First time proposal (DAAD)

I.1.

Applicants

Main applicant:
Bch. Ing. J.P. Navarro.
Geologist
Born 12.03.1985, Peruvian
Geological Survey of Peru (INGEMMET)
Geological Regional Department
E-mail: jnavarro@ingemmet.gob.pe
Main coordinator:
Dr. S. Bodin
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (employed until 14.02.2016)
Born 19.05.1977, French
Ruhr-Universitt Bochum
Institut fr Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik
Universittsstrasse 150, D-44801 Bochum
Phone: +49 (0234)-32-22307, fax: +49 (0234)-32-14571
E-mail: stephane.bodin@rub.de
Home: Krnerstrasse 13, D-58452 Witten
Co-coordinators:
Jun.-Prof. Dr. U. Heimhofer
Junior-Professor (employed until 31.07.2013)
Born 19.10.1971, German
Ruhr-Universitt Bochum
Institut fr Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik
Universittsstrasse 150, D-44801 Bochum
Phone: +49 (0234)-32-23252, fax: +49 (0234)-32-14571
E-mail: ulrich.heimhofer@rub.de
Home: Plutostrasse 16, D-44651 Herne
Prof. Dr. A. Immenhauser
Professor for Sediment and Isotope Geology
Born 16.10.1965, Swiss
Ruhr-Universitt Bochum
Institut fr Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik
Universittsstrasse 150, D-44801 Bochum
Phone: +49 (0234)-32-28250, fax: +49 (0234)-32-14571
E-mail: adrian.immenhauser@rub.de
Home: Fischenbergstrasse 15, D-58455 Witten
I.2.

Topic

Impact of Middle Cretaceous climatic change on sub-equatorial

Pacific settings (Northern and Central Andes, Peru): A
comparison with the Tethyan realm

1. Summary
The Middle Cretaceous was a time of greenhouse climates, featuring reduced
temperature gradients from the equator to the poles, general absence of polar ice caps,
and oceans at least 13C warmer than today (Larzon et al., 1993). The Middle
Cretaceous represents thus a natural laboratory to study climatic extremes. However, a
vast majority of the studies have focussed on European and North American outcrops,
strongly biasing our understanding of this time interval. This forms a strong motivation
for the project proposed here, aiming to assess the impact of Middle Cretaceous
climatic change on sub-equatorial Pacific settings (Northern and Central Andes, Peru).
Indeed, the sequences in the Northern and Central Andes of Peru were deposited
within the sub-equatorial belt of the Southern hemisphere and close to the Pacific
margin. Its faunas, surprisingly Tethyan in character, closely resembling those of North
Africa (Larzon et al., 1993), provide good tools for correlation with the Tethyan realm,
and therefore assessing similarities and differences between these two palaeoclimatic
belts. The Northern and Central Andes of Peru offers exceptional outcrops, where it
exposes evidence of shallow- to deep-water trends from east to west, which will thus
allow reconstructing regional, dip-orientated transects. In order to better constrain
paleoclimatic change, a high-resolution, multi-proxy approach (C, O and Sr isotopes) is
proposed. Geochemical analyses will be coupled with a detailed sedimentological and
paleo-ecological assessment of carbonate platform successions. This will lead to a
better understanding of both neritic and deep-water settings in the sub-equatorial
Pacific realm, which will then be compared to the Tethyan realm in order to understand
the causal linkages among these geological processes during the Middle Cretaceous.
2. Introduction and state of the art
2.1. The Middle Cretaceous Greenhouse
The long-term oceanographic record of the Middle Cretaceous (Fig. 1) has been
discussed by Norris et al. (2001). Reconstructions suggest that the Cretaceous
greenhouse climate culminated during the Late Albian - Turonian interval. The eustatic
sea-level was at its Phanerozoic maximum, and the worlds oceans were more
susceptible to development of oxygen deficits, leading to the development of several
Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAE, Schlanger and Jenkyns, 1976; Jenkyns, 1980; Larson et
al., 1993). These latter are characterized in deep-water settings by the deposition of
black shales, coeval to global isotope anomalies (Jenkyns, 2010, see below). The
Cretaceous involved the major OAE intervals (Wagreich et al., 2011), these were the
Weissert OAE in the Late Valanginian, the Early Aptian Selli (OAE 1a), CenomanianTuronian (OAE2), and Coniacian-Santonian (OAE3) (Erba, 2004; Leckie et al., 2002).
The Early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE 1a) was characterized by intensified
greenhouse climate conditions, widespread accumulation of organic deposits in openmarine settings, and severe perturbation of the shallow marine realm as illustrated by
carbonate platform drowning or micro-encruster blooms (Immenhauser et al., 2005;
Fllmi et al., 2006; Huck et al., 2010, 2011; Najarro et al., 2011). Records of the
Tethyan and Atlantic sequences on the Middle Cretaceous evidenced oxic
environments during the AptianAlbian age (Wang et al., 2004; Hu et al., 2005, 2006;
Hu et al., 2009; Xiang Li et al., 2011; Melinte-Dobrinescu and Roban, 2011). Episodes

of Cretaceous Oceanic Red Bed (CORB) deposition have been recorded after the midCretaceous OAEs in the Tethyan Realm (e.g., Hu et al., 2006), these deposit
correspond to oxic deep sea (super-oxic event) deposits such as red marls and red
shales were deposited during mid- and Late Cretaceous. The latter deposits are
associated with very low content of organic carbon and oxic depositional environments
which dominated western Tethys in the Cretaceous (Wang et al., 2011; Neuhuber and
Wagreich, 2011; Li et al., 2011). The middle Cretaceous is thus characterized by
several climatic transitions, as recorded by the alternation of anoxic and super-oxic
phases (Wagreich et al., 2011; Melinte-Dobrinescu and Roban, 2011).
The Cretaceous climate has been better known from stable isotopes, particularly those
of oxygen and carbon. Oxygen isotopes of marine fossils record the paleotemperature
history of the ocean, indicating a cool early Cretaceous (Frakes, 1999; Zakharov et al.,
2011), a hot mid-Cretaceous, and a warm late Cretaceous (Huber et al., 2002). Carbon
isotopes primarily reflect the relative burial rates of organic and inorganic carbon
across the globe: a ratio controlled by terrestrial and oceanic productivity, erosion and
sedimentation rates, sea level change, tectonic activity, and climate (Wagreich et al.,
2011). New isotopic palaeotemperatures, estimated from 18O values in the
Cretaceous ammonoid shells of Southern in the Bering area evidenced penetration of
cooler waters, and the existence of warm climatic conditions in the Late Albian, latest
Cenomanian, Coniacian, Santonian to Early Campanian, latest Campanian, and also
late Early Maastrichtian (Zakharov et al., 2011). Rapid transition to greenhouse
conditions occurred during the Cretaceous (Jenkyns, 2003), some of them were forced
by magmatism and tectonic activity (Jahren, 2002).
As noted here, a vast majority of the studies of Cretaceous climate have been focussed
on the Tethyan and Atlantic outcrops strongly biasing our understanding of this time
interval, but very little information are available from the rest of the world. As such, little
is known about climate changes studies on Middle Cretaceous in South America,
especially in the Northern and Central of Peru. Previous works were focused on the
Cenomanian-Turonian transition (Jaillard and Vanneau, 1993) and others in
biostratigraphical studies (Benavides, 1956; Hillebrandt, 1970; Janjou, 1981; Romani,
1982; Jaillard, 1986; Mourier et al., 1986; Mourier et al., 1988; Jaillard, 1990).
2.2. Oceanic anoxic events
The Middle Cretaceous has experienced the repetition of several Oceanic Anoxic
Events (OAEs) that can be traced by worldwide correlatable black shales horizons and
isotopic anomalies (Larzon et al., 1993; Herrle et al., 2003; Jenkyns, 2010). OAEs are
commonly interpreted as being linked to periods of high carbon burial, relative oxygen
depletion of oceanic bottom water and subsequent drawdown of atmospheric CO2
(Jenkyns, 1980, 1988; Arthur et al., 1988; Weissert et al., 1998; Erbacher et al., 2001;
Heimhofer et al., 2004). Widespread black shale deposition was perhaps caused by
increased preservation of organic matter due to sluggish ocean circulation (e.g.,
Schlanger & Jenkyns, 1976; Erbacher et al., 2001) and/or by enhanced productivity
and deposition rates of organic matter (e.g., Pedersen & Calvert, 1990; Hochuli et al.,
1999; Premoli Silva et al., 1999; Erbacher et al., 2001; Mort et al., 2007).
The Upper Aptian to Early Cenomanian time include the OAE 1b (H.planisfera
Planktonic Foraminifera zone, Aptian/Albian boundary), the OAE 1c (R. subticinensis
Planktonic Foraminifera zone; Middle Albian), and the OAE 1d (R. appenninica
Planktonic Foraminifera zone; Albian/Cenomanian boundary). It is likely, however, that
different OAEs have different driving mechanisms as reflected in different types of
organic matter found in specific black shale intervals (Erbacher et al., 1996; Kuypers et
al. 2001). The focus of the proposed research project is on the Middle Cretaceous
OAEs (OAE 1b, OAE 1c, OAE 1d), which are documented in the Tethyan and Atlantic
realm (Trabucho Alexandre et al., 2010). Their Pacific counterpart is however poorly
understood (Fig. 1).

Figure 1 Paleographic Global map of the Middle Cretaceous reconstruction

(Blakey, 2011).

2.3. Cretaceous of Peru

The sequences in the Northern and Central Andes were deposited well within the subequatorial belt of the Southern hemisphere and close to the Pacific margin (Fig. 2). The
sedimentological records in the Peruvian Andes show shallow- to deep-water trends
from east to west during the Middle Cretaceous.
In the Andean fold-and-thrust belt (Central Andes), the Aptian is characterized by shelf
areas made of continental/deltaic siliciclastic deposits whereas deeper areas are
characterized by volcanic and turbiditic deposits. The Middle Albian is represented by
black, laminated limestone of the Pariatambo Formation. This unit is overlying thinbedded, light-gray limestone with minor beds of sandy shale from the Inca-Chulec
Formations (Upper Aptian-Middle Albian age; Benavides, 1956). Nodular, gray
limestones are characteristic for the Yamagual -Jumasha Formations of Late Albian to
Early Cenomanian age. These units are well exposed in Cajamarca in northern Peru
and in La Oroya in central Peru.
In the North Andes, at the border between Peru and Ecuador, is located the
Cretaceous Lancones basin (Kennerley, 1973; Mourier, 1988; Bengtson and Jaillard,
1997; Jaillard et al., 1999). It is located between the Paleozoic Amotape-Tahuin Massif
to the west and northwest, and the continental volcanic arc to the east and southeast.
Middle Albian deposits are characterized by black, laminated limestone and marls,
presenting abundant planktonic foraminifera as well as some ammonites of the Muerto
Formation. This unit rests conformably on laminated limestone and marls of the
Pananga Formation (Lower Albian; Jaillard et al., 1999). The Muerto Formation is
overlaid by turbiditic sequences of the Copa Sombrero Group (Upper Albian-Turonian
age).
Little is known about the Middle Cretaceous OAEs recorded in the Peruvian Andes;
nevertheless, Jaillard and Arnaud-Vanneau (1993) defined the Cenomanian-Turonian
transition that coincides with the well-known OAE2; however anoxia seems to have
been less important than elsewhere, probably because of better oceanic circulation
(Jaillard and Arnaud-Vanneau, 1993). The majority of studies in the Cretaceous were
focused in the Geodynamic evolution of the Andes of Peru, using the Tethyan model
(Jaillard et al., 1990).

Figure 1 Map of South America showing the Andes Mountains,

where the transition between the Northern and Central Andes of Peru
is located near to the border of Peru and Ecuador.

2.4. Remaining questions

Documenting the response of every physiographic setting (e.g. sub-equatorial Pacific
settings, Tethyan realms, neritic-epeiric seas, basinal settings) is of primary importance
for our understanding of the causes and consequences of Middle Cretaceous OAEs.
However, a majority of the studies were focused in research related to hemi-pelagic,
pelagic sections and studies from intrashelf basinal settings (e.g. Weissert et al., 1985;
Arthur et al., 1990; Jenkyns et al., 1994; Erbacher et al., 1996; Weissert et al., 1998;
Menegatti et al., 1998; Hesselbo et al., 2000; Heimhofer et al. 2006, McArthur et al.,
2008). These were also established in sequences which belong for their vast majority
to the Tethyan realms, thus strongly biasing our understanding toward an European
realm point of view. In order to get a more widespread understanding of these OAEs
during the Middle Cretaceous, modern studies are highly needed from other part of the
globe, and especially the Pacific realm. This forms a strong motivation for the present
research project that is guided by four crucial questions:
1.
2.

What is the impact of the Upper Aptian Early Cenomanian palaeoenvironmental perturbation on the deep-to-shallow water carbonate platforms in
the equatorial Pacific setting and its relationship with the Tethyan realm?
What are the causal linkages of both Equatorial Pacific setting and Tethyan
realm, and if they correspond to the same Oceanic Anoxic Global Events on the
Middle Cretaceous time?

3.
4.

Did these global perturbations have a profound impact on the equatorial Pacific
settings, and if yes, what are their interactions with the epeiric-neritic realm?
Why are the equatorial Pacific faunas surprisingly Tethyan in character?

In order to shed light on these poorly understood issues, firstly, it is here proposed to
investigate deep-water sections which outcrop in western side of the Northern and
Central Andes of Peru. These latter can then be correlated with punctual sections of
shallow water sections that outcrop in eastern side of the Andean mountain
(Amazonian jungle).

3. Objectives, methodology and work schedule

3.1. Scientific goals
Having assessed the good quality of the Upper Aptian Early Cenomanian
sedimentary sequences recorded in the Northern and Central Andes of Peru, we are
now in the position to approach the middle Cretaceous events with an equatorial
Pacific point of view. To understand how this poorly studied setting has reacted to, and
played a role in profound global palaeoenvironmental changes, we intend to study two
key areas in the Andean Mountains of Peru: (1) Oroya-Cerro de Pasco regions, (2)
Cajamarca-Amazonas-Lancones regions (Fig. 3). These localities have been visited
during preliminary field-work and selected based on their excellent exposure and
accessibility. The sequences mentioned above present multi-event history of blackcarbonate deep-water, and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate shallow-water depositions,
respectively.
In essence, the research is driven by the following working hypotheses and the project
proposed will be instrumental to validate or reject and reformulate these concepts:
1.

The middle Cretaceous OAEs (OAE 1b, OAE 1c, OAE 1d) recorded in the Tethyan
realms are part of a series of events affecting the whole Middle Cretaceous oceanatmosphere system and biogeochemical cycling. The work proposed here will
result in an improved understanding of these events.

2.

The impact of these events is recorded and best known in deep-water deposits in
the Tethyan and Atlantic realms. The sedimentary expression of the sub-equatorial
Pacific settings introduced here is poorly known, but they are also recorded in the
sub-equatorial Pacific settings, and are thus of global rather than regional origin.

3.

Middle Cretaceous carbonate platform systems responded sensitively to this series

of events. This is manifested by changes of the carbonate producing community,
carbonate production rate or by the demise of the shoal-water ecosystem.
3.2. Methods

In order to test these hypotheses, it is proposed to use the following working approach:
1.

2.

Establish a detailed litho-, bio- and sequence-stratigraphic framework of the deepwater realm during the Middle Cretaceous in the above-mentioned regions (OroyaCerro de Pasco regions, Cajamarca-Amazonas-Lancones regions) for correlating
with Tethyan realm sequences.
Characterize the depositional setting and palaeoenvironmental conditions
(hydrodynamic level, trophic levels, etc.) at these localities.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Establish a detailed chronostratigraphy of both deep- and shallow-water sections

using carbon- and Sr-isotope chemostratigraphy in combination with
biostratigraphic data.
Establish high-resolution multi-proxy records of palaeoenvironmental changes
recorded in the North and Central Andes using the deep-water setting record
(Cajamarca-Amazonas regions), and compare it with the Tethyan realm.
Investigate the response of carbonate-dominated water settings to the multi-event
palaeoenvironmental perturbations occurring during the Upper Aptian to Early
Cenomanian interval.
Provide a regional correlation established across shallow- to deep-water trends
from east to west in the Central Andes
Correlate the different settings and assess their link/interaction on a regional and
global scale.

3.2.1. Fieldwork
Two regional field areas are envisaged for this project. They correspond to basinaldominated setting sections for the first one (Oroya-Cerro de Pasco regions), and to
platform-dominated settings for the second one (Cajamarca, Amazonas and Lancones
regions) (Fig. 3). Fieldwork will involve detailed sections logging, sedimentological
analysis of depositional environments, field-based sequence stratigraphic interpretation
and sampling. Marls and micrite-rich rocks will be favoured for bulk-rock geochemical
analyses, whereas systematic collection of ammonites will be undertaken for
biostratigraphic analyses, as well as well preserved bivalves or belemnites for
strontium, carbon and oxygen isotope analyses.

Field-work areas:
Oroya-Cerro de Pasco regions (Deep to-shallow-water settings): The clastic nonmarine rocks of the Valanginian-Aptian age are overlain by marine marls and
limestones bearing rich molluscan assemblages. They have a thickness of about 1000
meters in the Cerro de Pasco-Pomachaca region (Benavides, 1956; Jaillard, 1986). In
this region, black laminated deep-water limestone of the Pariatambo Formation are
overlaid by 800 meters of very massive, thick-bedded, shallow-water dolomites and
limestones of the Jusmacha Formation. This later is dated from the latest AlbianTuronian interval. The Jusmasha Formation in Cajarmarca-Amazonas regin is
correlated by the Pulluicana and Quillquiian Groups and by the Cajamarca Formation
(Benavides et al., 1956).
Cajamarca-Amazonas-Lancones regions (Deep-to-shallow-water settings): The Middle
Cretaceous system in this region is one of the best-developed and most fossiliferous
Cretaceous sequences in sub-equatorial Pacific settings (Hedberg, 1942; Benavides,
1956; Hillebrandt, 1970; Mourier et al., 1986; Jaillard, 1986; Mourier et al., 1988;
Mourier, 1988). In Cajamarca-Amazonas, the Middle Albian is represented by black,
laminated deep-waters limestone of the Pariatambo Formation (Fig. 4). This latter is
overlying thin bedded, light gray limestone, with minor beds of sandy shale from the
Inca-Chulec Formations (Upper Aptian-Middle Albian age; Benavides, 1956). The Late
Albian to Early Cenomanian time is represented by gray marls and shallow waters
limestone of the Pulluicana Group. These sequences are well exposed in Cajamarca
region and have a maximum thickness of 2000 meters. In Lancones, the Albian
carbonate shelf is represented by a thick succession of grey to black laminated
bituminous marls and limestones, which exhibit very thin calcarenites and greywackes,
the thickness reaches at least 300 meters and they correspond to the Muerto
Formation (Early Albian to early Late Albian age; Bristow and Hoffstetter, 1977;
Shoemaker, 1982; Jaillard et al., 1999).

Litho- and sequence stratigraphy: Depositional and diagenetic Fabrics will be

determined using thin-section petrography and polished slabs description. This will
complement field work observations such as top and-bottom criteria, stacking-patterns,
indications of lamination and bedding, and assessment of burrowing textures, which in
turn may contribute to the formation of nodular structures, along with various diagenetic
processes. A high-resolution sequence stratigraphic scheme will be established using a
combination of sequence stratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy developed for deepshallow-water carbonate platforms (Strasser et al., 2000). Depositional sequences of
different scales are interpreted from detailed field-work, section logs and microfacies
analysis. The smallest cycle of environmental change recognizable in the rock record is
called elementary sequence. It is the basic architectural element that composes smallscale, medium-scale, and large-scale sequences, all of which again show characteristic
facies evolutions. The stacking of theses sequences frequently shows a hierarchical
pattern, which then is compared between the different sections that are also correlated
by independent methods such as biostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy. By this
means, a best-fit correlation that satisfies the large-scale stratigraphic framework as
well as the stacking pattern will be established; this will allow to filter out depositional
sequences formed by autocyclic processes and to identify local or regional gaps in the
sedimentary record. If the stacking pattern reflects a hierarchy that is comparable to the
one created by orbital forcing (Milankovitch cyclicity) and if Sr-isotope dating confirms
that the duration of the smaller-scale depositional sequences lies within the
Milankovitch frequency band, then a rather precise time framework in the range of 20
to 100 ka can be established.
Given that this high-resolution time framework from cyclostratigraphic
interpretation is successfully established, the sedimentary system can be analysed in
great detail: e.g., rates and volumes of sediment production and transport can be
estimated, ecological changes can be monitored (Dupraz and Strasser, 1999). Finally,
the relation between climate change (inferred from ecology and sediment composition)
and sea-level history (inferred from the high resolution sequence-stratigraphic
interpretation) can be analyzed with a resolution that is close to that of Cenozoic
studies where relevant data are much more abundant (Rameil, 2005).

Carbonate platform ecology: In order to trace changes in the carbonate depositional

mode, the main contributors to the carbonate budget will be assessed by qualitative
and semi-quantitative analysis from facies association determined during field-work
and micro-facies analysis. Three main modes of carbonate factories are generally
recognized during the Mesozoic (e.g. Fllmi et al., 2006; Immenhauser et al., 2005;
Bodin et al., 2006): Photozoan-, heterozoan- and microbial-dominated ecosystems.
Each carbonate ecosystem can be associated to specific palaeoceanographic
conditions (nutrient levels, sea-surface temperature, etc) during the Early Cretaceous.
This study will thus test if the same can be observed during the Middle Cretaceous.
3.2.2. Laboratory
A major objective of this project will be the establishment of a detailed
chemostratigraphic framework. Two main tools are applied: (1) Detailed carbon-isotope
stratigraphy of fine-grained matrix micrite. The goal is the recognition of the characteristic
13C pattern characterizing the Upper Aptian Early Cenomanian interval. The
resulting carbon-isotope curve will be compared and correlated with existing European
records (e.g., Fllmi et al., 2006; Jarvis et al., 2006), (2) Sr-isotope stratigraphy using
selected low-Mg shell material from larges bivalves, brachiopods or belemnites,
frequent in the North and Central Andes of Peru. In order to select pristine low-Mg
calcite shells a number of optical and geochemical screening tests will be applied as

described below. All sedimentological and geochemical analyses will be performed in

the laboratory of Ruhr-University Bochum.
Carbon and oxygen isotope analysis will be done from samples of fine-grained
carbonate matrix-micrites, marine cements (where present) and low-Mg calcite shells
will be analyzed on a Thermo Finnigan MAT 252 ratio mass spectrometer. Thin
sections of selected organisms will be investigated for their Cathode Luminescence
(CL). Shell or rostra material that has been selected based on its uniform nonluminescent pattern is then examined under the Scanning Electron Microscopy in order
to recognize the fibrous prismatic ultra-structure of the bivalve-brachiopods shell or
preserved lamina in belemnite rostra. Trace elemental analyses based on compositions
of selected low-Mg calcite shells and rostra will be performed in order to recognize the
diagenetically least affected material (see details in Steuber, 1999). Strontium-isotope
analysis using 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratio of low-Mg calcite shells and rostra of screened
specimens, selected for their pristine trace element composition is of key importance
for this study. All these laboratory analyses will be done with the facilities of the
department at Bochum.
3.3. Work schedule
Below it shows a detailed working programme for the three years of the PhD
programme suggested.

1st year: Platform setting - The first two months of the project are dedicated to the
familiarization (literature study, work with existing thin section material, etc.) of the
research topic. Subsequently, field-work in the Oroya-Cerro de Pasco region is planned
(3 weeks). Goals of the fieldwork include a detailed litho-, bio- and sequencestratigraphic framework of selected sections that cover the Upper Aptian Early
Cenomanian interval. Then, back in Bochum, hand specimens for thin-section
fabrication are selected and thin sections ordered. Stratigraphic sections must be
drawn and the field-based sequence stratigraphy is tested and refined based on thinsection investigations. The next step includes a detailed sampling of selected hand
specimens for a detailed carbon-isotope chemostratigraphy, clay mineralogy, and
screening of selected shells and rostra for Sr-isotope stratigraphy. A compile detailed
data will be done relating to carbon and oxygen isotope stratigraphy and measure the
87
Sr/86Sr ratio of selected belemnite, brachiopod and bivalve specimens. The remaining
time of the first year is dedicated to the compilation and, where necessary completion,
of the chemostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic framework. A
first summary and report of the activities and the outcome of the Oroya-Cerro de Pasco
region study will be compiled.
2nd year: Basinal setting - The beginning of the second year is mainly dedicated to
fieldwork in the Cajamarca-Amazonas-Lancones regions (23 weeks). The field-work
include a detailed litho-, bio- and sequence-stratigraphic framework of selected
sections that cover the Upper Aptian Early Cenomanian interval, then, to correlate it
with the sequences taken in Oroya-Cerro de Pasco region. The goal here is increase
the resolution of the chemostratigraphic study from this long Cretaceous basin. Bulkrock marly samples from the Cajamarca-Amazonas-Lancones sections will be collected
and analysed with average sampling increments of 0.5 m for their carbon-isotope and
clay mineral signatures. Bivalves, brachiopods and belemnites will be sampled for Srisotope stratigraphy and oxygen isotope palaeo-temperature purposes. After that, a
preliminary first publication will be proposed.
3rd year: Platform setting - The 3rd year will be more concentrated on writing paper,
with a short clean-up field-trip to the previous studied regions (2-3 weeks). This year
also will include compilation of data, comparison the sub-equatorial Pacific data sets

(Northern and Central Andes of Peru) with the Tethyan realm, data integration and
interpretation. Finally, publishing of the PhD thesis.

Figure 3 - Map of Peru where possible field-work in the Oroya-Cerro de Pasco

regions and the Amazonas-Cajamarca-Lancones regions are being
recommended.

Figure 4 - Stratigraphic section near to the Cajamarca region, logged

during a field-reconnaissance trip.

4. References
Allan, J.R. and Matthews, R.K., 1982. Isotope signatures associated with early
meteoric diagenesis Sedimentology 29,797-81 7.
Arthur, M.A., Jenkyns, H.C., Brumsack, H.-J., Schlanger, S.O., 1988. Stratigraphy,
geochemistry, and paleoceanography of organic carbon-rich Cretaceous
sequences. In: Ginsburg, R.N., Beaudoin, B. (Eds.), Cretaceous resources,
events and rhythms: Background and plans for research: Digne, France, Kluwer
Academic Publishers, p. 75-119.
Arthur, M.A., Jenkyns, H.C., Brumsack, H.-J., Schlanger, S.O., 1990. Stratigraphy,
geochemistry and paleoceanography of organic-rich Cretaceous sequences. In:
Ginsburg, R.N., Beaudoin, B. (Eds.), Cretaceous resources, events and rhythms,
NATO ASI Series, Serie C: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 304, Kluwer
Academic Publishers, Netherlands, p. 75-119.
Bengtson, P. and Jaillard, E., 1997. Stratigraphic revision of the Upper Cretaceous of
the Peruvian-Ecuadorian border region: preliminary data. Proceedings 18th I.A.S.
Region. Europ. Meet. Sediment. - 2nd Europ. Meet. Paleont. Stratig. South
America, Gaea heidelbergensis, 4, 71-72, Heidelberg.
Benavides, V., 1956. Cretaceous system in Northern Peru. American Mus. Nat. Hist.
Bull., Nueva York, 108: 352 494.
Blakey, R., 2011. Global Paleogeographic map of the Middle Cretaceous, Website:
http://cpgeosystems.com/index.html.
Bodin, S., Godet, A., Vermeulen, J., Linder, P., Fllmi, K.B., 2006. Biostratigraphy,
sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the latest Hauterivian - early
Barremian drowning episode of the Northern Tethyan margin (Altmann Member,
Helvetic nappes, Switzerland). Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae 99, 157-174.
Bristow, C.R. and Hoffstetter, R., 1977. Ecuador. Lexique Stratigraphique International
V, 5a2, CNRS ed. Paris, pp. 410.
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