Differentiation of the significant Late Valanginian (Early Cretaceous) transgressive event in the Spiti Himalaya, India

► The record strengthens the Olcostephanus expansion from low to middle latitudes. ► It assists recognition of the Verrucosum Z. MFS in Kachchh and other Indian basins. ► It helps indirect precision dating of homotaxial sands on the Indian plate margin. ► It should help delimiting of Early Cret. hydrocarbon reservoirs in Indian basins.