Upper Cretaceous sequences and sea-level history, New Jersey Coastal Plain

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2004 Upper Cretaceous sequences and sea-level history, New Jersey Coastal Plain Kenneth G. Miller; Kenneth G. Miller 1Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Peter J. Sugarman; Peter J. Sugarman 2New Jersey Geological Survey, P.O. Box 427, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar James V. Browning; James V. Browning 3Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Michelle A. Kominz; Michelle A. Kominz 4Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5150, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Richard K. Olsson; Richard K. Olsson 5Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark D. Feigenson; Mark D. Feigenson 5Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John C. Hernández John C. Hernández 5Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (2004) 116 (3-4): 368–393. https://doi.org/10.1130/B25279.1 Article history received: 17 Oct 2002 rev-recd: 29 May 2003 accepted: 31 Jul 2003 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kenneth G. Miller, Peter J. Sugarman, James V. Browning, Michelle A. Kominz, Richard K. Olsson, Mark D. Feigenson, John C. Hernández; Upper Cretaceous sequences and sea-level history, New Jersey Coastal Plain. GSA Bulletin 2004;; 116 (3-4): 368–393. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B25279.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract We developed a Late Cretaceous sea- level estimate from Upper Cretaceous sequences at Bass River and Ancora, New Jersey (ODP [Ocean Drilling Program] Leg 174AX). We dated 11–14 sequences by integrating Sr isotope and biostratigraphy (age resolution ±0.5 m.y.) and then estimated paleoenvironmental changes within the sequences from lithofacies and biofacies analyses. Sequences generally shallow up-section from middle-neritic to inner-neritic paleodepths, as shown by the transition from thin basal glauconite shelf sands (transgressive systems tracts [TST]), to medial-prodelta silty clays (highstand systems tracts [HST]), and finally to upper–delta-front quartz sands (HST). Sea-level estimates obtained by backstripping (accounting for paleodepth variations, sediment loading, compaction, and basin subsidence) indicate that large (>25 m) and rapid (≪1 m.y.) sea-level variations occurred during the Late Cretaceous greenhouse world. The fact that the timing of Upper Cretaceous sequence boundaries in New Jersey is similar to the sea-level lowering records of Exxon Production Research Company (EPR), northwest European sections, and Russian platform outcrops points to a global cause. Because backstripping, seismicity, seismic stratigraphic data, and sediment-distribution patterns all indicate minimal tectonic effects on the New Jersey Coastal Plain, we interpret that we have isolated a eustatic signature. The only known mechanism that can explain such global changes— glacio-eustasy—is consistent with foraminiferal δ18O data. Either continental ice sheets paced sea-level changes during the Late Cretaceous, or our understanding of causal mechanisms for global sea-level change is fundamentally flawed. Comparison of our eustatic history with published ice-sheet models and Milankovitch predictions suggests that small (5–10 × 106 km3), ephemeral, and areally restricted Antarctic ice sheets paced the Late Cretaceous global sea-level change. New Jersey and Russian eustatic estimates are typically one-half of the EPR amplitudes, though this difference varies through time, yielding markedly different eustatic curves. We conclude that New Jersey provides the best available estimate for Late Cretaceous sea-level variations. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.