R. Aguado et al., The Berriasian/Valanginian boundary in the Mediterranean region: new data from the Caravaca and Cehegin sections, SE Spain, CRETAC RES, 21(1), 2000, pp. 1-21
Biostratigraphic data provided by the sections of the Caravaca-Cehegin regi
on, SE Spain, have contributed decisively to the lively debate that has tak
en place in recent years concerning the Berriasian/Valanginian boundary. Th
is work presents the results from new integrated stratigraphic analyses of
these sections, based on the distribution of ammonites, calpionellids and c
alcareous nannofossils, and their calibration with the magnetic polarity sc
ale. It is confirmed that the conflicting interpretations in the literature
on the distribution of some ammonites and calcareous nannofossil species a
re mainly due to differences in taxonomic assignment. The event succession
observed allows precise characterization of the Berriasian/ Valanginian bou
ndary, defined by the first occurrence of Calpionellites darderi. Some of t
he sections studied fulfil the prerequisites to be considered as potential
boundary stratotypes. (C) 2000 Academic Press.