The Anisian continental-marine transition in Sardinia (Italy): state of the art, new palynological data and regional chronostratigraphic correlation

Abstract The scarce evidence of paleontological records between the upper Permian and Anisian (Middle Triassic) Western Europe could reflect (1) large stratigraphic gaps in continental successions and/or (2) persistence disturbed conditions after Permian–Triassic Boundary extinction event succession ecological crises that occurred during Early Triassic. In this context, study palynological associations, integrated with stratigraphical sedimentological data, plays a key role dating correlating European domain improves our understanding environmental paleoclimatic conditions. some cases, pre-Anisian is lacking, as Sardinia (Italy), where long gap encompasses middle ( pars ) to late Lower Triassic successions. Although fragmented disseminated, Lower-Middle sedimentary (Buntsandstein) have proved crucial evolution southern edge Paleo-Europe different timings Tethys transgression (Muschelkalk facies) these areas. Various paleogeographic reconstructions were attempted previous works, without providing any consensus on precise position its surrounding seaways time interval. At present, configuration distribution subsiding emerging landmasses temporal development transgressions Middle remain unclear. This work focuses stratigraphical, aspects three continental-marine Sardinia, particular attention analysis associations sampled there, it also provides detailed review all publications Sardinian Anisian. studied are: Su Passu Malu section (Campumari, SW Sardinia), Arcu Fronestas Escalaplano (Escalaplano, Central Sardinia). These sections correlated other significant (Scivu Is Arenas) NW (Nurra) parts island.