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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Astronomical calibration of the Valanginian and the Hauterivian stages (lower cretaceous) : paleoclimatic and paleooceanographic implications

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description

Orbital floating time scales are proposed for the Valanginian Stage and part of the Hauterivian Stage (Early Cretaceous). These are based on the identification of the eccentricity cycles from spectral analyses performed on high-resolution climatic proxies measured on hemipelagic marl-limestone alternations. Five reference sections were analysed in the Vocontian Basin (SE France), spanning the entire Valanginian. A duration of 5,08 myr is proposed for the Valanginian Stage from the identification of the 405-kyr eccentricity cycle. The time frame proposed, combined with available radiometric ages, shows that the mid-Valanginian 13C positive excursion (namely the Weissert Event) occurs prior to the onset of the Paraná-Etendeka traps. The stronger expression of the obliquity cycles in the upper part of the Valanginian Stage may be caused by the onset of low-extension polar ice. The Hauterivian-Barremian transition of the Río Argos section (SE Spain) was studied by a multi-proxies analysis (clay minerals, magnetic susceptibility or MS). Compared to limestone beds, marl interbeds are enriched in kaolinite and illite, impoverished in smectite and show stronger MS values. This reflect tropical humid conditions during marl deposits while limestone were deposited under semi arid conditions. The durations of the P. ohmi and T. hugii ammonite zones are assessed at 0.78 myr and 0.54 myr, respectively. The duration of the Faraoni anoxic event ranges from 100 to 150 kyr. By correlation with other sections, the Río Argos section appears to be the most valuable candidate for GSSP.