Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology.

Palaeoecology, 91 ( 1992): 197-218 197

Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam

Mid-Cretaceous sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary

cyclicity in the western Paris Basin

Pierre Juignet a and G6rard Breton b

aUniversitO, Laboratoire de Gdologie de Normandie occidentale, 14032 Caen Cedex, France
bMuseum d'Histoire naturelle, 76600 Le Havre, France
(Received F e b r u a r y 5, 1991; revised a n d accepted S e p t e m b e r 3, 1991)

ABSTRACT

Juignet, P. and Breton, G., 1992. Mid-Cretaceous sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary cyclicity in the western Paris Basin.
Palaeogeogr., Palaeoclimatol., Palaeoecol., 91 : 197 218.

Cenomanian and Turonian depositional patterns of the western Paris Basin are interpreted in terms of sequence stratigraphy.
A system tract analysis of the epicontinental "Normandie Basin", with pelagic chalks, and of the "Maine Platform" covered
by clastics, provides evidence for relative changes in coastal onlap; various minor uncomformities are related to these changes
of sea level. The four global cycles (UZA or ZC-2.2/2.5) of Haq et al. (1987, 1988) are recognised while an additional one is
proposed for the Geslinianum Zone. In addition, periodic rhythmic cycles are commonly registered within the chalk, expressed
by the repetition of various facies enhanced both by biosedimentary processes and diagenetic alteration. These elementary
climatic cycles allow accurate lithostratigraphic correlations. During this period when the sea level peaked on the tectonically
passive border of the Armorican block, the Paris Basin appears to record a detailed set of events which can be correlated with
those in the Atlantic, Boreal and Tethyan provinces.

RESUMI~

La s6rie s6dimentaire du C6nomanien et Turonien du bassin de Paris occidental est interpr6t+e en termes de stratigraphie
s6quentielle. Une synth6se de l'enchainement des cort+ges de d6p6ts est 6tablie entre le '~bassin normand" 6picontinental,
caract6ris6 par le faci6s p61agique de la craie, et la "plate-forme mancelle'" ~i couverture d6tritique; la signification des diverses
discontinuit6s est discut6e dans le cadre de cette dynamique eustatique. Les quatre cycles (UZA ou ZC-2.2 fi 2.5) individualis6s
fi l'6chelle globale par Haq et al. (1987, 1988) sont reconnus et un cycle supplEmentaire est propos~ pour la zone ~ Geslinianum.
L'attention est 6galement port6e sur un motif cyclique 616mentaire qui s'exprime par la r6p~tition de facies vari6s au sein de
la craie en fonction des structures bios6dimentaires et des retouches diag~n6tiques. L'origine climatique de ces rythmes est
6voqu6e ainsi que leur utilisation lithostratigraphique. Sur la bordure assez stable du bloc amoricain, progressivement submerge
par cette culmination des eaux marines, le bassin de Paris enregistre avec finesse un ensemble d'~v+nements qui peuvent 6tre
corr+l~s vers les domaines atlantiques, bor6aux et t+thysiens.

Introduction on the periphery, adjacent to emerged ancient

The Anglo-Paris Basin has a privileged position
in forming the meeting point of the Atlantic,
Boreal and Tethyan areas. In this epicontinental
environment, the Cretaceous series, of predomi-
nantly terrestrial origin in its lower part, is charac-
terized by the development of chalk facies from
the Cenomanian to the Campanian.
This pelagic circalittoral sedimentation extends
throughout the major part of the basin. However,
massifs, the chalk passes laterally into clastic,
silicious or carbonate deposits of the infratidal
platform. This transition is known to occur in the
northeast (towards the Ardennes), in the south
(towards Limousin and Vend6e) and especially in
the west (towards the Armorican Massif and Corn-
wall where these facies are best preserved).
In the latter two areas, the coastal cliffs of the
Channel show nearly continuous sections which
have been the subject of numerous recent lithologic

0031-0182/92/$05.00 © 1992 - - Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved

198 P. JUIGNET AND G. BRETON

and biostratigraphic studies in England (Jefferies, Channel

-/
1962, 1963; Kennedy, 1969; Mortimore, 1986) as
" "sv picard e
well as in France (Juignet, 1974; Juignet and ,~o
A n t i ~ . f F e "~
Kennedy, 1976; Robaszynski et al., 1980; Pomerol,
1984; Mortimore and Pomeroi, 1987).
These regional studies provide detailed informa-
tion, calibrated against a common biostratigraphic
and sufficiently accurate time scale, permitting ~ 6
NB
good correlations. Dynamic interpretations of the 'Fu

cretaceous units in term of transgressions, regres-

sions and eustatic variations have been proposed
by Hancock and Kaufman (1979), Juignet (1980),
Robaszynski (1981), Juignet and Louail (1987). ARMORICAN " ~ / ~ .
Perche
At the same time, seismic stratigraphy and sedi- MASSIF ....
mentary system tract studies by Vail and his team, :::::::::: ::
. vLP ~]
specially on peri-atlantic continental margins and
internal basins led to an adjustment of a global
chart of the eustatic cycles for the Mesozoic and :!ii!iiii:: eTh Jurassic
Cenozoic (Haq et al., 1987, 1988). During the Maine /
Upper Albian to Upper Turonian supercycle UZA- [lercynian Basement
% &
2 (version 3.1A of Haq et al.'s chart) or ZC-2
(version 3.1B), the sea reached its highest level,
"
i~% .Bo f//f
which resulted in the submersion of the barriers / " ..... , s j
"~.-, Anjou g
and swells, and an increase in faunal exchanges.
A synthesis of these results is proposed here for
the period from the lowermost Cenomanian to the
middle of the Turonian (96.5-91 Ma). Fig.l. Locality map for the Western Paris Basin. An." Angers,
The interest of this regional model is due to the Ba: Ballon, Be: Berneval, Bn: Bonn&able, Bo." Bousse, Ca:
presence of the stratotype areas of two stages (Le Cauville, Co: Cormeilles, Di: Dieppe, El. Etretat, Fe: F6camp,
Fu: Fumichon, La: Lamnay, LH: Le Havre, Li: Lillebonne,
Mans and Tours) while the geodynamic context of LM: Le Mans, LP: La Perri~re, Lx: Lisieux, MP: M6zi6res-
great stability allows it to be used as a reference. sous-Ponthouin, Me: Le Merlerault, NB: Nogent-le-Bernard,
The good outcrops of Haute Normandie chalk Oc: Octeville, Pa: Parign~, P w Pavilly, Ro: Rouen, Sa." Sandou-
formations also permitted the recognition of a ville, SC: St. Calais, Se: Senneville, S J: St. Jouin, SV: St.
Val6ry-en-Caux, Ta: Tancarville, Th: Th61igny, 7'o: Tours, Tu:
sedimentary rhythmicity, emphasised by the ichno- Tuff~, Ve: Vernon, Vi: Vimoutiers, Vq: Villequier, Vr: Villers
facies and variably expressed depending on the sur Mer.
age, the position in the basin and the sedimentation
rate. It appears likely that this cyclic pattern reflects
variations in climatic conditions. stretches out towards Maine and beyond, towards
Anjou.
Tectono-sedimentary conditions (Fig.l) The limits of these units are related to structural
features of the Hercynian Basement which were
In the western part of the Paris Basin, the reactivated during the Cretaceous. These structures
Cretaceous paleogeography indicates the presence delimit blocks, themselves subdivided into smaller
of a distinct "Normandie Basin" between the Bray units by similar features which generally follow
anticline in the north and the Merlerault Axis in the Armorican NW-SE direction. Such is the case
the south. Beyond the Bray anticline, the "Picardie for the Normandie block which is cut by the
Basin" extends towards the north. In the south of St. Val6ry-Pavilly-Rouen-Vernon, F6camp-Lille-
the Normandie basin, the "Maine Platform" bonne, and Villers-Lisieux faults. These delimit,
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN 199

from north to south, the structural units of Ste.
Marguerite-sur-Mer, Senneville, the Bec de Caux-
Lieuvin and the Pays d'Auge.
Several regional studies have revealed the struc-
tural control exerted by the activity along these
faults on the Cretaceous sedimentation (Juignet,
1974; Kennedy and Juignet, 1974; Gale, 1980;
Mortimore and Pomerol, 1987; Ragot, 1989); these
areas of slight movement, however, were affected
by a series of broad-scale tectonic events which
also affect the more stable adjoining areas: discon-
tinuities and condensed horizons are interpreted
as signals reflecting eustatic variations.
Turonian and C e n o m a n i a n system tracts ordering
The dating of the different sedimentary forma-
tions in the western part of the Paris Basin is
essentially based on the evolution of ammonite
faunas (Juignet and Kennedy, 1976; Juignet et al.,
1978) and foraminifera (Monciardini, 1978). The
biostratigraphical zonation used for the Cenoman-
ian-Turonian period was defined by Kennedy
(1984). It is the same scale as the one used by Haq
et al., for the positioning of their eustatic variation
curve and the definition of coastal agradation
sequences linked with short-duration cycles.
We shall analyse the Cenomanian Turonian
period following this division into third order
cycles using the numerical symbols of Haq et al.
(1988).
Cycle ZC-2.2 (uppermost Dispar-Mantelli-Dixoni
p.p. ) (Fig.2)
This period (96.5-95.5 Ma) corresponds partly
to a major sequence of deposits between two very
well marked sedimentary discontinuities, recorded
throughout the area regardless of the structural
conditions: the "Octeville erosion surface" at the

hardground Rouen
N o r m a n d i e Basin Maine Platform
hardgro~d Th~tgny
FECAMP ST JOUIN ~ CAUVlLLE IJL~BONNE VILLEOUIER VIMOUTIERS LA PERRIERE BALLON ~ LAMNAY
4m

dixoni

F~camp Fault
Fault
- - i, Ii :_--~--
---~-_--

i///¸ •

mantelli
t~J__
erosion Surface I-=~=
i chalk flint bands
i-----~
- - - - e r o s i o n surface
gaize I
~-'carbouate hardground
marl
~ glauconite ~ - - s a n d s t o n e hardground
phosphated nod ~////.~. nodular limestone
sands ~andstones

Fig.2. Schematic sections of Lower Cenomanian formations (Mantelli and Dixoni Zones). C J = St. Jouin glauconitic chalk, M B =
Ballon marls, S L = Lamnay sands. Discontinuities: /=Octeville erosion surface, 2 = M B basal surface; 3=St. Jouin hardground
(hg); 4=B16ville hg; 5=Heuqueville hg; 6=Villequier hg; 7=Livet hg; 8=Montpinqon hg; 9 / / = l o w e r MB erosion surfaces;
1 2 - 1 3 = F6camp hg; 1 4 - 1 6 = Bruneval, 1,2 and 3 hg; 17 = Villers hg; 1 8 - 1 9 = Crouttes hg; 2 0 = Montgaudry surface; 21 = Perronerie
hg; 2 2 - 2 4 = upper MB erosion surfaces; 2 5 = Sables hg; 26 = Lamnay hg; 2 7 = Rouen hg; 2 8 = Th61igny hg.
200
base and the "Rouen" or "Theligny hardground"
at the top.
The succession of deposits which characterizes
this cycle is composed of several biosedimentary
systems that succeed each other from the Norman-
die Basin to the Maine Platform and the Armori-
can littoral zone.
Towards the centre of the basin, on the Bec de
Caux and the Lieuvin for instance, the Dispar
Zone is represented by the upper "Octeville gaize"
silty and glauconitic marl formation, with a large
amount of siliceous sponge spicules and with a
pelagic influence (Hedbergella); near the F6camp
Fault, the "Lillebonne sands" represent a contem-
porary facies. The whole sequence is bounded by
the "Cauville burrowed surface" at the base and
by the "Octeville erosion surface" at the top.
Above the Octeville erosion surface, the "St-Jouin
glauconitic chalk" often shows 6 minor sequences.
Each is characterized by a vertical succession of
four facies: glauconitic nodules and phosphated
fossils, clayey, glauconitic chalk, white or grey
chalk with flint, and bioturbated chalky nodular
limestone, with a hardground structure (Juignet,
1980).
The following minor, though distinct, disconti-
nuities, are found to extend for ten to fifty kilome-
tres: the St. Jouin, Heuqueville, Bruneval 1-3,
F6camp, and Villequier hardgrounds. The two
basal sequences correspond approximately to the
Carcitanense Subzone of the Mantelli Zone, the
two median sequences with the Saxbii Subzone of
the Mantelli Zone, and the two upper sequences
with the Dixoni Zone. The average thickness of
the formation is 25 m; it contains some forty flint
bands, which emphasise the elementary sequences.
The detrital content (quartz, clay, muscovite)
decreases progressively upwards. The siliceous
sponge spicules, which are very numerous, are
calcified near the base and at the top; a pel-
agic microfauna is plentiful in the middle part.
The F~camp-Lillebonne-Villequier tectonic axis
behaved as an elevated swell as is evidenced by
the presence of glauconitic and condensed facies.
Southwards, in the Pays d'Auge, the St. Jouin
glauconitic chalk becomes thicker (35 m) and the
internal discontinuities, such as nodular limestone,
are more numerous (up to a dozen: "the Montpi-
P. J U I G N E T A N D G. BRETON
nqon, Villers, and Crouttes hardgrounds"). The
terrigenous fraction increases, with especially
quartz and bioclasts becoming more abundant; in
the middle of the formation a diagenetic network
of globular opal appears; simultaneously the flint
bands become more scarce.
Further towards the southwest, in the Perche,
the St. Jouin glauconitic chalk always shows a
progressive vertical decrease in the quartzose detri-
tal fraction, while the facies containing sponge
spicules and opal cement becomes dominant within
a four or five times repeated sequential pattern
(glauconitite-biomicrite, microsparite-siliceous
gaize). Flint is not common. The internal disconti-
nuities ("the Coulimer and Perronerie hard-
grounds") are no longer marked by nodular
limestones but take the form of burrowed omission
surfaces, associated with a burrow network.
In the Pays d'Auge and the Perche, the St. Jouin
chalk lies on highly glauconitic deposits ("Basal
Glauconite") which is part of the Dispar Zone.
On the Maine Platform, the rate of deposition
increased above the Ostrea vesiculosa glauconite
bed (Dispar Zone). The "Ballon marls" (40 m)
laterally replace the lower part of the St. Jouin
chalk (Mantelli Zone, Carcitanense Subzone and
the lower part of Saxbii Subzone), while the upper
part (uppermost Saxbii Subzone and Dixoni Zone)
is replaced by the coarse-grained sediments of the
"Lamnay sands and sandstones" (25 m). Within
the dominantly silty and clayey Ballon marls, with
local interlayers of gaize, more than ten sequences
with basal glauconitite and terminated by omission
or erosion surfaces can be distinguished; the diage-
netic evolution is weak. A pelagic microfauna is
present in the middle and upper parts. The regres-
sive facies of the Lamnay sands, which is also
multisequential, reflects an increasing depth of
water with well marked currents (ripples and sand-
waves), tempestite horizons, infratidal organisms
(rudists, Melobesieae); and an early, diagenetic,
carbonate cementation produces hardgrounds at
the top of sandy bodies (Longueville and Lamnay
hardgrounds) with borings and oyster encrust-
ations.
Beyond, towards Anjou (Louail, 1984), conti-
nental deposits of coastal marshes (Baugeois clays)
or of fluviatile origin (Jumelles gravels) appear.
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLIC[TY IN PARIS BASIN
Thus, these assemblages of deposits can be inter-
preted in terms of sequential stratigraphy.
The upper Octeville gaize, Lillebonne sands,
Basal glauconite and the O. vesieulosa glauconite
represent the ZC2-1 cycle (Dispar Zone) between
the Cauville and the Octeville erosion surfaces.
The Octeville surface is an erosional sequence
boundary in the Normandie Basin, but it is also
a minor discontinuity on the Maine Platform. It
is overlain by an incipient shelf margin wedge
(sandy glauconitite) followed by the transgressive
complex of the lower St. Jouin glauconitic chalk
and the Ballon marls (Carcitanense Subzone); a
rapid rising of the sea level is suggested by the
frequence of condensed, glauconitic and biotur-
bated facies with phosphates.
The middle part of the St. Jouin chalk and
upper part of the Ballon marls (Saxbii subzone)
can be interpreted as highstand; then St. Jouin
hardground and its equivalents represent a maxi-
mum flooding surface.
The beginning of the drop of the sea level at
the end of the Saxbii Zone produced a sequence
boundary in the form of the Bruneval 1-2 hard-
grounds within the basin, or the Perronerie-Sables
hardgrounds on the Maine Platform. This disconti-
nuity took place before the deposition of the
Lamnay sands (Dixoni Zone) which are considered
to represent a shelf margin wedge. This prism is
to be correlated with the upper part of St. Jouin
chalk.
The minor internal discontinuities present in
these formations can be considered as parasequen-
tial boundaries reflecting higher frequency of
eustatic variation.
The contrast in thickness betWeen the distal, the
condensed basinal deposits and those proximal to
the platform, though still present in this example,
is weakened by the addition of a pelagic, carbonate
phase (coccoliths, pithonellas, calcispheres) to the
terrigenous material of the Normandie Basin.
Cycle ZC-2.3 (uppermost Dixoni-Rhotomagense-
Jukesbrownei) (Fig.3)
This period (95.5-94 Ma) is represented in the
Normandie Basin by a new major sequence of
deposits which begins above the Rouen 1 hard-
201
ground (Plate l,a) at the Dixoni-Rhotomagense
boundary.
The system tract is as follows: In the Normandie
Basin, the "Rouen chalk" represents the Rhotoma-
gense, Jukesbrownei and Guerangeri Zones. It
always begins with a glauconitic, condensed level
with a phosphated fauna (Costatus Subzone). The
facies are organized, as in the St. Jouin chalk, in
minor sequences of glauconitite-clayey glauconitic
chalk-massive chalk with flint-nodular, biotur-
bated limestone of hardground type. Three of these
sequences, terminated by the internal discontinuit-
ies of the Rouen 2 and 3, or Pavilly hardgrounds
can be identified. The top of the formation is
formed by the Antifer 1 hardground. This unit is
about 15 m thick and 25 flint bands can be seen
in it. The microfacies shows a decrease in terrige-
nous material and a marked preponderance of
pelagic sedimentation. In the basal facies, abun-
dant glauconite is associated with phosphated
gravels, miscellaneous bioclasts and quartz; the
micritic matrix is rich in coccoliths. The increase
in planktonic microfauna is clearly visible in the
Jukesbrownei Zone with a Pithonella, Hedbergella,
Calcispherula, Rotalipora, Heterohelix ooze
enriched in opal spicules. Despite an extreme con-
densation (thickness reduced to 2 or 3 m), the
same microfacies does also cover the F6camp and
Pavilly-Rouen-Vernon swells.
As in the previous cycle, in the Perche transi-
tional area the Rouen chalk also shows a higher
sedimentation rate with a scarcity of planktonic
foraminifera and a flooding of sponge spicules
which results in the formation of massive "gaize"
with a framework of opal; flint is rare. The "Perche
sands", a detritic discharge which here marks the
top of the sequence is announced in the Jukes-
brownei Zone by a new profusion of quartz and
muscovite followed by a clayey fraction.
The extension of the Rouen chalk towards north
and east of the Maine Platform reveals a radical
change in the depositional environment.
Because of this onlap of the pelagic carbonated
facies, the "Theligny chalk" and the "Nogent le
Bernard marls" (with a 25 m average thickness)
lie on the terminal Larnnay sands hardground.
The basal bioclastic level has a coccolithic matrix,
and the planktonic microfauna reaches a maximum
202 P. J U I G N E T AND G. BRETON

hardground Savigfly hardground Parign~

hardground Antifer 1
\ NOGENT ~ THEUGNY ~,~
ROUEN ANTIFER ~ SANDOUVILLE FUMICHON LA PERRERE LE BERNARD ST.CALAIS LE MANS
4 m ¢-
t~
m
Rouen t
F~camp Fault
Fault

j f-

~ - - 3

Normandie Basin
~°

O
O
3
m
tQ

Maine Platform

Fig.3. Middle-Upper Cenomanian schematic sections (Rhotomagense, Jukesbrownei and Guerangeri Zones). C R = Rouen chalk,
C T = Th61igny chalk, M P = P y c n o d o n t e biauriculata marls, M N = Nogent-le-Bernard marls, S M = Le Mans sands, S P = Perche sands.
Discontinuities: 1 = Rouen hardground (hg); 2 = Th61igny hg; 3 = Rouen 2 hg; 4 = Pavilly hg; 5 = Rouen 3 hg; 6 = Jalais hg; 7 - 8 =
Fayau 1 a n d 2 hg; 9 - 1 0 = Savigny I and 2 hg; 1 1 = Sarg6 hg; 12 = Antifer I hg; 1 3 = Parign6 hg.

in the upper part of Rhotomagense Zone (Acutus
Subzone) with components similar to those of the
basin. As in the Perche, the formation shows a
metric alternation of marly,'glauconitic beds and
massive chalk. Flints have disappeared. A few
minor discontinuities with glauconitic recurrences
still remain but are no longer associated with true
hardgrounds. Opal or calcitized sponge spicules
are abundant and permit "gaize" formation.
An increasingly silty phase appears at the base
of the Jukesbrownei Zone. The coarse-grained
sediment of the Perche sands (20 m average thick-
ness) were deposited rapidly under shallow water
conditions and form irregular bodies. This regime

PLATE I

a. St. Jouin: Rouen 1 hardground with burrowing network between calcareous nodules (top of St. Jouin glauconitic chalk); above,
the marly base of the Rouen chalk contains phosphated gravels.
b. Le Tilleul: Tilleul 1 and 2 hardground with fiat, eroded upper surface; small silicified burrows near hammer.
c. F6camp: Antifer 2 hardground with glauconitised cortex of calcareous nodules and chalk filling of Thalassinoides burrows.
d. Le Tilleul: Antifer 2 hardground with glauconitised calcareous nodules (hammer) and Antifer 3 hardground above; note the
marly, glauconitic filling of the burrowing network within the chalk at the base.
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY A N D CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN 203

PLATE I
204
is also present at the base of the Guerangeri Zone
where it ends with a double hardground (Fayau
1-2, Savigny 1-2, Duneau 1-2 hardgrounds), bio-
turbated sandstone with infratidal cementation.
The more coastal area in the vicinity of Le Mans
is characterized, throughout the whole Rhotoma-
gense Zone by coarse-grained deposits with coqui-
nas and sandy bioclastic megaripples, followed by
clayey deposits indicating periods of settling. These
"Le Mans sands" (12 m thickness) terminate with
a nodular bioturbated sandstone bed (Jalais hard-
ground) where the biotope is revealed by corals
and red algae. Progradation of the overlying Per-
che sands (15 m, the Jukesbrownei and basal Guer-
angeri Zone) took place in a shallow sea, though
still with pelagic contributions (Pithonella, Hedber-
gella, calcispheres) and mesogean influences
( Thomasinella punica).
In the south, in Anjou, the Le Mans sands
become glauconitic sands (Maine sands, Cizay
sands) with intercalations of continental black
clays (Ecommoy, Baugeois clays). The Perche
sands are progressively replaced by "Pycnodonta
marls".
The interpretation of deposit assemblages can
be modulated according to eustatic changes.
The Rouen and Theligny hardgrounds represent
a transgression surface at the top of a shelf margin
wedge. On this discontinuity, the base of the Rouen
and Theligny chalks, the Nogent-le-Bernard marls
and the base of the Le Mans sands (Rhotomagense
Zone, Costatus Subzone) represent a large trans-
gressive system tract. The Rouen 2 hardground
appears as a maximal flooding surface which
precedes the highstand system tract (Acutus
Subzone).
This regime decreases with a fall of the sea level
which produces the Jalais or Pavilly hardgrounds
as a sequence boundary in the Jukesbrownei Zone.
That period is then marked by the expansion of
the Perche sands which prograde widely over the
Maine Platform towards the basin. The fall of the
sea level is only poorly evident in the pelagic
Normandie area where it is reflected by the alterna-
tion of marl and flint chalk in the Jukesbrownei
Zone. This system tract thus represents a new shelf
margin wedge.
P. J U I G N E T A N D G. BRETON
Here, once more, the contrast in thickness
between basin and platform deposits is visible.
Cycle ZC-2.4 (Uppermost Jukesbrownei-
Guerangeri-Geslinianum p.p.) (Figs.3 and 4)
During this period (94-93 Ma), several distur-
bances in the sedimentary process are visible, both
in the basin and on the platform. In fact, they are
common to the whole Anglo-Paris area and to
numerous other basins. The thickness of the depos-
its, considerably less than that of previous cycles,
and the presence of several discontinuities made it
necessary to draw the representative sections for
the Geslinianum Zone at a larger scale and with
greater detail. (Fig.4)
In the Normandie Basin, the upper Rouen chalk
shows a nearly continuous sedimentation from the
upper portion in the Jukesbrownei Zone into the
Guerangeri Zone; it is bounded at the top by the
Antifer 1 hardground which signals the base of
the "Antifer chalk". This 1-3 m thick formation,
a lateral equivalent of the "Actinocamax plenus
chalk and marls" and of the Geslinianum Zone,
is mainly constituted of nodular limestones with
two major hardgrounds (Antifer 2 and 3) which
are sometimes locally subdivided by thin clayey
chalk intercalations.
The condensation can be more important, for
instance in the Rouen area, where the Antifer 1
and 2 hardgrounds amalgamate. The most impor-
tant hiatus is associated with Antifer 2 (condensed
fauna, glauconite and phosphate) which is often
cut by a flat abrasion surface (Plate I,c,d). The
facies do not show any traces of anoxia, but in
the Antifer section a carbon-13 rate anomaly has
been found between Antifer 1 and 3 (Pomerol,
1984). The microfacies are rather homogeneous
throughout the whole of the Antifer chalk, with a
nearly exclusive accumulation of pelagic material
(Pithonella, Hedbergella, Calcispherula, Praeglobo-
truncana); R. cushmani disappears above the Anti-
fer 2 hardground.
In Maine, the depositional succession is more
complex (Figs.3 and 4). In the neighbourhood of
Le Mans, the Guerangeri Zone is essentially repre-
sented by the Pycnodonte biauriculata marls (7 m)
which lie on the top Perche sands hardground.
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY A N D CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN 205

Normandie Basin
hardground Antifer 3 NEUVILLE
FECAMP TILLEUL "~ ST,JOUIN SANDOUVILLE TANCARVILLE ST.SAMSON DUBOSC ROUEN
rn

::,_ :-, _

t._rhardground Antifer 1

MEzi6res erosion Surface

DOUE ~'e-
MEZIERES
SS BALLON TUFFE BONNETASL E OUNEAU PARIGNE ST.CALAIS BOUSSE ~ LA FONTAINE Q.
¢Z
~ \ I- ~ ~{__1~ =:
-_-. • .. ~

hardground Bousse

•, ~ , : . < ~ , •
Maine Platform

11

Fig.4. Sections of Antifer chalk (CA), Catopygus obtusus sands (SO), Bousse sands (SB), Dou(~-la-Fontaine Marls (MD) (of Upper
Cenomanian (Geslinianum Zone)) and of Terebratella carantonensis chalk (CC) (Juddii Zone). Discontinuities: l=Antifer 1
hardground (hg); 2-3=Antifer lb hg; 4=Antifer 2 hg; 6-8=Antifer 3a, 3b, 3c hg; 9=Antifer 3 hg; 1 0 = S 0 basal surface; 11 =
M D basal surface; 12 = Parign6 hg; 13 = Bousse hg; 14 = Savigny 2 hg; 15= M~zi+res erosion surface.

This unit shows an alternation of decimetric marl
beds and glauconitic calcarenite with lenticular
oyster coquinas in both facies. Locally, there is a
hardground at the top (Parign6). Towards Anjou,
the formation thickens to the detriment of the
subjacent Perche sands: on the other hand, it thins
towards the north and east.
The Geslinianum Zone (Fig.4), is the equivalent
of the "Catopygus obtusus sands" found in the
vicinity of Le Mans. The lower part consists of
nodular, coarse sandstones and shelly limestones
with quartz gravels. The "Bousse hardground"
forms the top of these beds. The upper part,
formed of silty marls, has a very variable thickness
(0-1.5 m); it is limited at the top by the "M6zi6res
erosion surface", a scar representing irregular gul-
lying which cuts deeply into the silty marls and
sometimes right down to the Bousse hardground.
The basal "Terebratella carantonensis chalk",
which covers this erosion level contains reworked
fragments or blocks of Geslinianum silty marl;
sometimes it fills an important burrowing network,
which penetrates into the marls. The latter contain
a benthic fauna not very different from that of the
P. biauriculata marls; the abundant pelagic micro-
fauna includes Dicarinella hagni, Whiteinella arch-
aeocretacea and also R. cushmani, which suggests
its belonging to the lower part of the Geslinianum
Zone (erosion of the upper part?). To the west of
Le Mans, the facies becomes chalky and glauco-
nitic: it lies on the summital hardground of the
P. biauriculata marls or the Perche sands (gap in
deposition or erosion of marls).
Towards Anjou, the Bousse sands, contempora-
neous with the rocks described above, may be
20 m thick with a more diversified facies, especially
clays with lignitic pieces and paleosoils; the Exo-
gyra limestones, near the top, might belong to the
upper Geslinianum Zone.
In Saumurois, the "Dou6-1a-Fontaine marls"
206
(5 m) which probably provided the M. geslinianum
holotype contain R. cushmani in the micrites which
follow the oyster coquinas (Kennedy and Juignet,
1981). The Bousse sands and the Dou6 marls are
also cut by an erosion surface with burrowing
network and covered by the T. carantonensis
chalk.
The arrangement of the overall sedimentary
system tract during the period from the end of
Jukesbrownei to Geslinianum does not suggest an
evolution controlled by only one eustatic cycle. A
succession of two minor pulsations seems more
likely.
The first of these two minor cycles practically
coincides with the upper Jukesbrownei Zone and
the Guerangeri Zone. The system of hardgrounds
at the top of the shelf margin wedge of the Perche
sands represents a transgressive surface that is
surmounted by the transgressive and highstand
system tracts of the P. biauriculata marls, the lat-
eral equivalent of the top of the Rouen chalk.
The drop in sea level that followed produced
the summital discontinuity in these formations, i.e.
the Parign6 and Antifer 1 hardgrounds which mark
the sequence boundary.
The second minor cycle (Geslinianum) begins
with the coquinas and sandstone facies of the
Bousse sands and the C. obtusus sands basis which
form an incipient shelf margin wedge. Above this,
the transgressive surface is formed by the Bousse
hardground of the Maine Platform. The system
tract of the Dou6-1a-Fontaine marls, the Bousse
sands, and the C. obtusus sands can be considered
to be a new transgressive highstand unit. The
Antifer 2 hardground within the basin appears in
this context as a transgressive surface or a con-
densed level linked to the transgressive maximum.
Later, an eustatic fall gives rise to the Antifer 3
hardground and the beginning of the Mezi6res
Surface which therefore have the value of a
sequence boundary.
Taking into account the low sedimentation rate
along the studied border of the basin, it appears
that several successive discontinuities occur inter-
mingled which makes the interpretation in terms
of eustatism very tricky; an improvement of this
interpretation requires a precise dating of each
bed.
P. JUIGNET AND G. BRETON
Cycle ZC-2.5 (Uppermost Geslinianum-Juddii-
Color adoense- Nodosoides- Woollgari p.p.) (Figs.4
and 5)
It is during this exceptional cycle (93-91 Ma)
that the sea reached its highest level. It really
corresponds to a sedimentary episode in which a
considerable part of the old massifs is covered
with pelagic deposits, slightly mixed with terrige-
nous material, so that the paleogeographic bor-
ders of the emerged ground become very
hypothetical.
In the Normandie Basin, this period is repre-
sented by the "Tilleul chalk" which is located
between the Antifer 3 hardground at the base
and the Tilleul 2 hardground at the top (Plate
I,b). This unit can be divided into a lower
member, the "Cap Fagnet nodular chalk" repre-
senting the Juddii-Coloradoense-Nodosoides
Zones, and an upper member, the "Val St.
Nicolas Thalassinoides chalk" forming the lower
part of Woollgari Zone. The thickness of the
whole succession is nearly 60m at Berneval,
north of Dieppe along the coast of Picardie, 15 m
near Senneville, 10 m at Le Tilleul and 6 m at St.
Jouin; these variations emphasize the differential
movement of previously individualized geotec-
tonic blocks. The Juddii and Coloradoense Zones,
always difficult to distinguish (very few ammo-
nites, W. archaeoeretaeea) are condensed in the
base of the Cap Fagnet chalk forming nodular
chalks, alternating with marly horizons; 90% of
the carbonate material is pelagic (Pithonella,
Nannoconus, Hedbergella); glauconite is rare. The
same facies is also present in the Nodosoides
Zone with the appearance of Mytiloides labiatus
replacing I. pictus.
Above this, the Val St. Nicolas chalk (the
Woollgari or Helvetica Zone) can be defined by
an increase in flint bands showing large-sized Tha-
lassinoides networks, repeated according to an
elementary sequential pattern. The coccolith
content increases at the top, while a recrystalliza-
tion linked to the Tilleul 1 and 2 hiatus produces
a nodular or massive limestone, penetrated by a
burrowing network; the structure is cut by a
glauconitised erosion surface.
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN
t= ' ~:--~-~-I~~::~--~:--~--~=~:i:~!--;~--~-~:-~,---~woollgari
BERNEVAL SENNEVILLE FECAMP ETRETAT
2t
t
Ot
t
~- ";~ ~
_ / ~ 1-/
Fig.5. Schematic sections in the uppermost Cenomanian and the Lower-Middle Turonian (Juddii, Coloradoense, Nodosoides,
Woollgari p.p.). C N = Val St. Nicolas chalk, CF= Cap Fagnet chalk. Discontinuities: 1 = Antifer 3 hg; 2 = M+zi6res erosion surface;
3-4 = Tilleul 1 and 2 hg.
Slightly different environments prevailed over
the Perche and the Maine Platform. However, the
basal facies of the T. carantonensis chalk facies of
the Juddii zone at St. Calais is very glauconitic
with a coarse quartzose part and phosphated com-
ponents. This deposit, rich in coccoliths, lies with-
out transition on the M6zi6res erosion surface,
cutting the C. obtusus sands, or on the top of the
Perche sands. This transgressive facies continues
in Touraine, Saumurois and Anjou.
Above this, the marly chalks or the Inoceramids
chalks, with black flints in the upper part, overlain
by the lower part of the "Saumur and Bourr+
tuffeaux" represent, as in Normandie, a deposit
and predominantly pelagic influence representing
the submersion of a great part of the Armorican
Massif.
This cycle is very well defined in the Anglo-Paris
Basin. The lowstand system tracts are difficult to
distinguish, either they were never deposited on
the platform (gap), or they have been eroded by
207
hsrdground Tg6eu4 2
TILLEUL "~, ST.JOUIN TM4CARVILLE CORMEILLES
~~ ~, ~:~nodosoides
the M6zi6res surface remodeling in transgressive
surface during the sea rise. A few Exogyra columba
gigas beds, preserved under the M6zi6res Surface
in the south of Maine and of Anjou might be
attributed to this lowstand. In the basin, nodular
layers associated with the incipient Antifer 3 b,
and 3 c hardgrounds might represent the same
controlling feature.
The transgressive surface can be identified at the
top of the Antifer 3 and at the M6zi6res erosion
surface. The T. carantonensis glauconitic chalk and
the base of the Cap Fagnet chalk form a transgres-
sive system tract while the horizon with large
ammonites (Nodosoides Zone basis) shows a con-
densation linked to a period of maximum flooding.
The L labiatus chalk corresponds to a general
highstand system tract.
The beginning of the drop in sea level at the
end of the cycle throughout the whole basin and
platform is expressed by the Tilleul hardgrounds
and equivalent discontinuities.
208 P. JUIGNETAND G. BRETON

The effects of eustatic fluctuations during the
Cenomanian-Turonian in the western Paris basin
(Fig.6)
The sedimentary system tract succession under
eustatic control as registered in the Normandy
Basin and on the Armorican border is here pro-
posed (Fig.6). The comparison with the chart of
Haq et al. (1987, 1988) suggests a few comments.
The ZC-2.2 cycle can be readily distinguished; the
lowstand corresponds almost exactly to the Dispar-
Mantelli boundary and the highstand approxi-
mately to the end of the Mantelli; the subsequent
fall is marked as early as the Mantelli-Dixoni
transition.
Thus the ZC-2.3 cycle occurs earlier than that
of Haq et al., the lowstand is located at the base
of the Rhotomagense and the highstand at the
Rhotomagense-Jukesbrownei transition.
The ZC-2.4 cycle is more complex and surely
polyphasic. After the low point at the end of the
Jukesbrownei, a minor cycle marks the Guerangeri
Zone, with a drop in sea level interrupted by a
new Geslinianum cycle which we propose to insert
in the chart; the final eustatic fall is situated at the
end of the Geslinianum zone.
The ZC-2.5 cycle begins at the Geslinianum-
Juddii boundary with a short episode of shallow
water and a persistence of high water level up to
the end of the Nodosoides; the decrease begins
only with the Woollgari Zone.
The maximum range of eustatic variation occurs

A B C .,. D E F ,~
2150 m I 200 I

91
'=~ Z ,4
WooLLGARI ~--T. . . . ~ - ~ z " "Z~-" -/ SB 2 L3 ~ I
- - \ .sT r---- --C
NODOSOIDE$ "~-- . . . . . . . . TS 22
*=
ZC -2.5 COLORADOENSE ~ TST

JUOOtl " ~ TS , I
93 I .... s 20
GUERANGERI T~ HST SB 17
ZC - 2 . 4
_ _ .~?_,~,~...TS T TS ~..~_-:~
94
JuKEsB.ow.E, "~d~//ff~s Mw
_ _ ~_
•
.... _ v'/j/
HST
SB / ~
RHOTOMAGENSE \. . . . . . . . MFS 11~
_ _ "~,~Y/:".-"Y.,~.~.~
.......... TST TS s
95.5 DIXONI
Y/z/~/ 25.s
MANT~'LL, -- ~_2222 HST MFS 5 -.-.-----~
--0
ZC - 2 . 2 /~'~
_ ~.J,.,~,,2mT S T - TS 3 ,4 ,4
95.5
DISPAR ~ HST SB 1 ~ ~ , z L_~.6.5

Fig.6. Sequential stratigraphy of Western Paris Basin for the uppermost Albian to Middle Turonian series.
A: eustatic variations curves of long and short length according to Haq et al. and (A') proposed intermediate cycle;
B: Ammonite zones scale;
C: relative change of coastal onlap and system tracts identified in the western Paris Basin. S M W = s h e l f margin wedge; T R =
transgressive system tract; H S = h i g h s t a n d system tract.
D: main discontinuities identified. S B = sequence boundary; T S = transgressive surface; M F S = maximum flooding surface.
E: juxtaposition of sedimentary formations and discontinuities of the Normandie Basin (on the left) and of the Maine Platform
(on the right). Discontinuities: 1 = Octeville erosion surface; 2 = Ballon marls basal surface; 3 = St. Jouin or Heuqueville hardground
(hg); 4 = lower M B erosion surfaces; 5 = Bruneval 1 and 2 hg; 6 = upper M B erosion surfaces; 7 = Bruneval 3 hg; 8 = Rouen hg; 9 =
Lamnay hg; 10=Th61igny hg; 1 1 1 Rouen 2 hg; 12=Antifer 1 hg; 13 =Jalais hg; 1 4 - 1 5 = Savigny 1 and 2 hg; 16=Antifer 1 hg;
17 = Parign6 hg; 18 = Bousse hg; 1 9 - 2 0 = A n t i f e r 2 and 3 hg; 21 = M6zi6res erosion surface; 22 = M . nodosoides related hg; 23 =
Tilleul 1 and 2 hg.
F: chronostratigraphy and sequence boundaries as used here (on the left) and as indicated by Haq et al. (on the right).
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN
in ZC-2.3 beginning with an important discontinu-
ity which is found in numerous epicontinental
sedimentary basins, e.g. in the North Atlantic area
(Vail et al., 1980).
The very widespread distribution of discontinuit-
ies linked to the Geslinianum Zone also suggests
a relationship to drops in the sea level which
introduced a higher frequence signal in this short
period.
In addition, during this period important paleo-
oceanic modifications took place such as the exten-
sion of anoxic environments as indicated by a
positive anomaly of 13C (synthesis in Robaszynski,
1989).
The ZC-2.5 cycle is rather long: the sea level
reaches its highest mark since the Trias and it
coincides effectively with the largest immersion of
the Armorican Massif and the uniform spreading
of a pelagic carbonated deposit cover.
The condensation associated with regressive
phases or periods of high water level are well
expressed, specially in the Dixoni and Geslinianum
Zones.
During these periods, one may presume that
there were variations in the rate of deposition but
the temporal reference to a scale assigning the
different zones a priori a nearly similar length is
very inaccurate. We have taken up the scope
proposed by Haq et al., but modifications will
undoubtedly occur; it seems probable that the
Guerangeri or the Coloradoense Zones lasted for
~- ii=..::i'.~
HARDGROUND f / l -
~-~
/[
ELEMENTARY !
E RHYTHMS / E I ~L_
i
d / / .a" ll
\ reworking
glauconite \
phosphate \~_
¢-
1st order SEQUENCE ELEMENTARY RHYTHM
Fig.7. Elementary cyclicity of the chalk: schematic representation of rhythms and sedimentologic and diagenetic characteristics (refer
to description in text).
209
a shorter time than the Mantelli or Rhotomagense
Zones.
The ranges of several dozen metres (10-50 m)
estimated for eustatic fluctuations are partly based
upon bathymetric variations suggested by field
evidence, mainly on the Maine Platform.
There is an evolution from circalittoral to upper
infratidal environments, even to intertidal, without
a long recognisable emersion period (Juignet,
1980). In that respect, all the zones are docu-
mented, even if they are not completely repre-
sented.
The divergences between the Paris Basin eustatic
curve and that of Haq et al., specially the time lag
of ZC-2.3 or the relative amplitude of the cycles,
may be explained by some influence of a provincial
tectonic behaviour.
The structural movements at the local scale
strongly influences the sedimentary series and the
thickness of the parasequences (Figs.2-5), but the
chronology of the eustatic markers is not markedly
affected. The registered signal epirogenic distortion
could be found only for eventual tectonic stresses
upon the whole basin and its borders, i.e. a large
piece of the Atlantic passive margin.
Records of the cyclic sedimentation in the pelagic-
province: the chalk rhythms (Fig.7)
The chalk series (Cenomanian-Campanian) of
the Normandie and Picardie Basins is made up of
OXYGENATION
CLAY % CaCO3 % RATE ENER SEDIMENTARY . . . . . . ~. . . . COMPACTION
-- 4- 60190 -- d" ~ Y STRUCTURES u i A ~ r ~ r . a l a DISSOLUTION
\
., -- ~ rec ryst allisat iun
.... iun ~ "\
II Th
flaser structure
silicification
Ch
-~-S_ ~--
c)°C:~ ~ ~ ~ flowage
I
210
a succession of first-order depositional cycles, lim-
ited by regional sedimentary discontinuities of
either an omission surface type, or an erosion
surface or hardground (Kennedy and Juignet,
1974). These lithologic units of several metres
thickness (0.5-15 m) reflect the tectono-eustatic
control, described above.
The good quality outcrops, on the Channel
coast, allowed us to recognize the superimposition
on these sequences of shorter period elementary
rhythms whose thickness varies between 0.30 and
1.50 m.
This cyclic pattern is not very visible in quarry
sections where only its diagenetic expression can
be seen as grey or black flints. Then, the alternation
of chalk beds and flint bands is traditionally to be
seen. A good picture of this cyclicity can be clearly
seen in the Lower chalk of southern England, the
Isle of Wight and Sussex (Kennedy, 1969) or in
the Cenomanian chalk of Boulonnais (Destombes
and Shepard-Thorn, 1972).
The basic rhythmicity that we examine is in fact
due to a variation in the clay content, which
decreases from the base of a cycle to the top. Thus,
the calcium-carbonate content may vary from 60
to 90%. The change from one rhythm to the
following one is sometimes progressive, but it is
more often marked by an omission surface associ-
ated with a burrowing network of variable depth;
this indicates a temporary increase in water energy
and is sometimes emphasized by an erosion scar
or reworked intraclasts.
The chalk deposit unit shows a particularly rich
ichnofacies characterized by a Planolites, Thalassi-
noides, Zoophycos and Chondrites association
which has been studied by Bromley (1967), Brom-
ley and Ekdale (1984, 1986), Kennedy (1967). The
tiering in these different burrowing organisms
seems more influenced by dissolved oxygen content
in the interstitial water in the sediments than by
bathymetry (Bromley and Ekdale, 1984, 1986;
Savrda and Bottjer, 1986).
Elementary rhythms are generally unknown
from the chalk formations of Normandy where
the variation of clay content is very slight; thus
the bioturbations and discontinuities do not show
any noticeable colour differences against the white
background of the rock. However, in many cases,
P. JUIGNET AND G. BRETON
the diagenetic evolution creates a spectacular
contrast.
Thus, the first early diagenetic expression devel-
ops, in the upper part of the rhythm, a distribution
of calcareous nodules with more or less precise
outlines. Their iithification is effected by the recrys-
tallization, in variable degree, of the matrix of
coccolith ooze.
The second stage also consists of a process of
dissolution-crystallization which modifies the sil-
ica of the sponge spicules. The opal is replaced by
calcite and silica migrates to the burrows which it
invades progressively, building up a more or less
dense cristobalite network which will further evolve
into quartz (Clayton, 1986; Hart et al., 1986). This
silicification may proceed to variable degree and
may affect the sediments around the burrows.
Then, the bioturbation system will no longer stand
out and cannot further be identified. The flint
formed in this way epigenises the Thalassinoides
network in the middle part of the rhythm resulting
in a single or nearly continuous double band. Such
a disposal has also been observed in the Limbourg
Maastrichtian chalk (Felder, 1986)~
Later, following the burying, the compaction
rate increased. The compression is not really per-
ceptible in the silicified middle part of the rhythm.
In contrast, the nodular upper level develops a
"griotte" or flaser structure (Garrison and Ken-
nedy, 1977); a network of marl seams locally
develops due to the dissolution of a part of the
carbonated fraction while stylolitic sutures appear
between the nodules. At the base of the rhythm,
the initially more clayey horizon is subjected to
flowage and a vertical compression by the indurate
calcareous nodules or the apophyses of the flint
network (Plate III, a).
Thus, flaser structures, depending on the relative
importance of the sedimentological controls - -
ichnologic or diagenetic - - in their genesis, appear
as the faciologic expression of a convergence
between: (1) Zoophycos burrows, (2) a nodularisa-
tion of the "griotte" type or touching chalk
intraclasts, (3) a dissolution. Each of these three
factors, by raising the relative clay contents of the
marl seams (burrows and/or dissolution) or by
raising the relative carbonate content of the nod-
ules (enlargement original micrite cristals) tends to
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN
create a contrast within the rocks and thus emphas-
ises the flaser structure. The compaction to which
the dissolution is probably linked, may finally
crush the horizon at which the structure develops.
Expression of sedimentary rhythms in the
Cenomanian-Turonian chalks, of the western
Paris Basin
The different stages of replacement described
above are expressed in the chalk formations of
Normandy.
The Rouen chalk (Middle-Upper Cenomanian)
This formation shows some sections favourable
for the recognition of rhythms near St. Jouin (Oil
terminal) and Antifer (Fourquet Valleuse). The
chalk of the Jukesbrownei and Guerangeri Zones
(Juignet, 1974, fig.27, level 6-10) shows, within
10 m, about twenty change-overs of grey marls
(average thickness 0.20 m) and bioturbated chalk
with Thalassinoides included in a dark or black
flint band (average thickness 0.30 m). The marls
underwent a compaction of about 50%; they con-
tain chlamids, inoceramids, oysters, serpulids,
cidarids, bioclasts ad a few glauconitised or phos-
phatised gravels; the limestones contain silicis-
ponges, ammonites and large pleurotomarids
(Bathrotomaria sp.). A discontinuity may often be
seen at the top of the chalk, associated with
calcareous nodules; burrows filled by the overlying
marl infill it (Plate II, a-c).
The Antifer chalk (Upper Cenomanian)
In the sections at Antifer (Fourquet), Tiileul and
F6camp (Cap Fagnet), this Geslinianum Zone
chalk (Actinocamax plenus chalk) about 2 m thick,
shows 5 or 6 rhythms in which greenish grey marls
with glauconitised gravels alternate with nodular
bioturbated limestones containing a network of
burrows (Planolites, Thalassinoides) often full of
glauconitic sediment. These latter levels constitute
incipient hardgrounds, more or less formed, gen-
erally without flints; they are terminated at the top
by a well marked discontinuity.
211
The Cap Fagnet chalk (Uppermost Cenomanian-
Lower Turonian)
The Juddii, Coloradoense and Nodosoides
Zones are represented by this type of chalk which
is well exposed at F6camp, Le Tilleul and Etretat.
This chalk, 7-8 m thick, contains about fifteen
rhythms linking a thin marl band (0.05-0.20 m)
and a nodular chalk bed with a frequent "griotte"
structure (0.20-0.80 m). The marl often contains
chalk intraclasts and in such cases the compaction
produced a flaser structure; the nodular chalk, gen-
erally without flint, contains inoceramids; the top
discontinuity is weakly marked or missing (Fig.8).
Toward the northeast, beyond the Bray Axis,
the subsidence of the Eaulne trough is to be found,
where the Lower Turonian is four to five times
thicker than in the Bec de Caux. At Berneval, a
Nodosoides Zone chalk appears again with thicker
(0.5-1 m) and more numerous (more than thirty)
rhythms. The marly part contains numerous
intraclasts and fills a burrowing network associated
with the summital discontinuity of the chalk bed
(Plate III, c). The latter locally presents erosion
hollows with ovoid outline, 5-10 m wide, which
gully the nodular chalk to a depth of 0.10 0.50 m;
these pseudo-channels are partly filled with brecci-
ated or conglomeratic chalk with a highly pyritic
matrix (anoxic conditions?) and suprajacent marl.
The chalk bed, often rich in Inoceramids, is sprin-
kled with slightly hardened nodules in a biotur-
bated structure at the top; here the compaction
created a flaser structure with almond-like
stretched nodules in a marly network.
The Val St. Nicolas chalk (Lower-Middle
Turonian )
This upper part of the Senneville chalk is charac-
terized by considerable variations in thickness:
13 m at Senneville, 10 m at F6camp, 5 m at Etretat,
6.5 m at Le Tilleul, 6 m at Antifer, 2 m at Tancar-
ville and about 30 m at Berneval (Fig.9).
In the Senneville area, the rhythms are very
clearly visible, exhibiting the majority of the struc-
tures of the elementary rhythm pattern. Their
average thickness is 1 m. The basal marl horizon,
not very thick (0.10 m), progressively appears with
212 P. J U I G N E T A N D G. B R E T O N

Berneval F6carnp Etretat Tilleul Antifer Tancarville

m

_ _ _

10 ~ -
~o~:~o.'~;. - - H A n 2

N
-

- - - HAn 1

-.~.-
- i
-ffEd3"

_1

Fig.8. Correlations and thickness variations in an elementary cycle set within the Antifer chalk and Cap Fagnet chalk (Geslinianum-
Nodosoides). H A n l - 3 = Antifer 1-3 hardgrounds; HFa= Cap Fagnet hardground.

a proliferation of burrows (specially Zoophycos),
with a grey marl infilling whose network isolates
almond-like nodules of white chalk; Chondrites
appear locally (Plate III,b).
In the upper part, the evolution into chalk
sediments is also progressive; bioturbation is
always intense with the expansion of Thalassinoides
whose network is included in a flint band towards
the cycle lower third top. Above this, Thalassi-
noides are associated with Planolites while, towards
the upper part Chondrites, probably coming down
from the summita! surface, invade the filling of
these large burrows. This part of the chalk contains
Inoceramids, ammonites (Lewesiceras peramplum),
large Pleurotomarids (Bathrotomaria perspectiva)
and frequent Conulus subrotundus.

PLATE II

a. St. Jouin, oil terminal: flinty chalk-marly chalk rhythms in St. Jouin chalk (Lower Cenomanian) and Rouen chalk (Middle
Cenomanian); Bruneval 1 and 2 hardgrounds at the base (total height 22 m).
b. Antifer, Fourquet: rhythms of Jukesbrownei Zone (Rouen chalk) with Thalassinoides epigenetic flints.
c. Antifer, Fourquet: elementary rhythm with grey, bioturbated marl and burrowed chalk with flints (Thalassinoides); note the
marl-filled burrowing network descendence from the top of the photograph (0.7 m height).
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY AND CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN 213

PLATE II
214 P. JUIGNET AND G. BRETON

Senneville Fecamp Etretat Tilleul Antifer Tancarville

_ HTi2
--- HTi 1

10 i
t

i
/

i
!
i

i
-- J
i
i

--
I
i
J
t

--t
t

--i

HFa

Fig.9. Correlations and thickness variations in an elementary cycle set within the Val St. Nicolas chalk (lower part of Woollgari
Zone). HTil.2 = Tilleul 1-2 hardgrounds.

Meaning of the elementary chalk cycle and precise
lithologic correlations
The presence of r h y t h m i c deposits in M i d - C r e t a -
ceous s e d i m e n t a r y series has been recognized in
n u m e r o u s basins. The analysis o f pelagic facies,
specially in the T e t h y a n province, shows that
different periodicities can be distinguished in these
r h y t h m s a n d c o m p a r e d with those of the M i l a n -
kovitch cycles established for the Pleistocene
period. D u r a t i o n s of a b o u t 20,000 a n d 40,000
years (De Boer a n d Wonders, 1984; Fischer a n d
Schwarzacher, 1984) can thus be a t t r i b u t e d to such
elementary rhythms. The examples chosen often
c o r r e s p o n d to deep b a s i n a l deposits which have
u n d e r g o n e strong c o m p a c t i o n a n d diagenesis

PLATE III

a. Antifer, Fourquet: contact between two rhythms in the Rouen chalk (Jukesbrownei Zone); note the pinching of the grey,
bioturbated, marly bed between a lower calcareous nodule and an upper flint nodule: compaction is still active after the
development of these diagenetic structures.
b. Senneville:contact between two rhythms in the Val St. Nicolas chalk (Middle Turonian); the lower part shows a chalk bed with
a marl-filled burrowing network (Zoophycos) with the appearance of an incipient flaser structure; this is overlain by a grey,
bioturbated marl band while homogeneous chalk with flint and a epigenetic large Thalassinoides network occurs in the upper
part of the photograph.
c. Berneval: contact between two M. nodosoides chalk rhythms; "griotte" structure at the top of the lower bed; the suprajacent
marl band covers an erosion surface and contains chalk intraclasts.
MID-CRETACEOUS STRATIGRAPHY A N D CYCLICITY IN PARIS BASIN 215

PLATE III
216
which complicate the decoding of the initial sedi-
mentary signals (Arthur et al., 1984). The chalk
deposited in an outer platform environment and
subjected to a very gentle burying represents quite
a different pattern. Hart et al. (1987) studied chalk
facies in Great Britain, specially the Cenomanian,
and asserted a cyclicity with 23,000 and 41,500
year periods on the basis of radiochronologic
dating of biostratigraphic markers. About one
hundred rhythms of 41,500 years, counted in the
Cenomanian of the Isle of Wight, can be compared
to 70/80 cycles with flint bands in the St. Jouin or
Sandouville Cenomanian. The presence in Nor-
mandy of several discontinuities (hardgrounds)
associated with lacunas whose effective duration
are still very approximate, equally permits us to
think of a length of about 40,000 years for those
cycles. This period of time is comparable to the
periodicity resulting from the variations in the
obliqueness of the earth's axis on the ecliptic.
As in other basins with pelagic sedimentation,
the marl-chalk alternation in the Normandy series
shows a climatic control over a fluctuating terrige-
nous supply to the basin and the production of
primary calcium carbonate by pelagic organisms.
It is likely that such increases in the productivity
of superficial waters produced detectable decreases
of the dissolved oxygen content in the interstitial
waters of the upper, near surface part of the
sediments (Jenkyns, 1980).
The exact duration of the chalk rhythms and
their true significance still have to be determined
but in their function as signal they represent an
interesting tool to establish precise lithologic corre-
lations between neighbouring sections. In combi-
nation with classical biostratigraphic subdivisions,
the geometry (at a bed scale) which is related with
this cyclicity, permits a better evaluation of the
lateral variations in thickness as well as lacunas,
condensations or expansions.
An example of such correlations can be pro-
posed for a section of the Val-St. Nicolas chalk
series in the Bec de Caux, between Senneville and
Tancarville (Fig.9). Cycles are expressed most
clearly, on a metric scale, at Senneville. The cycle
set can be followed to Frcamp and Le Tilleul with
a same number of rhythms, but with a more and
more reduced thickness; in contrast, locally at
P. JUIGNET AND G. BRETON
Etretat or Antifer, some of these cycles vanish
through condensation. Finally when condensation
becomes very important as at Tancarville, the
elementary rhythmic signal decreases and the beds
become indistinct.
Similar cycle-scale correlations can be estab-
lished between different sections in the St. Jouin
glauconitic chalk, the Rouen chalk, and the chalks
of Antifer and Cap Fagnet (Figs.2-5).
Individual flint bands can often be recognized
over dozens of kilometres and provide invaluable
markers which supplement those supplied by the
discontinuities used for the sequential division.
Conclusion
The Paris Basin appears as an area specially
suitable to the recording of eustatic or climatic
sedimentary signals.
During the Mid Cretaceous, a cortege of forma-
tions were deposited with a detritic dominance
nearshore and a more pelagic one basinwards.
These assemblages of contemporaneous deposits
show different types of reactions to the influences
of the epicontinental environment and thus provide
a useful record for judging the global climatic
evolution. The Atlantic districts reveal a highly
disturbed sedimentation from the Cenomanian
which provides poor information on the oceanic
area. Thus, beyond the Armorican continental
slope, Campanian-Maastrichtian chalks lie
straight on Aptian chalks or black Albian marls.
This nearly general discontinuity (Auffret and Pas-
touret, 1978) reflects a system of strong currents,
linked with the increasing activity of the oceanic
ridge. In contrast, valuable comparisons can be
made with North Iberic or Tethyan districts from
which a set of common features emerges (Floquet
et al., 1987; Philip et al., 1989; Crumiere et al.,
1989).
The Cenomanian-Turonian series of the Paris
basin clearly records eustatic variations which can
be correlated with the Haq et al. (1987) global
chart cycles, which confirms their chronological
value. However, there are some differences as
regards the chronology based upon the ammonite
zones while an additional cycle can also be inserted
in the Upper Cenomanian.
MID-CRETACEOUSSTRATIGRAPHYAND CYCLICITY IN PARISBASIN
Most of the recognized discontinuities can be
interpreted in terms of the sequential stratigraphic
concept. From this analysis, it emerges that the
lowstand deposits are often poorly developed in
the more pelagic chalk basins, but well developed
on the Armorican platform in the Lower and
Middle Cenomanian, while they remain embryonic
or disappear through erosion during the Upper
Cenomanian. At the boundary between Lower and
Middle Cenomanian, the eustatic variations and
the deposition of the highstand system tracts are
best marked. Finally, the highest eustatic level
reached in the Lower Turonian is remarkably well
registered in the basin and on its margins.
On a smaller scale, the parasequence succession
can be recognized, but more precise datings are
essential before a regional calendar can be pro-
posed. These variations are greatly modulated by
the special tectonic behaviour of the different areas
of the basin.
The presence of elementary cycles of a climatic
type seems rather widespread, but their detection
requires excellent outcrop conditions, such as in
the littoral cliffs of the Channel. The internal
architecture of the cycles and specially their ichno-
facies reflect the evolution of the energy level of
the water, the oxygenation rate and the intensity
of surface biological productivity. When the rela-
tive sedimentation rate reaches an average value,
these rhythms are quite often characterized by flint
bands which permit very precise lithostratigraphic
correlations. The variable degree of condensing
between the discontinuities are consequently better
understood. This method which is here applied to
the Cenomanian-Turonian had already shown
itself to be a very useful tool for the analysis of
Coniacian and Santonian chalk formations.
This is Contribution CNRS-INSU-DBT-2-IIb
no. 289.
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