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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1996; v. 102; p. 279-297;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1996.001.01.21
© 1996 Geological Society of London

Mesozoic

Recovery of Turonian dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from the effects of the oceanic anoxic event at the end of the Cenomanian in southern England

M. E. J. Fitzpatrick

Department of Geological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK

The oceanic anoxic event during the latest Cenomanian caused the decline and temporary extinction of many species of marine micro-flora and -fauna. Many of these species reappeared during the Turonian. The recovery of the marine phytoplankton population after the oceanic anoxic event is examined. Detailed sampling of Turonian sediments from Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight (southern England) was undertaken to analyse the changes in the dinoflagellate cyst assemblages through time. Chalk, marl and flint samples were collected with no bias. Abundance and diversity of the assemblages varies greatly between sections and samples. Assemblages at the base of the Turonian (the Melbourn Rock Beds) are poor to barren. This is attributed to the lasting effect of the latest Cenomanian oceanic anoxic event. There is a general increase in diversity and abundance upwards through the succession, although assemblages never reach the richness that is seen in other Cenomanian sections.