Integrated bio- and carbon-isotope stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous Gurpi Formation (Iran): A new reference for the eastern Tethys and its implications for large-scale correlation of stage boundaries

A high-resolution stratigraphic analysis of the Upper Cretaceous Gurpi Formation has been undertaken in the Shahneshin section (Zagros Basin, Iran). New results on calcareous nannofossils, planktic foraminifers, dinoflagellate cysts and high-resolution carbon and oxygen stable isotopes form the basis of a reference section for the eastern Tethys that spans the upper Coniacian to the late Danian. Carbon-isotope correlation to Gubbio, Italy and the NW German chalk allows for the identification of many isotopic events as well as for the definition of new events in the Campanian and Maastrichtian. Our results allow for a review of the accurate position of the Coniacian/Santonian, Santonian/Campanian, and Campanian/Maastrichtian stage boundaries relative to carbon isotopes and plankton bioevents. The reliability of Coniacian to Maastrichtian planktic foraminifer, dinoflagellate cysts and calcareous nannofossil biohorizons is assessed.