--> Biostratigraphic Control of Lower and Middle Jurassic Depositional Sequences and Transgressive-Regressive Facies Cycles Across the Western European Craton, by P. C. De Graciansky, T. Jacquin, and P. R. Vail; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Biostratigraphic Control of Lower and Middle Jurassic Depositional Sequences and Transgressive-Regressive Facies Cycles Across the Western European Craton

Pierre C. De Graciansky, Thierry Jacquin, Peter R. Vail

This contribution is based on Lower and Middle Jurassic outcropping successions from Subalpine France, Aquitaine and London-Paris basins, and from subsurface data of the Paris basin. Abundant and well preserved ammonites provide dating at the horizon level. We identify a (long term) first order transgressive-regressive cycle dated Rhaetian-Late Aalenian, and the beginning of the next one. These comprise five second-order transgressive regressive cycles that in their turn include 37 third-order (short term) depositional sequences.

The second-order transgressive and regressive facies cycles appear to be controlled by the successive phases of extension and subsidence that are related to the Tethyan rifting. Each extensional episode has been followed by a phase of regional subsidence that caused the transgressive phases of the second-order cycles. Peak transgressions are coincident in time over the whole European Craton. This observation suggests that the phases of Tethyan rifting have been recorded within the European craton at long distances from the areas of rifting.

The stratigraphic expression of the third-order depositional sequences is very much dependent on where they occur within the second-order transgressive or regressive phases.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994