Abstract: Mesozoic and Cenozoic Sequence Chronostratigraphic Charts

J. Hardenbol, J. Thierry, J. Rey, P. R. Vail, T. Jacquin, P. C. De Graciansky, M.B. FARLEY

An integrated project on the sequence stratigraphy of European basins resulted in a detailed sequence chronostratigraphic model. The number of sequences identified to date in the Mesozoic-Cenozoic nearly doubled since the 1987 Haq et al., model. The increase in the number of sequences and the question about sequence synchroneity between basins with different fossil groups.

As part of the sequence stratigraphy of European basins project a concerted effort was made to calibrate several biostratigraphic disciplines with an updated temporal framework. New time scales for the Mesozoic (Gradstein et al, in press) and the Cenozoic (Berggren et al,. in press) were developed as a basis for the biostratigraphic calibration.

Mesozoic sequences were in most cases calibrated with a standardized ammonite zonation for both Boreal and Tethyan regions. Cenozoic sequences were calibrated with an integrated framework of magnetic polarity, planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils and dinoflagellates. Other groups tentatively calibrated with the sequence-chronostratigraphic framework include; calpionellids, belemnites, ostracods, smaller and larger foraminifera, brachiopods, charophytes, inoceramids, calcareous algae, rediolarians, spore-pollen and mammals.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994