High resolution biostratigraphy based on planktic foraminifera across the Cretaceous–Paleogene transition at the Bidart section (SWFrance)

Abstract

Based on high resolution biostratigraphic analysis of planktic foraminifers, it is confirmed that the Bidart section (eastern margin of the Atlantic Ocean) represents a continuous Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) succession. Nevertheless, the foraminiferal species Plummerita hantkeninoides, regarded as a latest Maastrichtian marker species, is absent and Abathomphalus mayaroensis ranges to the top of the Maastrichtian (= K/Pg boundary). Pseudoguembelina hariaensis is present throughout the succession, and it is proposed herein to substitute Pl. hantkeninoides as the marker of the uppermost Maastrichtian. At least 53 out of 72 species became suddenly extinct at the K/Pg boundary, defined by the Ir anomaly (Bonté et al. 1984; Delacotte et al. 1982). The extinct species are represented by globotruncanids and large heterohelicids, characteristic of the tropical-subtropical deep photic sea water under the mesotrophic conditions of the Late Maastrichtian. The Lower Danian succession (the zones of Guembelitria cretacea, Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina, Parasubbotina pseudobulloides) is less expanded than at El Kef (Tunisia) [the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary] or at Ellès (Tunisia) [its auxiliary section].