The early Cenomanian crippsi Event at Lüneburg (Germany): palaeontological and stratigraphical significance of a widespread Late Cretaceous bioevent

Abstract The early Cenomanian crippsi Event comprises a 1–3-m-thick interval characterised by mass occurrences of the inoceramid Gnesioceramus , identified in uppermost Sharpeiceras schlueteri Subzone (lower lower Mantelliceras mantelli Zone), below an interregional sequence boundary (SB Ce 1). At Lüneburg, event is densely packed, very large, disc-like valves G . Taphonomy as well bio- and microfacies suggest formation deeper shelf setting storm-wave base primary biogenic concentration, inoceramids living recumbent forms on soft substrate dense populations. When tracked between basins, stratigraphic pattern suggests moderately prolonged phase (< 100 kyr) increased shell production with rapid deposition aiding preserving shell-rich strata. Towards basin margins, it grades into storm wave-reworked bioclastic concentrations. formed population bloom provides, proliferation epibole, important marker for intra- interbasinal correlation. first record G. mowriensis within at hitherto endemic to US Western Interior Seaway, occurrence ammonite Metengonoceras teigenense likewise North American faunal element, from level northern France indicate exchange New Old worlds during Cenomanian. This dispersal contemporaneous warm-water biofacies Europe explained existence perpetual NE-directed current transporting warm surface waters Gulf Mexico towards Europe. short-lived M allows calibration Zone lowermost Neogastroplites muelleri America assign age ~ 98.6–98.7 Ma Event.