Cretaceous Research (1999) 20, 255269 Article No. cres.1999.0155, available online at http://www.idealibrary.

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The Selli Level of the Gargano Promontory, Apulia, southern Italy: foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil data
*Miriam Cobianchi, Valeria Luciani and Alessandra Menegatti
*Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universita ` degli Studi di Pavia, via Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche e Paleontologiche, Universita ` degli Studi di Ferrara, Corso Ercole Io dEste, 32, 44100 Ferrara, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche e Paleontologiche, Universita ` degli Studi di Ferrara, Corso Ercole Io dEste, 32, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; current address: Department of Geology & Petroleum Geology, Meston Building, Kings College, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen AB9 2UE, Scotland, UK Revised manuscript accepted 17 November 1998

Two Aptian pelagic stratigraphic sections from the northern Gargano Promontory, Apulia, southern Italy, were investigated on the basis of foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils. The successions are characterized by cyclically arranged marls and marly/cherty limestones and can be referred to the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation. In the lower portion of this unit a thin black shale segment was recognized. Planktonic foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic data enable the level to be attributed to the upper part of the Globigerinelloides blowi and Chiastozygus litterarius Zones of late Early Aptian age. These data suggest that the black shale is equivalent to the Selli Level of the Umbria-Marche Basin, which is considered to be the sedimentary expression of the global oceanic anoxic event OAE 1a. A perturbation of the biotic signal occurs across the Selli Level. A crisis of Globigerinelloidids and nannoconids precedes and follows the anoxic episode, and a marked increase in the eutrophic indicators (hedbergellids, Zygodiscus erectus, Biscutum constans, radiolaria) was observed. These critical conditions associated to the OAE1a are widely documented and generally related to a high fertility episode of surface water. However, with respect to the Gorgo a Cerbara section (Umbria-Marche Basin), the Selli Level from the Gargano is not completely barren of calcareous plankton, probably suggesting slightly less fertile conditions in the surface water or a shallower environment. Moreover, the occurrence of the benthonic genus Spirillina indicates local dysaerobic conditions versus  1999 Academic Press complete anoxia on the sea oor. K W: Early Cretaceous; oceanic anoxic event; Selli Level; planktonic foraminifera; calcareous nannofossils; integrated biostratigraphy; Gargano Promontory; southern Italy.

1. Introduction The slope and basinal Cretaceous deposits of the Gargano Promontory (Apulia, southern Italy) have recently been investigated in detail (Luperto Sinni & Masse, 1987; Coccioni & Luperto Sinni, 1989; Luciani, 1993; Luciani & Cobianchi, 1994; Luperto Sinni & Borgomano, 1994; Neri & Luciani, 1994; Cobianchi et al., 1997). In the Lower Cretaceous three formations have been recognized: the Maiolica, the Mattinata and the Scisti a Fucoidi (Marne a Fucoidi auct.). The last unit is considered to be the equivalent of the Scisti a Fucoidi in the UmbriaMarche Basin and similar units in the Southern Alps
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of northern Italy (Scaglia Variegata Formation). The Aptian-Albian Scisti a Fucoidi Formation consists of a pelagic cyclic sequence of marls and marly limestones. The correlation with the Umbria-Marche unit is supported by various types of evidence besides lithological similarity. The Umbria-Marche Basin and the Gargano Basin border the same platform (the Apulia Platform). Moreover, the Cretaceous pelagic successions recognizable in the two areas are similar: Maiolica Formation, Scisti a Fucoidi and Scaglia, from the base upwards respectively. Furthermore, both successions are characterized by anoxic episodes documented by black shales that are correlatable in the two basins (Urbino and Amadeus levels;
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Figure 1. Simplied geological map of the northern Gargano Promontory showing the location of the sections studied (modied from Cobianchi et al., 1997).

Cobianchi et al., 1997). Therefore, the classic Cretaceous successions of the Umbria-Marche Basin can be extended farther to the south in the Gargano Promontory (Cobianchi et al., 1997). The occurrence in the Gargano succession of gravity-displaced deposits, which laterally substitutes the Maiolica Formation (Mattinata Formation locally), testies that this sector was closer to the margin of the platform than the Umbria-Marche region. A further black shale was recognized in the lower portion of the Scisti a Fucoidi in two stratigraphic sections near Vieste (Coppitella and Le Batterie, northern Gargano). The aim of the study presented here is the chronostratigraphical attribution of this level on the basis of an integrated biostratigraphic analysis (planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils). The stratigraphic position of the black shale suggests, however, that it could be equivalent to the Selli Level in the Umbria-Marche Basin, which is considered to be the sedimentary expression of the global oceanic anoxic event OAE 1a (Schlanger & Jenkyns, 1976; Arthur et al., 1990).

2. Geological setting and stratigraphical framework The transition between a Jurassic-Cretaceous carbonate platform and basin is well exposed in the Gargano Promontory (Figure 1). The slope, base-ofslope and basin deposits are conned to the north-eastern part of the promontory, while the shallow-water carbonates, belonging to the Apulia Platform, are represented in the western sector. The Apulia Platform is part of the stable and relatively undeformed foreland of the Apennine thrust belt (Ricchetti et al., 1987). Its shallow water carbonates pass eastwards and northwards into thinlybedded cherty pelagic mudstones, which can be attributed to the Maiolica (Valanginian-Early Aptian), Scisti a Fucoidi (Early Aptian- Late Albian) and Scaglia (Late Cretaceous) Formations. The basinal fringe of the platform, which is characterized by the common occurrence of gravity-displaced deposits such as turbidites, breccias and megabreccias, is represented by the Mattinata Formation

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(Hauterivian-Late Albian), the Monte S. Angelo Megabreccia (Late Albian-Cenomanian) and the Monte Acuto Formation (Late Cretaceous) (Luperto Sinni & Masse, 1987; Coccioni & Luperto Sinni, 1989; Luciani, 1993; Luciani & Cobianchi, 1994; Luperto Sinni & Borgomano, 1994; Neri & Luciani, 1994; Cobianchi et al., 1997). According to Bosellini et al. (1993), the Cretaceous succession can be subdivided in two depositional sequences (respectively Early and Late Cretaceous in age), separated by a sequence boundary recognizable at the base of the Monte S. Angelo Megabreccia. The age and relative stratigraphic position of the basin and slope deposits were controlled by the depositional dynamics of the Apulia Platform. In the Early Cretaceous, during periods of relative highstands, the platform margin prograded basinwards, and clastic deposits (Mattinata Formation) overlie the basinal sediments of the Maiolica and Scisti a Fucoidi. During transgressions, the platform retreated, its margin drowned, and the export of clastics was temporarily interrupted. The interval of Scisti a Fucoidi represented in the two sections near Vieste does not contain resedimented episodes. The onset of deposition of the Scisti a Fucoidi in the basin, which contains levels that indicate anoxia, is coeval with a drowning of the Apulia Platform margin, related to a transgression which was probably eustatically controlled. Although precise relationships between a rise in sea level and oxygen depleted waters is still problematic, according to Jenkyns (1991), the temporary demise of carbonate sedimentation may have also been related to a particularly thick column of deoxygenated water (Bosellini et al., in press). 3. Materials and methods For a preliminary analysis aimed at a biostratigraphic calibration of the successions and of the black shales, 34 samples from both sections were analyzed for their calcareous nannofossil and foraminiferal content. Samples were collected from dierent lithologies (marlstone, limestone, silicied limestone, black shale) as indicated in the stratigraphic columns of Figures 2 and 5. The nannofossil study was carried out by observing 300 elds of view (FOV) in random traverses of each smear slide under a polarizing light microscope at a magnication of 1250. Calcareous nannofossil species abundances were semiquantitatively estimated as reported in Figures 4 and 7. For the foraminiferal analysis, the marly samples were disaggregated using Desogen and washed through a >38 m-mesh sieve. The indurated samples

(limestone and silicied limestone) were analysed in thin section. The range of the species identied are plotted on Figures 3 and 6 together with the state of preservation of planktonic foraminiferal fauna, total planktonic foraminiferal abundance and radiolarian abundance. 4. Coppitella section The Coppitella section extends along the State Road N. 89 Garganica, from 104 km to 105 km, southwest of the town of Vieste. It is 22.5 m thick (Figures 1, 2). The outcropping sediments consist of cyclically arranged couplets of bioturbated grey marlstones and o-white marly limestones (sometimes silicied) with black chert in nodules. The thickness of couplets is c. 20 cm. This alternation shows a major hierarchical arrangement in bundles (about 1 m thick) made up of 5 couplets. This unit is attributed to the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation. The lower and upper boundaries are not exposed here; the total thickness of the formation can be estimated from other localities as 100120 m. The disappearance of black chert in the Cretaceous pelagic sediments has been used to dene the boundary between Maiolica and Scisti a Fucoidi Formations in the Umbria-Marche Basin (Coccioni et al., 1987). In the Gargano Promontory, the black chert occurs up to the top of the Scisti a Fucoidi; thus, this character is not useful here to separate the two formations. According to Cobianchi et al. (1997), the boundary corresponds to the major lithological change from a limestone unit (Maiolica) to a bioturbated (Chondrites =Fucoidi) mainly marlstone unit. On the other hand, the chert colour is a diagenetic feature which can vary in dierent areas, whereas a marked lithological change reects primary conditions and can therefore be used for wider correlations. Erba (1994) also recognized the general similarity between the Scisti a Fucoidi of the Umbria Marche Basin and the marly sediments above the micritic deposits of the Biancone Formation in the Southern Alps (Cismon section, northern Italy). About 14 m above the base, three thin (2 cm each) black bituminous shales were observed. Sixteen samples were collected from this section. The nannofossil and foraminiferal content was examined for each sample. The main results are discussed in the following paragraphs. 4.1. Planktonic foraminifera Planktonic foraminifera from the Coppitella section were analysed in both thin sections and washed

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Figure 2. Stratigraphic column of the Coppitella section with sample numbers alongside, calcareous nannofossil-planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic data, and main changes in microfossil assemblages. The dark shading across the Selli Level illustrates the critical interval with pronounced faunal variations.

residues. Their abundance and state of preservation varies throughout the section (Figure 3). The samples (mainly thin sections) yielding abundant radiolaria generally contained the most poorly preserved fauna and most impoverished assemblages. Calcispheres are sometimes abundant (sample 13). Specic and generic identication of planktonic foraminifera was sometimes dicult, particularly in thin section, owing to both the small size of the tests and the recrystallization of the walls of the specimens. The most important bioevent recognized in the Coppitella section is the rst occurrences of Leupoldina cabri. On the basis of this event, the Globigerinelloides blowi and the L. cabri Zones of the standard low-latitude biostratigraphic schemes have been identied (e.g., Caron, 1985; Sliter, 1989, 1992; Robaszynsky & Caron, 1995). The basal part of the section (15 m) can be attributed to part of the Globigerinelloides blowi Zone, which spans the interval from the FO of the zonal marker to the FO of L. cabri, according to the original denition of Moullade (1974) (Figure 2). The base of

the zone was not recognized; in fact, G. blowi occurs in the lowermost sample examined. Besides the zonal marker, the planktonic assemblages also contain other Globigerinelloides (G. gottisi, G. duboisi, G. saundersi), clavihedbergellids and hedbergellids. The last group, together with favusellids, constitutes the bulk of the planktonic foraminiferal faunas. The species Leupoldina pustulans was recorded only from sample 9. The upper part of the zone contains the black shale; across this level, globigerinelloids are temporarily absent. They reappear at the base of the overlying zone. A Globigerinelloides crisis was recorded at the top of the Globigerinelloides blowi Zone by Coccioni & Premoli Silva (1994, Spain) and called the Globigerinelloides eclipse. An eclipse of this genus also occurs in the Ischitella section from northern Gargano (Cobianchi et al., 1997), and a similar critical interval was observed below the Selli Level in the Umbria-Marche Basin (Coccioni et al. 1992). The black shale of the Coppitella section contains only sporadic, very small hedbergellids (Hedbergella kuznetsovae).

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Figure 3. Planktonic foraminiferal distribution and main events recorded in the Coppitella section. Total foraminiferal abundances (Abundance) and radiolarian occurrences (Radiolaria) are coded as follows: AA=very abundant, A=abundant, C=common, R=rare, VR=very rare. Preservation of foraminiferal assemblages (Preservation) is ranked as moderate (M), poor (P) and very poor (VP).

In the G. blowi Zone, small, rare specimens of Guembelitria have been encountered. They are probably attributable to two dierent species. They resemble those illustrated from the Albian Vico del Gargano section by Cobianchi et al. (1997, g. 18, specimens 810). The species L. cabri appears in sample 17, indicating the base of the L. cabri Zone (total range zone, according to the original denition of Bolli, 1959). This zone is characterized by common clavate forms. The top of the zone was not observed, as L. cabri still occurs at the top of the section. Over the whole interval, planktonic foraminifera remain small (mainly <125 m); larger forms belong to the Favusella group. The specimens informally assembled here in the Favusella group display a high morphological variability in the size of test, trochospire (ranging from low to very high), number and shape of chambers, surface ornamentation (coarsely reticulate, pustules, anastomosing ridges), and aperture. These variable characteristics have induced some authors to distinguish various genera and species, such as those of the Favusellidae and Praehedbergellidae of Banner &

Desai (1988), phylogenetically related to the rst representative of the planktonic foraminifera. On the other hand, according to Koutsoukos et al. (1989), the Aptian-Albian favusellid taxa are ecophenotypic adaptations broadly referable to Hedbergella (Favusella) washitaensis. A more detailed study on morphological characteristics and variability of the forms occurring in the Lower Cretaceous of the Gargano will be treated in a separate paper. 4.2. Calcareous nannofossils Calcareous nannofossils are abundant and moderately well preserved throughout the section, apart from in the black shale which contains a small nannofossil assemblage that is aected by dissolution (Figure 4). Only the rst occurrence of Eprolithus oralis (sample 18, 16.25 m from the bottom of the section) was recognized in the interval studied. On the basis of this event two nannofossil zones were identied: the Chiastozygus litterarius Zone p.p. (from bottom to 16.25 m) and the Parhabdolithus angustus Zone p.p. (from 16.25 to 22. 5 m top of the section).

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Figure 4. Nannofossil species distribution and events in the Coppitella section.

The Chiastozygus litterarius Zone has been dened by Thierstein (1973) as the stratigraphic interval from the FOs of Rucinolithus irregularis and/or Chiastozygus litterarius and the last occurrence (LO) of Nannoconus colomii to the FOs of Eprolithus oralis and/or Rhagodiscus angustus. The species R. irregularis was recorded from the bottom of the interval upwards. According to many authors (Mutterlose, 1992; Bralower et al., 1993; Erba, 1994) and to our data, the FO of E. oralis postdates that of R. angustus. The nannooras are characterized by frequent to abundant species of the genus Watznaueria and rare to common other species, where the most abundant and consistently recorded are Assipetra infracretacea, Biscutum constans, Cyclagelosphaera margerelii, Lithraphidites carniolensis, Manivitella pemmatoidea, Reinhardtites fenestratus, Rhagodiscus asper, R. embergeri, R. splendens, Rucinolithus terebrodentarius and Zygodiscus erectus. Rare to frequent nannoconids are represented by Nannoconus bucheri, N. globulus, N. kamptneri, N. minutus and N. truittii. The Parhabdolithus angustus Zone has been dened by Thierstein (1973) as the stratigraphic interval from the FO of Eprolithus oralis to the FO of Prediscosphaera columnata. The top of the zone was not recorded in the

interval studied. The assemblages are characterized by the same species as those listed above; the nannoconids are rare and poorly diversied. Abundance and assemblage composition uctuate widely throughout the succession. From the bottom of the section to sample 14 nannoconids are rare but morphologically diverse, while in sample 15 the nannoconid crisis (Erba, 1994) is recorded; above this level an interval in which nannoconids are very scarce is documented. From the base of the Upper Aptian (sample 18) nannoconids reappear, but their return is marked by a decrease in diversity and abundance. As pointed out by previous authors (e.g., Coccioni et al., 1992), Zygodiscus erectus is consistently present throughout the interval studied, but abundance peaks occur both a little below and above the black shale. The black shale contains a small nannofossil assemblage of low diversity. The nannoora is represented by frequent Watznaueria barnesae and rare Rhagodiscus splendens, Rucinolithus terebrodentarius and Zygodiscus erectus. Erba (1992) pointed out that an abundance of W. barnesae (more than 40% of the total nannoora), low numbers of nannofossils, low species diversity, and no or very little micarb indicate primary dissolution at the sediment/water interface.

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Figure 5. Stratigraphic column of the Le Batterie section with sample numbers alongside, calcareous nannofossil-planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic data, and main changes in microfossil assemblages. The dark shading across the Selli Level illustrates the critical intervals with pronounced faunal variations. The cross-bars indicate covered parts of the section. The occurrence of the Globigerinelloides ferreolensis and G. algerianus Zones in the upper covered part is presumed; a hiatus cannot be excluded in this stratigraphic interval.

Finally, in the lower portion of the section (from samples 813) and in the stratigraphic interval immediately above the black shale (from samples 17 20), the assemblages record a considerable increase in abundance of both Lithraphidites carniolensis and Rhagodiscus asper. These species are regarded as indicators of moderate fertility and warmer waters (Erba, 1992). 5. Le Batterie section This section is located about 1 km from the Coppitella section, south of the town of Vieste (Figure 1). It is

28.5 m thick and presents the same lithological characters as those of the Coppitella section. A thin black shale interval (68 cm) was observed at about 10 m above the base. The lithostratigraphical unit outcropping in this section is entirely referable to the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation; the base and top of the formation are not exposed. The planktonic foraminiferal and nannofossil distributions are discussed below for the 18 samples analyzed. 5.1. Planktonic foraminifera The study of planktonic foraminifera from the Le Batterie section was carried out mainly in thin section.

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Figure 6. Planktonic foraminiferal distribution and main events recorded in the Le Batterie section. Total foraminiferal abundance (Abundance) and radiolarian (Radiolaria) are coded as follow: AA=very abundant, A=abundant, C=common, R=rare, VR=very rare. Preservation of foraminiferal assemblages (Preservation) is ranked as moderate (M), poor (P) and very poor (VP).

Planktonic faunas are in a variable state of preservation and are unevenly distributed throughout the section, with variations in percentages generally out of phase with radiolarian abundances. Planktonic assemblages from the lower 11.2 m of the section were referred to the Globigerinelloides blowi Zone. The foraminiferal faunas are similar to those of the Coppitella section; some dierences can be related to dierent preservation. The black shale occurs at the top of this zone; it contains only very rare specimens of Clavihedbergella eocretacea in a fair state of preservation. The interval in which specimens of Globigerinelloides are virtually absent precedes and overlies this level (Globigerinelloides eclipse). Slightly above, the marker of the overlying zone, Leupoldina cabri, occurs for the rst time (sample 43B, Figure 6). Planktonic foraminiferal tests are small, mainly <125 m; favusellids and Hedbergella excelsa are the largest. Hedbergellids are generally the commonest forms in the Globigerinelloides blowi Zone, although G. blowi and G. saundersi can also constitute a conspicuous fraction of the assemblages. In the L. cabri Zone, the state of preservation is generally poorer and

numbers are low by comparison with the Coppitella section. Sample 49, situated above a covered interval of 3.5 m, contains a foraminiferal fauna of larger size which includes Hedbergella gorbachikae and H. trocoidea. The genus Globigerinelloides is represented by the species G. aptiense, G. barri, G. blowi and G. ferreolensis (Figure 6). The absence of Globigerinelloides algerianus prevents the identication of the G. algerianus Zone. On the basis of the occurrence of H. gorbachikae and H. trocoidea in the absence of Ticinella bejaouaensis (only small specimens referable to T. b. transitoria have been observed) the assemblage can be attributed to the Hedbergella trocoidea Zone. This zone represents the stratigraphic interval between the LO of Globigerinelloides algerianus and the FO of Ticinella bejaouaensis. Longoria (1974) originally subdivided this interval in two zones, named Hedbergella gorbachikae and Hedbergella trocoidea, on the basis of the LO of Globigerinelloides barri, G. ferreolensis and G. maridalensis. Since these species actually range up to the Ticinella bejaouaensis Zone, the H. trocoidea Zone was extended by Sigal (1977) from the LO of G.

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Figure 7. Nannofossil species distribution and events in the Le Batterie section.

algerianus to the FO of T. bejaouaensis. This zone corresponds to the Hedbergella gorbachikae Zone of Caron (1985) and Sliter (1989). More recently, the same stratigraphic interval has been named the Planomalina cheniourensis Zone by Robaszynski & Caron (1995). The Globigerinelloides ferreolensis and G. algerianus Zones, located between the Leupoldina cabri and Hedbergella trocoidea Zones in the standard Cretaceous low-latitude zonations mentioned above, are probably included in the covered tract. A hiatus in this interval cannot, however, be excluded. 5.2. Calcareous nannofossils Nannofossil numbers uctuate from scarce to common, and the state of preservation is generally fair (Figure 7). The black shale yields a more diverse and abundant assemblage of calcareous nannofossils than the Coppitella section. In sample 44 Eprolithus oralis appears for the rst time; the lower 12.8 m of the section can therefore be correlated to part of the

Chiastozygus litterarius Zone, while the upper 15.8 m corresponds to part of the Rhagodiscus angustus Zone of Thierstein (1973). The most abundant species recorded in the interval studied are Assipetra infracretacea, Cyclagelosphaera margerelii, Flabellites oblongus, Lithraphidites carniolensis, Rhagodiscus asper, R. embergeri, Watznaueria barnesae, W. a. manivitae and Zygodiscus erectus. Nannoconids are common only in the lowermost part of the section and are represented by Nannoconus bucheri, N. globulus, N. kamptneri, N. minutus and N. truittii. As in the Coppitella section, considerably below the black shale (sample 42) the nannoconids record a time-interval of crisis. They reappear in the Upper Aptian (sample 45) where Nannoconus truittii becomes the dominant species. This stratigraphic interval can probably be correlated with the N. truittii Acme Zone of Mutterlose (1991). In this section the Z. erectus and L. carniolensis - P. asper peaks are recorded in the same stratigraphic intervals as those in the Coppitella section. Finally, the calcareous nannofossil assemblage of the black

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shale is characterized by the occurrence of common Watznaueria barnesae and W. a. W. manivitae, frequent Cyclagelosphaera margerelii and W. biporta, and rare Assipetra infracretacea, Cretarhabdus angustiforatus, Rhagodiscus asper, R. embergeri, R. splendens, Rucinolithus irregularis, R. terebrodentarius, W. britannica, W. communis and Zygodiscus erectus. 6. Other fossil groups Ammonites and other macrofossils are absent in the sections studied. Among microfossil groups, ostracods and calcispheres are rare and their record is discontinuous. Radiolaria are generally frequent, but are unevenly distributed throughout the two sections. Marked increases in abundance correspond to a reduction in number of planktonic foraminifera, and vice versa. This group is almost the only component of planktonic fauna that occurs in the black shales. A qualitative observation of Gargano radiolarian faunas analyzed here shows that, by comparison with the rest of the section, less diverse assemblages, apparently dominated by spumellarians, coincide with the black shale. Recent studies (Erbacher et al., 1996; Erbacher & Thurow, 1997) have emphasized the relationship between extinction and radiation events of radiolaria in the Early Cretaceous and the oceanic anoxic events. Specialist study and more closely spaced sampling are, however, necessary to evaluate the ecological and evolutionary changes in radiolarian assemblages in the Coppitella and Le Batterie sections. Benthonic foraminifera are generally a minor component of the microfossil assemblages. In some samples they apparently increase in abundance with respect to the planktonic foraminifera, probably in relation to the decrease of the latter group as a result of dissolution. Genera represented are mainly hyaline forms, such as Dentalinoides, Gavelinella, Gyroidinoides, Lagena, Marginulina and Nodosaria, together with agglutinating forms (Clavulinoides, Dorothia, Marssonella). These assemblages are generally considered to be deep-water, bathyal indicators (e.g., Sikora & Olsson, 1991; Coccioni & Galeotti 1993; Premoli Silva & Sliter, 1994). The benthonic fauna records a drastic decrease in abundance and change in composition through the black shale analyzed here; only rare, small forms belonging to the attened, planispiral genus Spirillina were observed. In recent years, Cretaceous benthonic microforaminifera have been investigated as indicators of aerobic, dysaerobic and anaerobic conditions. These conditions on the sea oor, in both recent and fossil

assemblages, have been documented on the basis of variations in size, dominance and composition of the benthonic populations (e.g., Koutsoukos & Hart, 1990; Koutsoukos et al., 1990; Coccioni & Galeotti 1993; Lamolda & Peryt, 1995). According to these studies, the assemblages indicating oxygenated conditions on the sea-oor are those containing diversied fauna, with convex epifaunal forms represented (such as Gyroidinoides). This kind of assemblage characterizes the samples investigated in this study with the exception of a critical interval across the black shale. Low diversity, small size and a predominance of attened morphologies have been frequently observed in deposits that accumulated when oxygen levels were low, particularly in Mesozoic shales (Bernhard, 1986). This is probably related to the higher area/volume ratio of these forms by comparison with the inated specimens. In fact, attened specimens can simultaneously oppose sinking within a sediment (where less oxygen occurs), maximize oxygen uptake, and probably also benet from increased food supply. Small tests can also help to maximize relative surface area (Bernhard, 1986). The dysaerobic conditions on the sea oor, suggested by the exclusive occurrence of small Spirillina among the benthonic fauna, span an interval of about 34 m across the black shale.

7. The Selli Level of the Gargano Promontory Our integrated biostratigraphic analyses allow the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation, exposed in the Coppitella (Figure 8) and Le Batterie sections, to be assigned to the foraminiferal Globigerinelloides blowi-Hedbergella trocoidea Zones p.p. and nannofossil Chiastozygus litteriariusParhabdolithus angustus Zones p.p. This correlation between the nannofossil and foraminiferal biozones conrms that reported in previous integrated biostratigraphic schemes (e.g., Coccioni et al., 1992; Coccioni & Galeotti, 1993; Bralower et al., 1995). The age of the analysed sections spans the late Early Aptian to the early Late Aptian, according to the correlations generally in use between the biozones and the standard stages (e.g., Bralower et al., 1995). The two thin black intervals (Figure 9) observed in these sections are correlatable, and both fall within the upper part of the G. blowi (planktonic foraminiferal) and C. litterarius (calcareous nannofossil) Zones, thus suggesting that they correlate with the Selli Level in the Umbria-Marche Basin and Southern Alps (Bersezio 1992, 1993; Erba, 1994). This level is considered to be the sedimentary expression of oceanic anoxic event OAE 1a of Arthur et al. (1990).

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Figure 8. Typical marlstone-limestone couplets of the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation in the Coppitella section.

Figure 9. The Selli Level in the Coppitella section.

It is well known that the Barremian-Aptian interval is characterized by the occurrence of widespread anoxic deposits. In particular the Selli Level, identied and named for the rst time by Coccioni et al. (1987, 1989), appears to be the best and most widely documented. It correlates as well with global event OAE1a, although its sedimentological and geochemical features and thickness vary in dierent basins. A detailed biostratigraphical and palaeoecological study, based on quantitative analyses of planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils, was carried out by Coccioni et al. (1992) for the BarremianAptian interval in the Umbria-Marche region of central Italy. In this region the interval corresponding to the Selli Level is about 2 m thick, and consists of an alternation of black shales with radiolarian silty/sandy layers. Even though our study is preliminary, and hence less detailed, it indicates similar major events across the Selli Level highlighted by these authors. Our data conrm that a crisis of globigerinelloids

and nannoconids, documented by their temporary absence, precedes and follows the Selli Level, thus attesting that these forms are the most oligotrophic indicators through this stratigraphic interval (Caron & Homewood, 1983; Leckie, 1987, 1989; Premoli Silva et al., 1989; Coccioni et al., 1992; Erba, 1994). Moreover across the Selli Level, an increase in numbers of hedbergellids, Zygodiscus erectus and Biscutum constans, considered to be eutrophic groups, was recorded. The eutrophic radiolarians are also very abundant in this interval, but the composition and abundance of the assemblages varies widely throughout the sections, and is generally out of phase with planktonic foraminifera. The same biotic variations of the nannofossil assemblages have been documented by Erba (1994) for the Selli Level in the Cismon section (Southern Alps). The distribution and composition of microfossil faunas of the Selli Level from the Gorgo Cerbara section induced Coccioni et al. (1992) to interpret this level as being related to a very high-fertility event. In the Umbria-Marche Basin, the black shale is completely barren of benthos and calcareous plankton, and enriched in radiolarians and Corg. The temporary absence of calcareous plankton, often recorded in correspondence with black shales, has been related to dierent causes, possibly in combination; for example, a rise in the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) for a short period of time, or highly corrosive waters associated with the degradation of large amounts of organic material on the sea oor or during early diagenesis (Bralower et al., 1994). A further explanation for the absence of calcareous plankton is high productivity associated with oxygen deciency. In present-day oceans, nannoplankton become less competitive with respect to diatoms and dinoagellates in highly eutrophic conditions, while planktonic foraminifera are intolerant of oxygen deciency. There is still widespread debate about the causes of deposition of Cretaceous Corg-rich sediments. In case of organic matter of marine origin, they are interpreted as a result of high primary productivity or conditions favouring the preservation of the organic material produced (e.g., Dean et al., 1986; Schlanger et al., 1987; Premoli Silva et al., 1989; Bralower & Thierstein, 1984, Bralower et al., 1994). The black shales of the OAE1a are, however, generally related to a high productivity event. The variations in planktonic assemblages below and above the Selli Level in the northern Gargano sections record critical conditions, similar to those in the Umbria-Marche Basin, for some groups that are interpreted as more specialized, oligotrophic forms. At the same time, an increase in eutrophic forms occurs.

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This suggests a high fertility episode of supercial water. A more detailed analysis involving geochemical data and a wider stratigraphic interval would, however, be necessary to relate more precisely eutrophy to preservation of organic matter and quantitative variations in fossil assemblages. In fact, levels showing peak abundances of radiolaria or hedbergellids are not necessarily associated with the preservation of large quantities of organic matter in black shales. Various dierences exist, however, between the Umbria-Marche and Gargano areas. In fact, the Selli Level of the Gargano Promontory, which is notably thinner, is not completely devoid of calcareous plankton; this probably indicates slightly lower eutrophy. Benthonic foraminifera are also present in this level, although they record a notable change in the composition and size of the assemblages. In particular, diverse faunas are substituted by an assemblage characterized by the genus Spirillina. The occurrence of benthonic fauna in the Selli Level of the Gargano Promontory therefore indicates local dysaerobic conditions on the sea-oor in contrast with the complete anoxia recorded in the Umbria-Marche Basin. The onset of critical conditions in marine environments during the late Early Aptian (OAE 1a), are widely documented by an evident perturbation in the biotic signal. However the crisis for calcareous plankton was not so dramatic as that related to OAE 2 at the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary (CTBE of Arthur et al., 1987), which led to the extinction of the deeper-dwelling specialized rotaliporids. In fact, the interval of crisis related to OAE 1a during the late Early Aptian is followed by a recovery of calcareous planktonic communities without any major extinction events. As far as the foraminifera are concerned, this is probably because of their lower state of specialization at this time, when they had not yet colonized the deepest habitats (Bralower et al., 1994). 8. Summary and conclusions The classical Cretaceous succession of the UmbriaMarche Basin (Maiolica, Scisti a Fucoidi and Scaglia) can be recognized further to the south, in the Gargano Promontory, as recently pointed out by Cobianchi et al. (1997). The similarity between the two succession is also supported by the occurrence of anoxic episodes of Albian age which are correlatable in the two areas. In this study, an integrated biostratigraphic analysis (planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils) of two sections exposed near Vieste (northern Gargano), suggests that the black shale newly recognized in the lower portion of the Scisti

a Fucoidi is equivalent to the Selli Level in the Umbria-Marche Basin. The most important results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) Our biostratigraphical data enable the Scisti a Fucoidi Formation, outcropping in the Coppitella and Le Batterie sections, to be assigned to the foraminiferal Globigerinelloides blowiHedbergella trocoidea p.p. and nannofossil Chiastozygus litterarius Parhabdolithus angustus p.p. Zones. The correlation between nannofossils and foraminiferal events observed for the Gargano promontory conrms that of previous integrated biostratigraphic schemes (e.g., Coccioni et al., 1992; Coccioni & Galeotti, 1993; Bralower et al., 1995). (2) The genus Guembelitria (probably represented by two species) was found in northern Gargano in levels of Early Aptian age (upper part of the G. blowi and C. litterarius Zones). This datum represents the oldest known occurrence of the genus, previously reported from the Upper Aptian of northeastern Brazil (Koutsoukos, 1994). (3) The black shale recorded in the lower portion of the Scisti a Fucoidi can be attributed to the upper part of the G. blowi and C. litterarius Zones, suggesting that it can be correlated with the Selli Level, recognized in the Umbria Marche Basin and the Southern Alps. It is considered to be the sedimentary expression of oceanic anoxic event OAE 1a of Arthur et al. (1990). (4) The microfossil distribution patterns across the Selli Level present some major variations. A crisis of Globigerinelloides and nannoconids preceded and followed the anoxic episode, while the black shale contains evidence of a marked increase in hedbergellids, Zygodiscus erectus and Biscutum constans. Radiolaria, which are considered to be eutrophic indicators, are also very frequent and of low diversity in the Selli Level, although their abundance uctuates considerably throughout the sections. Nevertheless some differences exist between the Umbria-Marche and Gargano areas. The Selli Level in northern Gargano, in contrast to the black level in the Gorgo a Cerbara section, but in common with the Cismon section (Erba, 1994) is not completely barren of calcareous plankton; this may well suggest slightly less fertile surface water or a shallower environment. Moreover, the occurrence in the Gargano Selli Level of the benthonic genus Spirillina indicates local dysaerobic conditions versus complete anoxia on the sea oor. Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to A. Bosellini and M. Morsilli for suggesting that these sections should be analysed, and for their help in the eld. This paper is

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nancially supported by the Italian MURST (ex 60% grant, V. Luciani), CNR (A. Bosellini) and FAR (G. Brambilla) grants. We thank D. J. Batten, J. Jeremiah and an anomymous referee for critically reviewing the manuscript and useful comments. References
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Appendix
List of cited species with author attributions and dates Planktonic foraminifera Clavihedbergella eocretacea Neagu, 1975 C. semielongata (Longoria, 1974) Globigerinelloides aptiense Longoria, 1974 G. barri (Bolli, Loeblich & Tappan, 1957) G. blowi (Bolli, 1959) G. cepedai (Obregon, 1959) G. duboisi (Chevalier, 1961) G. ferreolensis (Moullade, 1966) G. gottisi (Chevalier, 1961) G. saundersi (Bolli, 1959) Guembelitria sp. 1 Guembelitria sp. 2 Hedbergella aptiana Bartenstein, 1965 H. aptica (Agalarova, 1951) H. delrioensis (Carsey, 1962) H. excelsa Longoria, 1974 H. gorbachikae Longoria, 1974 H. kuhryi Longoria, 1974 H. kuznetsovae (Banner & Desai, 1988) H. malaskovae Longoria, 1974 H. planispira (Tappan, 1940) H. sigali Moullade, 1966 H. similis Longoria, 1974 H. simplex (Morrow, 1934) H. trocoidea (Gandol, 1942) Leupoldina cabri (Sigal, 1952) L. pustulans (Bolli, 1957) Ticinella bejaouaensis transitoria Longoria, 1974 Calcareous nannofossils Assipetra infracretacea (Thierstein, 1973) Roth, 1973 Biscutum constans (Gorka, 1957) Black, 1967 Braarudosphaera regularis Black, 1973 Chiastozygus litterarius (Gorka, 1957) Manivit, 1971 Conusphaera mexicana Trejo, 1969 Cretarhabdus angustiforatus (Black, 1971) Bukry, 1973 C. conicus Bramlette & Martini, 1964 C. surirellus (Deandre, 1954) Reinhardt, 1970 Cyclagelosphaera margerelii Noel, 1965 Diazomatolithus lehmanii Noel, 1965 Discorhabdus rotatorius (Bukry, 1969) Thierstein, 1973 Eprolithus oralis (Stradner, 1962) Stover, 1966 Flabellites oblongus (Thierstein, 1973) Crux, 1982 Lithraphidites alatus magnus Covington & Wise, 1987 L. carniolensis Deandre, 1963 Manivitella pemmatoidea (Deandre in Manivit, 1965) Thierstein, 1971 Markalius circumradiatus (Stover, 1966) Perch-Nielsen, 1968 Micrantholithus hoschulzii (Reinhardt, 1966) Thierstein, 1971 Microstaurus chiastus (Worsley, 1971) Grun in Grun & Alleman, 1975 Nannoconus bucheri Bronnimann, 1955 N. globulus Bronnimann, 1955 N. kamptneri Bronnimann, 1955 N. minutus Bronnimann, 1955

Planktonic foraminifera and nannofossils from the Selli Level

N. steinmannii Kamptner, 1931 N. truittii Bronnimann, 1955 Parhabdolithus angustus (Stradner, 1963) Stradner P. asper (Stradner, 1963) Manivit, 1971 P. embergeri (Noel, 1958) Stradner, 1963 P. pseudoangustus Bralower et al. in Covington & Wise, 1987 P. splendens (Deandre, 1953) Noel, 1969 Reinhardtites fenestratus (Worsley, 1971) Thierstein in Roth & Thierstein, 1972 Rucinolithus irregularis Thierstein in Roth & Thierstein, 1972

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R. terebrodentarius Applegate, Bralower, Covington & Wise, 1987 Vagalapilla stradneri (Rood, Hay & Barnard, 1971) Thierstein, 1973 Watznaueria barnesae (Black, 1959) Perch-Nielsen, 1968 W. biporta Bukry, 1969 W. britannica (Stradner, 1963) Reinhardt, 1964 W. communis Reinhardt, 1964 W. a. W. manivitae Bukry, 1973 W. ovata Bukry, 1969 Zygodiscus diplogrammus (Deandre in Deandre & Fert, 1954) Z. erectus (Deandre, 1954) Bralower, Monechi & Thierstein, 1989