An astronomical time scale for the Maastrichtian based on the Zumaia and Sopelana sections (Basque country, northern Spain)
Sietske J. Batenburg
Andrew S. Gale
Mario Sprovieri
Frederik J. Hilgen
Nicolas Thibault
Myriam Boussaha
Xabier Orue-Etxebarria
10.6084/m9.figshare.3453572.v1
https://geolsoc.figshare.com/articles/dataset/An_astronomical_time_scale_for_the_Maastrichtian_based_on_the_Zumaia_and_Sopelana_sections_Basque_country_northern_Spain_/3453572
<p>The rhythmically bedded limestone–marl alternations in the coastal cliffs of Sopelana and Zumaia in the Basque country, northern
Spain, permit testing and refining of existing Maastrichtian chronologies (latest Cretaceous). The recently established astronomical
time scale for the late Maastrichtian at Zumaia is extended into C31n with the integrated stratigraphy of the Sopelana section.
The cyclic alternations of hemipelagic limestones and marls at Sopelana show a strong influence of eccentricity-modulated
precession. Together, the Zumaia and Sopelana sections span almost the entire Maastrichtian, and encompass thirteen 405 kyr
cycles spanning a total duration of 5.3 myr. From the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary downwards, 405 kyr minima in the
lithological, magnetic susceptibility and reflectance data records are tuned to successive 405 kyr minima in the new La2011
eccentricity solution. Assuming a K–Pg boundary age of 65.97 Ma, we present orbitally tuned ages of biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic
events. Whereas the bases of Chrons C29r and C30n were reliably established at Zumaia and are in good agreement with previous
studies, new data from Sopelana provide a refinement of the basal age of Chron C31r. Additional planktonic foraminifera and
calcareous nannoplankton data from Zumaia, and new calcareous nannoplankton data from Sopelana, allow for worldwide correlation
of the cyclostratigraphy of the Basque country.
</p>
2016-06-21 11:31:15
calcareous nannoplankton data
Sopelana sections span
reflectance data records
time scale
Zumaia
Basque country
Chron C 31r
Maastrichtian
La 2011 eccentricity solution
405 kyr minima
405 kyr cycles
Chrons C 29r
Geology