The mid-Cretaceous debate: Evidence from the foraminifera

The long-running debate over the use of a formally defined Middle Cretaceous is discussed in terms of the distribution of both planktic and benthic foraminifera. The planktic assemblages of the Albian and Cenomanian stages are quite distinctive but, while the benthic foraminifera provide little evidence of significant change at the Aptian-Albian boundary, there is a significant turnover at the Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE). (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The long-standing debate on the formally defining Middle Cretaceous is examined in the context of planktic and benthic foraminifera distribution. While the planktic assemblages in the Albian and Cenomanian stages are distinct, there is a noteworthy turnover at the Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE) unlike the minimal changes seen at the Aptian-Albian boundary in the benthic foraminifera.