LJMU Research Online Wimbledon, WAP, Rehakova, D, Svobodova, A, Elbra, T, Schnabl, P, Pruner, P, Sifnerova, K, Kdyr, S, Dzyuba, O, Schyder, J, Galbrun, B, Kostak, M, Vankova, L, Copestake, P, Hunt, CO, Ricciardi, A, Poulton, T, Bulot, LG, Frau, C and De Lena, L The proposal of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage (Cretaceous System): Part 1. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12784/ Article Citation (please note it is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from this work) Wimbledon, WAP, Rehakova, D, Svobodova, A, Elbra, T, Schnabl, P, Pruner, P, Sifnerova, K, Kdyr, S, Dzyuba, O, Schyder, J, Galbrun, B, Kostak, M, Vankova, L, Copestake, P, Hunt, CO, Ricciardi, A, Poulton, T, Bulot, LG, Frau, C and De Lena, L (2020) The proposal of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. 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WIMBLEDON1, Daniela REHÁKOVÁ2, Andrea SVOBODOVÁ3, Tiiu ELBRA3, Petr SCHNABL3, Petr PRUNER3, Krýstina ŠifneROVÁ3, Šimon KDÝR3, Oksana DZYUBA4, Johann SCHNYDER5, Bruno GALBRUN5, Martin KošťáK6, Lucie VaňKoVá6, Philip COPEstaKE7, Christopher O. HUNT8, Alberto RICCARDI9, Terry P. POULTON10, Luc G. BULOT11, 12, Camille FRAU13, Luis DE LENA14 Key words: Berriasian, GSSP definition, J/K boundary, global correlation,Calpionella alpina Subzone, markers and proxies. Abstract. Here in the first part of this publication we discuss the possibilities for the selection of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage of the Cretaceous System, based on the established methods for correlation in the Tithonian/Berriasian interval. This will be followed, in the second part, by an account of the stratigraphic evidence that justifies the locality of Tré Maroua (Hautes-alpes, SE France) as the proposed GSSP. Here we discuss the possibilities for correlation in the historical J/K boundary interval, and the evolution of thinking on the posi- tioning of the boundary over recent generations, and in relation to research in the last ten years. The Tithonian/Berriasian boundary level is accepted as occurring within magnetosubzone M19n.2n. The detailed distribution of calpionellids has been recorded at numerous sites, tied to magnetostratigraphy, and the base of the calpionellid alpina Zone is taken to define the base of the Berriasian Stage. This is at a level just below the distinctive reversed magnetic subzone M19n.1r (the so-called Brodno reversal). We discuss a wide range of magneto- stratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from key localities globally, in the type Berriasian areas of France and wider regions (Le Chouet, 1 School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RJ, United Kingdom; [email protected]. 2 Department of Geology and Paleontology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; [email protected]. 3 The Czech academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; [email protected], [email protected]. 4 Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of RaS, acad. Koptyug av. 3, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; [email protected]. 5 Sorbonne Université, UPMC Université Paris 06, CNRS, Institut des Sciences de la Terre Paris (ISTeP), 75005 Paris, France; [email protected], [email protected]. 6 Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic; [email protected], [email protected]. 7 Merlin Energy Resources Ltd., New Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2EJ, United Kingdom; [email protected]. 8 School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool L3 3aH, United Kingdom; [email protected]. 9 CoNICET – Museo de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque s/n, 1900 La Plata, argentina; [email protected]. 10 Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, alberta, T2L 2al, Canada; [email protected]. 11aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRaE, Collège de France, Cerege, Site Saint-Charles, Case 67, 3, Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille Cedex 3, France; [email protected]. 12 NaRG, School of Earth, atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom. 13 Groupement d’Intérêt Paléontologique, Science et Exposition, 60 bd Georges Richard, 83000 Toulon, France; [email protected]. 14 Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland; [email protected]. 54 William A.P. Wimbledon et al. Saint Bertrand, Puerto Escaño, Rio argos, Bosso, Brodno, Kurovice, Theodosia etc.). The characteristic datums that typify the J/K boun- dary interval in Tethys and its extensions are detailed, and the correlative viability of various fossil groups is discussed. The boundary level is correlated to well-known J/K sections globally, and a series of secondary markers and proxies are indicated which assist wider correlation. Particularly significant are the primary basal Berriasian marker, the base of the alpina Subzone (marked by dominance of small Calpionella alpina, Crassicollaria parvula and Tintinopsella carpathica) and secondary markers bracketing the base of the Calpio- nella Zone, notably the Fos of the calcareous nannofossil species Nannoconus wintereri (just below the boundary) and the Fo of Nanno­ conus steinmannii minor (just above). Notable proxies for the boundary are: 1) the base of the Arctoteuthis tehamaensis Zone in boreal and subboreal regions, 2) the dated base of the alpina Subzone at 140.22 ±0.14 Ma, which also gives a precise age estimate for the system boundary; and 3) the base of radiolarian “unitary zone” 14, which is situated just above the base of the alpina Subzone. 1. PREAMBLE grated site data before any consideration was given to a pro- spective boundary level. Documentation and comparison This account is written on behalf of the Berriasian Work- would, it was hoped, lead to a consensus on the best mark- ing Group of the International Subcommission on Creta- ers, which would thus guide the group towards making a de- ceous Stratigraphy. It represents the culmination of ten years cision on the most logical and useful boundary level, before of work on J/K boundary interval sections across the globe, moving on to selecting a specific section for a GSSP. Fur- and is an introduction to the proposal of a GSSP section for ther, we would examine traditional levels for the boundary, the Berriasian Stage (Cretaceous System). That section, at assessing those before moving to new horizons: prospects Tré Maroua, in the Vocontian Basin of SE France, is dis- and possibilities were first assessed (Wimbledon et al., 2011). cussed in Part 2 of this work. Consequent on the initial decision to base any choices of The Berriasian is the first stage/age of the Cretaceous preferred marker levels, or localities, on a systematic ap- System/Period. Previous work and the decisions of inter- praisal, more than sixty stratigraphic sequences across the national symposia have consistently confirmed that the Glo- globe, some previously studied and some new, were docu- bal Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Berriasian mented and assessed (see appendix 1). The group’s efforts should be located in an outcrop in former areas of the ocean have been directed towards recording ranges of any stra- of Tethys. Though it is necessary to recognise the difficulties tigraphically useful fossil group, and, whenever possible, that are still encountered when trying to correlate between magnetostratigraphy has been applied. From this growing marine late Tithonian – earliest Berriasian levels in Tethys body of integrated data – in particular, palaeomagnetism, and its extensions [Panthallassa (Japan, Russian Far East, calcareous nannofossils, ammonites, calpionellids and cal- California, andes), Mexico, Caribbean and the Middle at- careous dinocysts, but also belemnites and palynology – we lantic] and various isolated boreal marine basins, not to have been able to assess the usefulness of various biotic mention the non-marine regions. It is worth noting that such markers, and their relative positions. difficulties caused by biotic provincialism that began in the In 1973, at the time of the J/K colloquium, ammonites Tithonian continued through the Berriasian and later, affect- ruled where stage definition was concerned; and