Magnetostratigraphic dating of the proposed Rhaetian GSSP at Steinbergkogel (Upper Triassic, Austria): Implications for the Late Triassic time scale

The Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Rhaetian Stage has recently been proposed at Steinbergkogel in Austria. We re-sampled the Steinbergkogel sections (STK-A and STK-B + C) in high-resolution to establish a robust magnetostratigraphy that allows global correlation. The palaeomagnetic signal at Steinbergkogel is composed of three components, which can be separated by thermal demagnetization. The highest temperature component, revealed between 280/300 and maximum 600 °C is of dual polarity and is interpreted as primary. Rock magnetic experiments showed that the signal is carried by magnetite. Our results allow correlation between the two individual Steinbergkogel outcrops. Subsequently, we correlate the two key biostratigraphic horizons for the base of the Rhaetian, the FO of M. hernsteini and the FAD of M. post-hernsteini to other sections of the Tethys domain. The correlation to the astronomically dated continental successions of the Newark basin indicates that these positions for the base of the Rhaetian are most likely determined in chrons E16n and E16r, respectively. This correlation is confirmed by cyclostratigraphic control on the marine Pizzo Mondello (Italy) section, where a combination of long period Milankovitch cycles (~ 175-Myr) and short-eccentricity cycles (~ 100-kyr) provide additional correlation constraints, respectively supporting a long duration of the Rhaetian. Our study implies that the Norian and Rhaetian Stages have durations of ~ 17 and ~ 9 Myr.

Research Highlights►We present a high-resolution magnetostratigraphy for the Steinbergkogel section. ►This is the proposed Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Rhaetian. ►We correlate the Norian-Rhaetian boundary to the top of E16n in the Newark GPTS. ►Ages and durations for Late Triassic stages and their boundaries are calculated. ►Our results support a long Rhaetian and contradict the short Rhaetian hypothesis.