In agreement with STEININGER & PILLER (1999) and the International Stratigr
aphic Guide (SALVADOR 1994) the following new lithostratigraphic divisions
were introduced in the Mainz Basin: Alzey-Fm., Bodenheim-Fm. (Hochberg- and
Rosenberg-Member), Stadecken-Fm. (Elsheim-Mbr.; Pfadberg-Mbr. with Albig-B
ed), Sulzheim-Fm. (Schildberg-Mbr. with Kirchberg-Bed; Rossloch- and Vender
s-helm-Bed) and Budenheim-Fm. after SCHAFER & KADOLSKY (1998). All units ar
e combined in the Selztal-Group, which includes parts of the Rupelian and t
he Chattian with a time span of 31 to about 24 million years b.p. The Rupel
ian-Chattian boundary is situated within the upper parts of the Sulzheim-Fm
. In this part of the Selztal-Group gaps with a duration of up to two milli
on years exist. By comparing the data of the biostratigraphic correlation a
nd the stratigraphic sequences in the Mainz Basin several of the eustatic c
ycles of HARDENBOL et al. (1998a) can be recognized.