Chronostratigraphy of the Chalk Group - Paleogene Period, Danian Stage

The Danian stage was defined by Desor (1847), based on the limestone and chalk succession at Stevns Klint and Fakse, Denmark (Curry et al., 1978).

Definition of base of stage

In the North Sea (UK sector) the Maastrichtian–Danian boundary is recognised by the extinction of the foraminifera Abathomphalus mayaroensis, Globotruncana contusa and Pseudotextularia elegans (Bailey et al., 1984).

Constituent Chalk Group lithostratigraphical units in the UK

North Sea: Ekofisk Formation

Constituent biozones

No macrofossil biozones recognised in UK.

For micro-fossil biozones, see: correlation of stages and dinoflagellate cyst biozones

References

BAILEY, H W, GALE, A S, MORTIMORE, R N, SWIECICKI, A & WOOD, C J. 1984. Biostratigraphical criteria for the recognition of the Coniacian–Maastrichtian stage boundaries in the Chalk of north-west Europe, with particular reference to southern England. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Denmark, Vol. 33, 31–39.

CURRY, D, ADAMS, C G, BOULTER, M C, DILLEY, F C, EAMES, F E, FUNNELL, B M & WELLS, M K. 1978. A correlation of Tertiary rocks in the British Isles. Geological Society of London, Special Report No. 12, 72pp.

DESOR, E. 1847. Sur le terrain danien, nouvel étage de la craie. Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France, (2) 4, 179–82.