Biostratigraphy of the Aptian–Middle Cenomanian platform to basin domain in the Prebetic Zone of Alicante, SE Spain: calibration between shallow water benthonic and pelagic scales

The biostratigraphy of platform carbonates and adjacent basins outcropping in the Prebetic Zone of Alicante, south-eastern Spain, is presented. With this aim, 42 sections from 13 major outcrops, of Aptian–Middle Cenomanian age, were analysed. Ten biostratigraphic units based upon benthonic foraminifers have been distinguished within this interval. Comparison with other previously published biozonations shows, in general, a good agreement, but several differences have arisen, interpreted mainly to be related to palaeogeography and palaeoecological factors. The presence of ammonites, planktonic foraminifers and calcareous nannofossils in the sections studied has enabled the calibration of the zonation proposed with the biostratigraphic schemes based on these fossil groups. Also, a few data from rudists have been integrated. 2001 Academic Press