizonal/ zonule scheme for interval in North-West Europe. The significance for regional and international correlations of the Lower Lias is also discussed.

2

High resolution ammonite stratigraphy of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation (Lower Jurassic: Sinemurian – Lower Pliensbachian) in South West England (UK)

100%

Page K.

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tom Vol. 4, no. 1

200-200

EN

The “Lower Lias” mudrocks of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation in West Dorset coast are world famous for their ammonite faunas, which range from mid Early Sinemurian (Semicostatum Chronozone) to Early Pliensbachian (topmost Davoei Chronozone) in age. The succession includes significant non-sequences, however, and as certain other intervals yield only crushed and relatively poorly preserved material, much of the sequence of ammonite faunas of this interval in South West England has remained poorly understood. Inland, however, although it has been realized for many years that some of the missing horizons reappear, the Formation is very poorly exposed and as a consequence little has been known about its detailed stratigraphy and palaeontology. The systematic recording over 40 years by Mr H. C. Prudden (Somerset Geology Group) of temporary excavations in East Somerset (around 20 km north of the Dorset coast) has now, however, revealed a virtually complete sequence of ammonite faunas through the interval represented by the Formation. In particular, many levels have now been identified which are missing in the major non-sequences on the Dorset coast, thereby revealing a much more complete stratigraphical sequence in the region than previously realized. In particular, only one subchronozone remains to be conclusively proven – the Aplanatum Subchronozone of the Raricostatum Chronozone – although this could still be due to collection failure as nodular facies do not appear to be present at this level and near-surface clay exposures are often too degraded to yield determinable specimens. This faunal succession is correlated with that on the coast to provide a detailed synthesis of the sequence of ammonite biohorizons in the region, which is correlated with a contemporary Standard Zonation and high-resolution biohorizonal/zonule scheme for interval in North West Europe. The significance for regional and international correlations of the Lower Lias is also discussed.

3

The ammonite faunas of the Callovian-Oxfordian boundary interval in Europe and their relevance to the establishment of an Oxfordian GSSP

51%

Page K. , Melendez G. , Wright J.

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tom Vol. 7, no. 1

89-99

EN

At Moenkopi Wash along the Ward Terrace escarpment of northern Arizona strata of the upper Dinosaur Canyon Member of the Moenave Formation contain sedimentary structures we interpret as casts of tetrapod burrows. Sandstone casts and in situ burrows occur concentrated in two horizons that extend several hundred meters along the Ward Terrace escarpment. The structures, hosted in beds of eolian sandstone, form interconnecting networks of burrows that branch at right angles. Individual burrow casts have sub-circular cross sections and consist of nearvertical tunnels and horizontal to low-angle galleries that connect to larger chambers. Most burrow casts measure 5 to 15 cm in diameter, are filled by sandstone of similar grain size as the host rock, and have walls that are unlined and lack external ornamentation. Bedding plane exposure of the lower horizon reveals that the density of burrows exceeds 30 vertical tunnels per square meter. One exposure in the upper horizon reveals burrows concentrated in a mound-like structure with 1 m of relief. Rhizoliths, distinguished from burrows by their typical smaller diameters, calcareous infilling, and downward branching, co-occur with these burrows in the upper horizon. The fossil burrows in the Moenave Formation appear to have been constructed by a fossorial tetrapod with social behavior similar to the modern Mediterranean blind mole-rat. Although no skeletal remains are associated with the burrows, the fossil record suggests that the most likely producers of the Moenave burrows were tritylodontid cynodonts.

4

The ammonite faunas of the Callovian/Oxfordian boundary interval in Europe and their relevance to the establishment of an Oxfordian GSSP

51%

Melendez G. , Page K. , Wright J. , Atrops F.

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tom Vol. 4, no. 1

185-185

EN

The latest Callovian and Early Oxfordian represent one of the most dynamic intervals in the history of Jurassic Ammonoidea and is characterized by one of the highest levels of mixing of Boreal, Submediterranean and even Mediterranean faunas. In particular the massive expansion of Boreal Cardioceratidae from their original “home” in Arctic areas as far south as South East France, brings them into contact with Mediterranean-style faunas rich in Phylloceratidae. This so-called “Boreal Spread” (after J. H. Callomon) provides the framework within which high-resolution inter-bioprovincial correlations are possible and hence the context for a sucessful GSSP designation for the base of the Oxfordian Stage within Europe (and hence the beginning of the Upper Jurassic). Associated with the Cardioceratidae, however, is a great variety of Perisphinctina, including Aspidoceratidae, Periphinctidae, Grossouvridae and rarer Pachyceratidae as well as frequent Hecticoceratidae and rarer Phylloceratidae. The latter groups are much more abundant in southern areas (Tethyan Realm), but the Aspidoceratidae do persist well into the Boreal Realm. Crucially, several groups of the Perisphinctina persist beyond Europe and therefore provide tantalising indications that a truly global correlation of any GSSP established in Europe will ultimately be possible. The current paper will review the stratigraphical, taxonomic and palaeobiogeographical context and significance of the trans Callovian/Oxfordian boundary faunas within Europe, building on recent results from the UK and France. Conclusions will be drawn concerning the appropriate – or convenient – level at which the place the Callovian-Oxfordian in Europe and its potential interpretation elsewhere. Such conclusions are highly relevant to the eventual establishment of an Oxfordian GSSP.

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A Callovian-Kimmeridgian stable isotope record from Staffin Bay, Isle of Skye, UK: implications for the ocean-atmosphere system

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Nunn E. , Price G. , Hart M. , Page K. , Leng M.

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tom Vol. 4, no. 1

198-198

EN

The Staffin Bay section in the Isle of Skye, UK is one of the most stratigraphically complete Oxfordian sections in Europe. This contribution presents the first high-resolution stable isotope record of this Middle Callovian to Early Kimmeridgian succession. The isotope record includes both terrestrial and marine data that were obtained from microscopic wood debris and belemnites respectively. The organic carbon-isotope record was derived from organic rich sediment samples taken almost entirely from the Staffin Shale Formation. This formation is largely represented by a series of isolated foreshore exposures dominated by mudrocks that were deposited in a predominantly offshore marine environment. Over 200 sediment samples were analysed from the 150 m section. The concurrent ä13C marine carbonate curve was produced using belemnites collected from the same formation. Approximately 200 belemnite horizons were sampled. The organic carbon-isotope data show a broad Lower to Middle Oxfordian positive carbon isotope excursion from the Mariae to Tenuiserratum Zone, with maximum values occurring in the Cordatum Zone. This is followed by a return to pre-excursion values continuing into the Early Kimmeridgian Cymodoce Zone. A brief negative excursion (of ~2‰) is also identified near the Densiplicatum-Tenuiserratum zones boundary. Rock-eval analysis confirms that the organic matter is predominantly terrestrial in origin. The concurrent ä13C marine carbonate curve derived from belemnites shows a broadly similar trend. This suggests that the positive carbon-isotope excursion recorded here may have affected the global carbon reservoir (i.e. the whole ocean-atmosphere system). The carbon-isotope record derived from this section appears to be generally consistent with Oxfordian Tethyan records (e.g. Wierzbowski 2002, 2004) and a preliminary study of the Staffin Bay area by Pearce et al. (2005).

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Integrated stratigraphical study of the candidate Oxfordian Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) at Redcliff Point, Weymouth, Dorset, UK

38%

Page K. , Melendez G. , Hart M. , Price G. , Wright J. , Bown P. , Bello J.

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tom Vol. 7, no. 1

101-111

EN

Ham Cliff near Redcliff Point, Weymouth, Dorset (SW England) exposes one of Europe's most complete Callovian-Oxfordian boundary sequences and has consequently been identified as a potential candidate GSSP for the base of the Oxfordian Stage. The boundary sequence lies within the thick mudrock facies of the Oxford Clay Formation and is abundantly fossiliferous, cardioceratid ammonites in particular being conspicuous. By convention, the stage boundary is drawn at the first occurrence of the genus Cardioceras here represented by C. redcliffense Page, Melendez and Wright at the base of the Scarburgense Subchronozone of the Mariae Chronozone. Associated Perisphinctoidea (including Peltoceras, Alligaticeras and Euaspidoceras) provide additional biostratigraphical information. Other macrofossil groups show less discernible changes, although frequent belemnites (Hibolithes) provide new highresolution carbon and strontium isotope data which are consistent with global curves and continuous sedimentation across the boundary interval. Magnetostratigraphic information is also available. Foraminiferal assemblages are dominated by epistominids but include a flood of early planktonic forms, including ?Globuligerina oxfordiana (Grigelis) immediately above the boundary. Well-preserved nannofloras are dominated by Watznaueria with conspicuous Zeugrhabdotus, podorhabdids and Stephanolithion indicating the NJ14 Biozone. Ostracoda and holothurian spicules are also recorded. These results are synthesised to provide a multidisciplinary, integrated review of the suitability of Redcliff Point for the definition of an Oxfordian GSSP. Correlations with the French candidate site in Haute-Provence are discussed and proposals made for formally establishing a GSSP for the base of the Oxfordian Stage in Europe.

7

Integrated stratigraphical study of the candidate Oxfordian Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) at Redcliff Point, Weymouth, Dorset, UK

38%

Page K. , Melendez G. , Hart M. , Price G. , Wright J. , Bown P. , Bello J.

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tom Vol. 4, no. 1

200-201

EN

Redcliff Point near Weymouth, Dorset (SW England) exposes one of Europe’s most complete Callovian-Oxfordian boundary sequences and has been the subject of a rigorous multidisciplinary assessment. The boundary sequence lies entirely within the clay facies of the Oxford Clay Formation, the relatively high carbonate content of which facilitates the excellent preservation of both macro- and microfaunas (and floras) as well as geochemical information. Ammonites, in particular, are conspicuous, and partly retain an aragonitic shell. By convention, the stage boundary is drawn at the first occurrence of the genus Cardioceras, which has been interpreted as corresponding to the transition between “Quenstedtoceras” paucicostatum (Lang) and Cardioceras ex gr. scarburgense (Young and Bird), specifically at the first occurrence of C. woodhamense Arkell sensu Callomon (non Marchand). This transition is well seen at Redcliff and provides the primary means through which the boundary can be correlated. Associated Perisphinctina (including Peltoceras, Alligaticeras, Properisphinctes and Euaspidoceras) provide additional biostratigraphical information. Other macrofossil groups show less discernible changes, although the end of the Callovian in England marks the local, virtual disappearance of Boreal cylindroteuthid belemnites with the persistence of Tethyan hibolithids into the Early Oxfordian. Isotopic studies of recovered belemnites record important information on carbon and strontium isotopes and provide new, high resolution data for the refinement of the global curves. The isotope data are also consistent with continuous sedimentation across the boundary. Foraminiferal assemblages are dominated by poorly preserved epistominids. Planktonic Foraminifera are recorded, mainly as pyrite steinkerns. This makes identification difficult although a flood close to the boundary appears to be Globuligerina oxfordiana. Other planktonic taxa are present, including one species that may be new. Nannofloras are well preserved, common to abundant and dominated by Watznaueria britannica with conspicuous Zeugrhabdotus erectus, podorhabdids and Stephanolithion bigotii. The presence of Stephanolithion bigotii maximum throughout, places the samples within the NJ14 biozone. Ostrocoda and holothurian spicules are also recorded. These results are synthesised to provide a multidisciplinary, integrated review of the suitability of Redcliff Point for the definition of an Oxfordian GSSP. Correlations with the French candidate site in Savournon, Haute-Provence are discussed and proposals made for formally establishing a GSSP for the base of the Oxfordian Stage in Europe.