Work

Biochronocorrelation of K/Pg-Danian sections near Chicxulub: application of new planktic foraminiferal scales

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using qualitative and quantitative planktic foraminiferal stratigraphy, we correlated the Danian sediments directly overlying the Chicxulub impact-related Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary deposits (K/Pg deposits) at localities across the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Colombian Pacific. The aim of this study was to apply recently developed planktic foraminiferal biochronological scales to determine whether these American K/Pg sections record continuous stratigraphic succession or show evidence of a hiatus between the K/Pg deposits and the first Danian sediments deposited under normal conditions (K/Pg-Danian hiatus). To accomplish this, we reviewed, completed, and updated biostratigraphic information generated over the last three decades, incorporating new data from thirty K/Pg sections. This effort resulted in a highly comprehensive biostratigraphic database for the lower to upper Danian across the studied regions. Leveraging this database, we developed two biochronological scales with a higher resolution than the more standardized scale by extending the Dan-achrozonation and the DanAZ-acmezonation of Arenillas et al. (2021) into the middle-upper Danian. These new planktic foraminiferal scales enable the estimation of stratigraphic continuity in the K/Pg sections or, where applicable, the temporal duration of the K/Pg-Danian hiatuses. We conclude that, among the sections studied, only Bochil and Guayal (Mexico), Moncada (Cuba), Beloc HA, Nan Pak and Roche à Pierre (Haiti), and probably Isla Gorgonilla (Colombia) exhibit stratigraphic continuity between the K/Pg deposits and the first normal Danian sediments. • Planktic foraminiferal biochronocorrelation across 30 American K/Pg sections. • Development of a complete biostratigraphic database for the American regions studied. • Development of biochronological scales with higher resolution than the previous ones. • Evidence of stratigraphic continuity in the lower Danian in only 7 sections studied. • Small K/Pg-Danian hiatus (8 to 15 kyr) in 12 sections studied.

Source: Journal of South American Earth Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsames.2026.105959