High-precision U-Pb ages in the early Tithonian to early Berriasian and implications for the numerical age of the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary

Abstract

The numerical age of the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary has been controversial and difficult to determine. In this study, we present high-precision U-Pb geochronological data around the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary in two distinct sections from different sedimentary basins: the Las Loicas, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, and the Mazatepec, Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico. These two sections contain primary and secondary fossiliferous markers for the boundary as well as interbedded volcanic ash horizons, allowing researchers to obtain new radioisotopic dates in the late Tithonian and early Berriasian. We also present the first age determinations in the early Tithonian and tentatively propose a minimum duration for the stage as a cross-check for our ages in the early Berriasian. Given our radioisotopic ages in the early Tithonian to early Berriasian, we discuss implications for the numerical age of the boundary.