Precisions to the depositional stacking pattern of Cenomanian-Turonian sequences in the Iberian Range (Somolinos outcrop, Spain) from a palynological study

The Somolinos outcrop was widely studied in detailed correlations, stratigraphical architecture and high frequency sequence analysis of Central System and Iberian range successions. A rich assemblage of echinoids, ammonites, bivalves and bryozoans was described; conversely, the palynological study of the Late Cretaceous levels from Somolinos has never been performed up to now. A palynological study of two intervals within a monotonous alternation of grey marls and nodular limestone succession in the Somolinos section was carried out. The two intervals sampled are located in two correlative sequences of Late Cenomanian-Early Turonian and mid Turonian ages, respectively. Both sequences are separated by a sequence boundary, but its location and age in the stratigraphic record differs depending on the authors and the Basin considered. A rich palynofacies with abundant dinoflagellate cysts, pteridophyte spores, conifer pollens and breviary angiosperm grains of the normapolles group is described; besides, inner linings of acid resistant microforaminiferal tests were also found. The analysis of the palynological diagrams clearly indicates that the upper interval corresponds to open sea neritic sediments, deposited in more distal sedimentary environments than those of the lower interval, which were deposited in more proximal environments. This evolution of sedimentary environments represents a major sedimentary change in the general shallowing upwards trend of the late Albian-mid Turonian 2nd order succession, revealing a major facies belt retrogradation of the sequence containing the upper interval. This retrogradational event allows to accurately place the sequence boundary and to improve the arrangement of the low frequency (3rd order) depositional stacking pattern of the Early-mid Turonian in the Iberian Basin and other European and Tethyan basins. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.