Integrated stratigraphy of the Lower and Middle Cenomanian in a Tethyan section (Blieux, southeast France) and correlations with Boreal basins

A detailed stratigraphic analysis was carried out on the Lower–Middle Cenomanian hemipelagic deposits of the Blieux section (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence; southeast France) in order to identify the Middle Cenomanian event I (MCE I) in the Vocontian Basin. These deposits are represented by five bundles composed of limestone–marl alternations that are separated by thick marly intervals. The Blieux section, which is well exposed, very thick, continuous and relatively rich in macrofauna, provides an ideal succession for an integrated approach. Biostratigraphy by ammonoids and sequence stratigraphy have been established for the whole succession whereas calcareous nannofossil and geochemical analyses have been carried out on a restricted interval across the Lower/Middle Cenomanian boundary. The uppermost part of the Mantelliceras mantelli Zone, the Mantelliceras dixoni Zone and the lower part of the Acanthoceras rhotomagense Zone have been recognized. The appearance of the genus Cunningtoniceras (C. inerme or C. cunningtoni) is used to place the base of the A. rhotomagense Zone and the Lower/Middle Cenomanian boundary. This boundary is also well characterized by the presence of nannofossil Subzone UC2C. Two orders of hierarchically stacked depositional sequences have been identified. Medium- and large-scale sequences correspond to 400 ky eccentricity cycles and to third-order cycles, respectively. The duration of the interval studied (from the uppermost part of the M. mantelli to the lower part of the A. rhotomagense zones) is estimated to be 2.8 my. Carbon-isotope values determined from bulk carbonate sediments show a first positive excursion (+0.6‰) corresponding to the MCE Ia, in the lower part of the A. rhotomagense Zone. A subsequent increase (+1.1‰) is recorded and could correspond to MCE Ib, but a sharp return to baseline values as expected in an excursion is not observed. The duration of the MCE I is estimated to be less than 400 ky. The Blieux section is correlated with some classical sections of the Anglo-Paris (Southerham, Folkestone, Cap Blanc-Nez) and Lower Saxony (Baddeckenstedt and Wunstorf) basins using ammonoid biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy. It is proposed as a candidate for the Middle Cenomanian GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point).